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There is no comparison to the soothing sounds and aroma of relaxing beside a natural wood-burning fireplace, especially during the cold winter months. Although many homeowners have switched to gas fireplaces with ceramic logs, it doesn’t have quite the same ambience. A well-maintained wood-burning fireplace not only keeps you warm and cozy, but it’s also a natural focal point increasing the rustic charm of your living space. These are just some of the reasons why homeowners are falling in love all over again with wood-burning fireplaces.

Reduced Energy Bills

The price of electricity increases utility bills in the winter. It can get quite expensive to keep your home warm and comfortable, especially on cold days and nights. Firewood is a low-cost energy source compared to natural gas or electric home heating systems. For example, it costs approximately $4,511 per year for electric heating in Massachusetts. On the other hand, wood fuel saves consumers up to 80% in home energy costs – even less than natural gas heating.  A wood-burning fireplace will pay for itself in approximately two years and produce the much-needed warmth during the winter at a fraction of the electricity cost.

Sustainable, Renewable Energy Source

Wood is a clean, sustainable, and renewable energy source when sourced from growers that use sustainable forest management practices. A significant concern for environmentally conscious consumers is the carbon footprint associated with greenhouse gases. The energy produced by oil and gas heating sources increases the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thus increasing the carbon footprint. However, wood is a carbon-neutral fuel source and reduces the carbon footprint. That’s because wood heating releases the same amount of carbon dioxide that is absorbed during tree growth.

Wood Heating Not Affected During Winter Power Outages

A winter storm can knock out power when homeowners need it the most. A multi-year study showed that the Northeastern U.S. had a 159% increase, the largest gain in the country in weather-related power outages. Sporadic power outages are expected to increase in areas with aging electric grid systems. A power outage can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days or weeks. While your gas furnace that relies on electricity will be of no use, a wood-burning fireplace will provide continuous warmth when the power is out. It will also provide some light on a dark and chilly night. Just make sure to have a sufficient stock of firewood on-hand before the winter season arrives.

Increases Home Value

An increase in competition among new home developers has led some to cut costs and are foregoing fireplaces in many entry-level homes. A wood-burning fireplace is considered a luxury amenity. Over 60% of luxury homes feature a fireplace, according to a 2019 survey by the National Association of Homebuyers (NAHB). However, most real estate agents agree that homebuyers are always willing to spend more to buy a house with a wood-burning fireplace. The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers estimates that a fireplace increases the home’s resale value by up to 12%. Installing a wood-burning fireplace in your home will make it more desirable when it’s time to sell.

 

The post Fall in Love with Wood Burning Fireplaces appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

As the children walked home from a fruitful night of trick or treating, they looked up at the sky to  admire the full moon on Halloween night. It’s large size and red-tint color brightened up the cloudless sky. The night sky seemed to place the children in a trance as their hands slowly, almost in unison, reached for the sky as to touch the moon. Its bright red glow illuminated the rooftops but darkened the homes underneath. As they gazed up at the sky, it seemed that the children were forced to stop and stare at the tall structures sticking out from the rooftop.

It was the chimney.

Some of the chimney’s were still and silent, while others had a hint of smoke circling as it exits into the night air. The children never paid attention to the chimney before. They just knew it was there…part of the houses in the neighborhood. On this Halloween night, the chimney made its debut.

“I can’t stop looking!” one child said quietly. “Me neither!” said another. The glow of the moon gave new light to the chimney. The age shown through from the harsh rains, wind and hail from years of standing alone. It’s the forgotten chimney.

The moonlight knew how to expose the chimney’s truths of missing bricks, empty spaces and what looked like creatures entering and exiting from the chimney top. “What’s going on up there?”  The children wondered if ghosts were going in and out of the chimney, knocking the bricks loose.  

The children made their way to a friend’s home and were invited inside to sort through their bag of candy. They were glad they were safe inside. As the friends gathered in the family room to sort through their candy, the aroma of chocolate filled every corner of the room. The pile of chocolate candy grew higher and hirer on the floor, as the smell of chocolate floated into the fireplace and up the chimney. The scent of chocolate was so strong, the neighbors were peeking through their windows.

As the children sat on the floor, winding down their feast of chocolate, they faintly heard the sound of leaves rustling and a small scratching sound. The unfamiliar noise captured the children’s attention as they all stopped at once. Their eyes met one another, yet no one moved. Their gaze moved to the fireplace and up to the chimney. “What was that sound?”    

As they sat quietly on the floor, unable to decide what to do next. “I’ll go get my Mom and Dad.” “Don’t move!” another one said. “I’ll be okay, I’ll crawl out.” The young man made his way to his hands and knees. Gently he picked up one hand and knee, moving in a forward motion. Once out of the family room, he got up and ran to where his parents were sitting.

The brave parents stayed on their feet as they entered the family room listening for the sounds. The looked at each other and knew what was happening. They picked up the phone and the children knew the police would be here any minute to find the ghost in the chimney. I heard Mom and Dad’s voice on the phone, “Hello Superior Chimney, we need for you to inspect our chimney.” The children knew the experts would be out soon and the ghost would be gone.

To get the ghosts, goblins and their candy out of your fireplace and chimney, contact us today at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

The post What’s Your Leaky Chimney Doing to Your Home? first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

With the cold weather months approaching, now is the time to have work done to your chimney. Having a chimney that is well-functioning and ready for use is essential to your home’s safety. An updated chimney will also make the fall and winter more enjoyable and cozy as you spend time at home and inside with your loved ones.

Do you need work done to your chimney or is it time for your annual chimney inspection? Call us at (781) 893-6611 or click here to contact us.

In the current economic climate, we want to help our customers get the chimney repairs and updates that they need. That is why we are now offering chimney financing. Here are the details of our two money-saving offers:

1.

2.

As you prepare for your first fire of the season, be sure to get your chimney inspected to look for the following:

•     Combustible deposits
•     Signs of deteriorating brickwork
•     Proper clearances to combustible materials
•     Signs of water penetration

Having a safe chimney is key to having a safe home. It is our priority to help you keep your chimney working well and we want to support our customers during this challenging time by making your chimney updates more affordable. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch.

 

*Loans provided by EnerBank USA, Member FDIC, (1245 Brickyard Rd., Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms vary from 24 to 132 months. Interest waived if repaid in 365 days. 17.99% fixed APR, effective as of August 1, 2020, subject to change. Interest starts accruing when the loan closes.

**Loans provided by EnerBank USA, Member FDIC, (1245 Brickyard Rd., Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment term is 60 months. 6.99% fixed APR. Minimum loan amounts apply. The first monthly payment will be due 30 days after the loan closes.

The post Learn About Best Chimney’s Financing appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

When you hear the term “certified chimney sweep,” it’s usually in reference to a person who carries a professional certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Certification is important when you’re hiring a person to clean your chimney because it validates their knowledge and training in a variety of areas including:

• Heating appliance ventilation systems
• Chimney fire prevention
• Creosote removal
• Carbon monoxide issues
• Fireplace safety
• General safety and maintenance of chimneys and fireplaces

CSIA-certification training

CSIA certifications aren’t just given away. In order to become CSIA-certified, an individual must undergo a multi-faceted training process culminating with the passing of very complex examinations.

The certified chimney sweep is similar to a licensed doctor: the average person understands a fair amount about the body, but only a qualified physician can diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.

Certified chimney sweeps have learned to diagnose and treat the many damages and malfunctions that can happen during the life of a chimney. They’ve proven their expertise, which is the only way they can carry the CSIA certification.

What is the Chimney Safety Institute of America?

The CSIA was founded in 1983 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and professional credentialing of those working in the hearth services industry. It is run and managed by a board of directors whose members possess extensive industry knowledge, both academic and hands-on.

Since its inception, it has been the recognized leader in chimney service and venting education. Credentials that can be earned through the CSIA include CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician, and CSIA Master Chimney Sweep.

To maintain any of these credentials, the chimney professional must continue his or her education and pass rigorous recertification exams every three years.

What do chimney sweeps do?

Professional chimney sweeps perform many services, the primary of which is chimney cleaning. This work involves the use of hand-held and electric scrubbers and brushes, cleaning rods, specialized solvents and industry-grade vacuums to remove flammable creosote and drafting obstructions from chimneys.

Often, certified chimney sweeps perform fireplace and chimney inspections and handle the various repair and rebuilding work a chimney may need during its lifetime.

Hiring a chimney sweep

When looking to hire someone to clean your chimney, perform a safety inspection or make repairs, follow these guidelines.

1. Ensure that a CSIA-certified chimney sweep will be present at every job.
2. Check the company’s credentials including how long they’ve been in business and their reputation within the community.
3. Look at the company’s website and see how they describe their work and the scope of their services.
4. Request and view proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
5. Ask about their warranties covering both their work and parts they use in repairing your chimney or fireplace.
6. Request references from local customers and follow up on these references.

Your chimney is too important to trust to an individual who is not thoroughly trained to work on it. Errors during chimney cleaning, inspections and repairs can lead to major issues down the line including risks to the safety of everyone living in your home and the home itself.

Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, employs CSIA-certified chimney sweeps who provide expert chimney cleaning, masonry, structural and chimney component repair, and all three CSIA-recognized levels of chimney inspections. Call (860) 233-5770 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

If your fireplace is sending smoke into your home, you wouldn’t be the first. This is a common problem for folks who regularly use their fireplaces. Fortunately, it’s often an easy problem to solve.

Any time smoke is not moving properly up the chimney, you need to reverse the situation. In some cases, a professional chimney technician will be required; in many other cases, you can do what’s necessary to keep your interior air clean and healthy.

Reasons for a smoky fireplace that you can address

Wet firewood: Wood that hasn’t had time to dry out contains a lot of excess moisture that will create huge amounts of smoke when burned. This may be too much for your chimney to vent efficiently. Solve this issue by using dry (seasoned) firewood. Check logs by banging two together: damp wood makes a thud; dry wood makes a hollow sound.

Damper malfunction: If your fireplace damper is warped, overly rusted or corroded with soot and creosote, it may not be able to open fully. This is a common reason for smoke backing up into the house. Have the damper inspected then cleaned, repaired or replaced. And, of course, never forget to open the damper before starting a fire.

Not enough air flow: If your house is particularly “air-tight,” you might not be getting enough drafting air into the fireplace. Smoke needs a certain amount of air in order to follow its logical path up the flue. If this is your issue, opening a nearby window an inch or so should fix it.

Flue is full of cold air: Cold air is heavier than warm air. If there is cold air in your chimney flue, the warm air with smoke in it from the fire may not be able to move up and out. Try blowing warm air into the flue with a hair dryer, or light a rolled-up newspaper and stick it up into the flue to warm the air.

Many issues with drafting can be solved in the above ways. If none of these actions solve the problem, you may need to consult with a licensed chimney repair technician.

Drafting problems that only a trained chimney pro can solve

Improper construction of the chimney: The chimney flue is supposed to be a certain size to properly draft the fireplace it’s connected to. If your flue was not built correctly, you may experience ongoing drafting issues. A chimney inspection is the place to start, after which you’ll be able to make the necessary modifications.

Outside debris in the flue: If you operate your chimney without a chimney cap, all kinds of debris can get inside the flue and hinder drafting. Nests, falling leaves, twigs, small dead animals and other debris must be carefully removed by a professional chimney sweep to restore drafting efficiency.

Excess creosote buildup: Wood fires cause creosote to form in your chimney flue. Creosote is a flammable substance that clings to the walls of the chimney liner and can build up to the point that smoke starts backing up into your home. Certified chimney sweeps have the necessary tools and training to safely remove creosote from your chimney and reduce drafting problems while lessening the chance of a chimney fire.

If your fireplace is sending smoke into your home, try some of the suggestions here. If nothing works, call High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD. We’ll find out what’s causing the problem and get it fixed for you. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with a licensed chimney professional at (301) 519-3500.

The post Help – Smoke Is Coming out of my Fireplace! appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Chimneys are strong and will last for many years, when they’re built well and properly maintained. But even the best chimney won’t last forever. If your chimney is older or has suffered a lot of damage, you may be wondering if you need a new chimney. Here are some things to consider.

Minor issues don’t mean the chimney is ready to be replaced

Smoke backing up in the house, nasty odors coming from the fireplace, a leak here or there – these aren’t necessarily signs your chimney has outlived its usefulness. Many bothersome issues with your chimney can be repaired to make the chimney run like new again.

Water leaks can be fixed and prevented. Damaged components can be replaced with new ones. Drafting issues usually aren’t difficult to solve. Problems with your chimney’s masonry can be remedied through tuckpointing, brick replacement and partial rebuilding.

In certain cases, a chimney will be damaged so badly that it needs to be completely rebuilt in order to operate safely and efficiently. The only way to know the exact state of your chimney is through an inspection performed by a certified chimney technician.

Chimney problems that need to be addressed

The following types of common problems should be addressed before they lead to the need for a complete chimney replacement.

Crumbling bricks and mortar: This can be caused by water damage, lightning strikes, pounding hail, earthquakes and other events. Your chimney inspector will assess the bricks and mortar and recommend the best way to repair the damage.

Leaky chimney: Water leaks start small but can do significant damage to the chimney structure over time. Minor leaks often can be treated with a waterproof sealant; larger leaks may need masonry work or the replacement of certain chimney components.

Component damage: Components such as the chimney cap and chimney flashing are critical in preventing water from getting into the system. Chimney caps block not only water but also debris, which can cause poor drafting. Flashing guards the gap between the chimney and the roof to prevent serious water damage to parts of the home and the chimney masonry below the roof line.

Smoke drafting issues: The reason smoke backs up into a home could be minor and easy to solve, or it could point to a major issue with your chimney system. Chimneys that were improperly built for the fireplaces they’re connected to often can’t draft smoke efficiently. Your chimney technician will figure out why there’s sluggish drafting and recommend the right solution.

Leaning chimney: If your chimney is leaning to one side, there may be structural damage either above or below the roof line. The problem also may be caused by issues with the chimney footing. A certified chimney inspection is definitely needed for a leaning chimney before any repair work is started.

When you need a new chimney

Licensed chimney professionals can do many things to resolve structural and functional issues with a chimney. The only time to consider building a new chimney is after all other options have been exhausted and your chimney no longer can be repaired in a way that makes it run safely and efficiently.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, can help with any type of chimney damage you may be experiencing. Our CSIA-certified experts understand chimney systems inside and out and know what it takes to get yours running at peak capacity. Talk with a chimney pro today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Do You Need a New Chimney? Here’s how to Tell. appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Chimney venting is when the by-products of combustion are exhausted through the chimney to the atmosphere. This passageway is called the flue.

This applies to both your fireplace (or wood stove), and likely, your heating/hot water equipment. The exhaust for your heating equipment may be installed inside your existing masonry chimney or through a separate stack. Approved condensing boilers can also have PVC or polypropylene venting installed through a vertical vent if the chimney allows.

For a chimney venting project, it is important to hire a chimney company that knows how to collaborate with other teams. Boston’s Best Chimney is experienced in working with engineers, plumbers, and contractors to complete chimney venting projects properly. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to set up a free estimate.

Do All Chimneys Need Ventilation?

Whether your chimney is used or unused, it needs to be ventilated with a properly working chimney flue vent. Moisture problems will still occur if your unused chimney is not ventilated. If your chimney is retired, it should only be sealed at the bottom or the top in order to continue letting air pass through the chimney and prevent moisture from building up inside. Are you thinking about beginning to use an old fireplace again? Check out our fireplace inspection checklist before you begin using your old fireplace.

Get Your Venting Installed!

Chimney venting will keep your building’s interior safe, moisture-free, and without mold. As the Chimney Safety Institute of America says, “you most certainly want to keep your chimney and venting system in mind as an integral part of an efficient system.” If your chimney does not have proper ventilation, do not hesitate to set up a free estimate with us to learn more about this service. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch.

The post Why Chimney Venting is Important appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Ask the average homeowner if they’ve had a chimney fire, and likely they’ll say no. They may be very wrong. Many chimney fires start and go out on their own without people in the home being aware of it. Here are some things you need to know about chimney fires and what they can do to your chimney.

How chimney fires start

Most fires in a chimney begin with ignited creosote, a sticky, flakey or solid substance caused by smoke condensation in the flue. Creosote is highly flammable, with the majority of fires it causes centered in your chimney’s smoke chamber just above the firebox.

Signs of a chimney fire

An active chimney fire may not be a big, blazing event that sends a 4-alarm call to your local fire department. But most fires will give you clues including:

• Excess dense smoke coming from either end of the chimney
• A rumbling sound like from a distant train
• The sound or cracking or ticking

If you notice any of these signs while the fireplace is in use, call 911 immediately and extinguish the fire in the firebox, if you can do so safely.

Signs that a chimney fire has happened

CSIA-certified chimney sweeps regularly see the signs left in the wake of a chimney fire. You can spot some of them yourself.

• Creosote flakes in the firebox, on the roof near the chimney or on the ground
• Chips of flue liner tiles in the firebox
• Discolored or melted roofing material near the chimney
• Obvious damage to your chimney cap, flue cover or chimney chase top
• Warped fireplace damper
• Dark, smoky stains on the masonry near the top of the chimney

How chimney fires can damage your chimney

Your chimney liner – whether it be stainless steel, clay tile or a poured-in-place compound – was designed to withstand a reasonable amount of punishment from heat. But the intense heat from a chimney fire can quickly begin to erode the liner material.

With a damaged chimney liner, the interior masonry of the chimney is now at risk of brick damage. Flammable materials of your house may also be at risk of a fire that’s much more devastating than a chimney fire.

Chimney fires may damage the chimney cap or chase cover, which will then be unable to protect against incoming rain and obstruction-causing debris. A fire can damage parts of the attic or may cause a fire in some of those materials.

The importance of regular chimney inspections and chimney sweeping

There are two times you should contact a local, reputable chimney sweep:

1. When you know or suspect you’ve had a chimney fire
2. Once a year for an inspection and cleaning – whether or not there has been a fire

Only a certified chimney technician can properly clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace and recommend needed repairs before early damage gets out of hand. If you’ve had a chimney fire, your inspector will perform a Level 2 chimney inspection that includes the use of video imaging technology to assess the condition of your liner and interior masonry.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, provides licensed chimney sweep, chimney inspection and chimney repair services. Call us at (301) 519-3500 to keep your chimney, home and family safe and secure.

 

The post What a Chimney Fire Does to Your Chimney appeared first on Highs Chimney.

If smoke is billowing out of your fireplace instead of going up your chimney, you have a problem that needs solving. Those combustion gases from fires are toxic, and health issues can result from continued use of a smoky fireplace. There are quite a few reasons a fireplace smokes instead of operating as expected. Whatever the reason turns out to be, it’s best not to use your fireplace until the issue has been resolved. Trusted CSIA-certified chimney sweep technicians have the training to determine the cause of your smoky fireplace. However, among the common causes of a smoking fireplace listed below, you can resolve some of them yourself.

Open the Damper

It is not unusual for a person to get a fire started in the fireplace without first opening the damper. The damper is a metal door just above the firebox that should always be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Otherwise, if the damper is always left open, your heating bill is likely to go up because the heated air from your home will escape through the chimney. The best, though oft-forgotten, first step for use of a fireplace is to open the damper.

Prime the Chimney

When a chimney is on an exterior wall, the chimney flue often fills up with a cold column of air in frigid weather. If you try to start a fire in the fireplace, the reason combustion gases billow into the home is that the cold air is preventing the chimney draft from working. Dispel the cold air with a rolled-up newspaper lit like a torch. Carefully hold it up through the chimney damper to warm up the flue temperature. It may take a couple of times to work; but if the problem is cold air, priming the chimney will do the trick.

Use Seasoned Firewood

Wet or green firewood causes excessively smoky fires because the logs are full of moisture. The only type of firewood that should be burned is seasoned firewood. This means that moisture has been reduced through a drying-out process. Logs are stacked in a way that allows for wind and air to dry them out. It takes around six months to a year or more for firewood to be seasoned.

Offset Negative Air Pressure

Modern homes tend to be very airtight. This causes a problem for fireplaces because air is required for a fireplace to work properly. If an exhaust fan is being used in the house, such as in the kitchen or bathroom, it can disrupt the chimney draft, resulting in a smoky fireplace. A good temporary fix is to crack open a nearby window. Call on your trusted chimney sweep expert for help in finding a long-term solution.

The Flue is Blocked

If your chimney is obstructed, your fireplace will be smoky. Creosote is the number one cause of a blocked chimney. With every wood fire, combustion materials stick to the chimney flue on the way out of the chimney. Annual chimney cleaning is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends getting your chimney cleaned when there is 1/8th of an inch of sooty buildup in the chimney lining.

When chimney cleaning is neglected, the buildup of creosote will eventually cause an obstruction that results in a smoky chimney. Chimney blockage can also be caused by:

• Animal nests;
• Debris such as limbs and leaves; and
• Masonry debris if the masonry is deteriorating due to water intrusion.

Contact the Experts at Northeastern Chimney LLC

The certified chimney sweep professionals at Northeastern Chimney LLC can fix your smoky chimney, even if the problem is as serious as poor chimney construction. If you have a smoky chimney, contact us today to ensure the safety of your home and family. Get all of your chimney services with our 5-star guarantee. Call us at 860-233-5770 to schedule an appointment.

 

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com