A home with a fireplace is one of those images that invoke the feeling of cozy nights and makes you want to sing like they do in White Christmas. And of course, once the temperatures drop you probably start using your fireplace daily. Along with that, you may sometimes notice an odd odor coming from your chimney or fireplace. If this has ever happened to you, it’s something you’ll want to address right away. Here are some common causes of bad chimney odors and how to fix them.

Creosote and soot

Repetitive use requires cleaning. Just like dishes, cars, and clothes, the more you use your fireplace the more you will need to have it cleaned. Otherwise, without a proper sweep, creosote and soot can build up over time. This is a black, sticky substance that lines the inside of your chimney. Over time, this seeps into the masonry and gives off a smoky, pungent aroma and not a welcomed one like the smell of burning wood. If you started using your fireplace for the season without an inspection and sweep, there’s a chance this is what’s causing your strange odor.

Blockages

Sometimes, an obstruction blocks the upper part of the chimney, such as animals and birds that have become stuck due to a missing chimney cap. Unable to find their way out, this can quickly become an unfortunate and smelly situation.

Likewise, a bird may build their nest in your chimney because of the warmth it provides. This will block the natural escape of odors and result in those smells being directed back into your home.

Broken seals

Lastly, a damp odor could mean your chimney isn’t sealed properly. Snow and rain can get into an improperly sealed chimney and get trapped, leading to a moldy smell. If leaves find their way into your chimney left to decompose, you can end up with the smell of rot drifting into your home.

What to do

First things first, have your chimney cleaned regularly. A chimney sweep will clear out any odors being caused by a creosote build-up, blockage, or decaying foliage. While your Northeastern Chimney technician is cleaning, they will also check to see if there is any damage that would be leading to the odor and recommend the best course of action to fix it.

A chimney cap, if you don’t already have one, will keep animals from falling in and getting stuck, birds from nesting, and bees and other insects from setting up shop in your chimney. It’s an easy fix to what will be a much more complex problem if left open.

Additionally, close your fireplace damper when not in use. You might find that the odors you are smelling are not coming from your chimney but something outside of your home.

Do you have bad odors coming from your fireplace? Northeastern Chimney can help!

Of course, the best way to take care of any odors emanating from your chimney or fireplace is to contact us. When you schedule your annual inspection and cleaning, a member of our team will come out and check to be sure everything is operating properly and clean out anything that may be causing the odor. If you need to schedule an inspection or would like to go over any questions you may have, call Northeastern Chimney, LLC by phone, at 860-233-5770 or message us online here.

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

Summer is almost here, and your chimney is probably one of the last things on your mind. Although it may seem counterintuitive, summer is actually the best time to schedule a chimney inspection. Here’s why it’s important to get chimney inspections and cleanings on the books now, rather than waiting until winter.

You’ll have time to make repairs.

During an inspection, your chimney sweep might identify problems that you wouldn’t catch on your own. If this happens, you will need to schedule further repairs and cleanings to correct these problems. These repairs could be time-consuming, and you’ll want to make sure they are completed in time for the winter months so you can use your fireplace. There are some types of repairs that can’t be completed in wet or cold weather. Scheduling your chimney inspection earlier in the summer ensures that you have plenty of time to get everything done before things start to cool down.

You’ll be able to get an appointment quickly.

Many people wait until the fall to schedule their chimney repairs. Unfortunately, fall is the busiest time for chimney repair services, and there are a limited number of appointments available. This means that you may not be able to get an appointment before winter if you wait too long.

Chimney inspections are necessary to prevent fire hazards.

If you don’t have your chimney inspected regularly, you put yourself at risk of an unexpected fire. This is particularly important for wood-burning fireplaces. Burning wood can create a byproduct called creosote. A small amount of creosote is normal, and you can remove most of it on your own just by sweeping after you use your fireplace. However, creosote can also build up over time. Hardened creosote is highly flammable and needs to be removed by a professional.

Debris can also make its way into the top of your chimney, which prevents proper ventilation and can also be a fire hazard. It’s even possible for small animals to get inside your chimney in some cases! A chimney inspection will identify and remove these obstructions before they cause any further problems. Your chimney professional can also recommend solutions to help prevent the problem from happening again, such as a chimney cap.

Chimney inspections identify potential structural issues.

Over time, the structure of your chimney can break down as a result of moisture buildup as well as natural wear and tear. Because these structural changes are so subtle, it can be difficult to identify them on your own. A chimney inspection will catch these potential issues before they get worse so you can correct them. Chimney inspections can also save you money in the long run, because it’s far less expensive to fix a minor problem than it is to rebuild a chimney that has been slowly deteriorating for years.

Now is the perfect time to schedule an inspection to keep your chimney in great condition. If you’re in need of chimney inspections, repairs, or cleanings in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney can help! Give us a call at 860-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.

The post Why You Should Schedule A Chimney Inspection Now appeared first on .

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

When you own a home that has a chimney, there are times that homeowners must give the chimney thorough cleaning. Sometimes, they will only need a simple yearly cleaning, but sometimes a homeowner will discover an extra guest that lives in their flue.

Everyone knows that bees are intimidating, and people understand that homeowners with infestations would want to get the problem diagnosed. The best thing is to hire a chimney inspection service that will diagnose the issue. It is best to have it diagnosed early because you do not want to spend more damages that could have been prevented early.

In this article, you will learn more about getting rid of bees in your chimney.

Precautions

It is dangerous to remove bees and something that you should not do on your own.

You should use a certified keeper outfit and you need the right equipment when you work on the roof and inside the chimney.

Even if you have the proper equipment, you might still not be experienced or knowledgeable enough to remove bees from your chimney safely.

Therefore, you must always talk to a professional to seek advice, even if you are deciding for yourself.

Prevention

In order to prevent wasps, bees, and other insects from going into your chimney, you should install the right damper. A top damper has a metal door that closes off the opening to close your chimney. You can open and close your damper by using a cable down your chimney to a latch that is installed inside the fireplace.

Make Sure that Your Chimney is in Excellent Shape

When you keep your chimney in good repair, it is the most effective way to prevent bees from building a hive. Regular fireplace and chimney maintenance reduces or eliminates the necessity for pest control or an exterminator. However, you should contact a professional right away when you notice that a bee activity also helps.

You Should be Worried About Bees in Your Chimney Stack

Yes, and if you just leave it be, the beeswax and honey is going to seep into the masonry of your home and it can cause odor, mold, and your bricks will start to rot.

This can also attract other pests to come and eat it like bee moths, ants, and wax worms. If you will wait until winter so that the bees want to go away, you are going to risk a fire hazard when you use the fireplace because material deposits are very flammable.

You will also risk permanent damage to your home.

If You Plan to Move the Hive, Move it Up

The reason for this is that most chimneys are built with a smoke shelf, which blocks the hive from going down to your fireplace to remove it. In case the hive gets stuck on the smoke shelf, you would have to clean up honey, beeswax, and even dead bees to clean.

This is very hard to clean and it requires you to partially take out the masonry from the chimney in order to purge it.

This can also become a fire hazard since it is so close to the flame. In case you accidentally push or drop the hive near the chute, call a professional right away.

After the Removal

After getting rid of the bees, you would require a chimney sweep cleaning service to take out the honeycomb which has been left behind by the bees. This one is flammable, so in order to completely remove it, you must contact professionals.

Do not hesitate to call chimney cleaning services Bowie for this.

The post How to Get Rid of Bees in Your Chimney first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Creosote is often mentioned when discussing chimney concerns, but most of you are wondering, what is creosote? You might know by now that creosote is bad, but that’s usually where the knowledge of creosote begins and ends. It is important to know what we are talking about when discussing creosote and how to avoid it in your chimney.   

What is Creosote?  

Creosote mainly consists of tar produced when you burn wood inside your fireplace. When your fireplace is hosting a fire, smoke rises from the flames and creates creosote when mixed with cold air. This tar substance builds up as it sticks to the chimney liner or brick. It poses a safety hazard because it is very flammable, and the more creosote present in your chimney, the greater the risk of a fire.   

Creosote also never goes away, but instead, it grows. It coats the chimney flue, which creates a narrow passageway for smoke and additional creosote. If left untreated, it can build up and completely block the chimney flue, possibly causing a house fire, or at the very least, it can make the chimney unusable.   

How to Avoid Creosote in your Chimney   

There is no way to completely avoid at least small amounts of creosote in your chimney, but it’s only problematic when there’s a creosote build-up. Since build-up happens when your chimney is not properly ventilated or regularly cleaned, those are two simple ways to reduce creosote build-up. The safest and most reliable way to get rid of creosote is to call the professionals. It is not completely impossible to remove creosote yourself, but it is not safe for the average person to execute the removal. Creosote causes many health concerns, including irritated skin and eyes, respiratory issues, and possibly even cancer if improperly exposed. You will avoid exposure to creosote if your chimney is cleaned at least once a year by a professional  

Creosote Stages and Removal Process   

Whether your creosote build-up is standard or more severe, it is important to leave the removal process to the professionals. There are three different stages of creosote build-up, and each is more severe. Stage 1 creosote build-up is when small amounts are present, and the texture closely resembles soot. It is thin and flaky with a shallow coating that is easily removed with the right equipment. Stage 2 creosote build-up is when more residue is present, and it is a thick tar instead of just soot. There is usually quite a bit more present, and it is a harder texture that is more difficult to remove. Removal at this stage usually requires chemicals and heavier machinery than a standard metal brush. Stage 3 creosote build-up is when a significant amount of creosote is present, and it is heavily concentrated in certain areas. The creosote at this stage is hard, sticky, and oily, making it even more difficult to remove.  

If you stay ahead of the creosote build-up and catch it at Stage 1, we promise you that it is much easier and less expensive to have us sweep away the Stage 1 creosote build-up than it will be for us to clean up your chimney once it reaches Stage 3!   

Let Southern Chimneys handle any creosote build-up you may have, and give us a call today to schedule your cleaning.  

The post What is Creosote and How to Avoid It In Your Chimney first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

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

If you have a fireplace in your home, then you are aware that it is important to properly maintain it with a yearly cleaning and inspection. A chimney inspection is recommended by authorities because it keeps your fireplace safe.

Chimney cleaning is important after using your fireplace so many times. This is important to the health of your chimney because it removes all the obstructions and cleans out creosote buildups. In case you keep up with your yearly inspection and cleaning, your fireplace is most likely in good shape. However, if you think that your chimney’s efficiency has an issue, you should contact the professionals right away. Meanwhile, here are the benefits of a chimney inspection scan:

Safety

Your technician cannot see what is really going on inside the chimney, and homeowners cannot really tell if there is something wrong inside. That is why you can opt for a video scan. They use a special camera that allows for high-resolution scanning that technicians will view life, keeping an eye out for cracking, warping, fire damage, and other signs of potential damage.

Your chimney shuts out dangerous gases produced by the burning fire. Problems with the interior flue liner can mean the combustion of by-products that might leak back into your living spaces. These combustion by-products, such as carbon monoxide can kill humans and animals. A chimney scan prevents the worst from happening and keeps your family safe.

Detect Chimney Liner Damage

With a real-time scanning device, homeowners and inspectors can view areas of a chimney liner that have a split or crack. Compromised liner stores creosote inside the breaks, where it serves as chimney fire fuel. Damaged liners also allow intense heat and condensation in order to contact the chimney masonry or parts of your home, which could lead to severe damage or fire.

Insurance Documentation

Everyone who has processed an insurance claim knows that they are hard to attain because of all the required documentation before the check is given for reimbursement. A chimney camera scan serves as the documentation. It is a visual proof of the damage, done by the professional chimney sweep. If your chimney got damaged by a chimney fire or another disaster, you will need a chimney scan that you can submit to the insurance company. You are going to thank yourself later since the documented proof saves you a lot of headaches of having to go back and forth with adjusters.

Check for Obstructions

In case a chimney does not have a chimney cap, different debris enters the flue and hinders the proper drafting of toxins and smoke. The small animal nests, twigs, tree leaves, and other debris are spotted in the middle of a Chim-Scan inspection and then safely get rid of it using the right techniques and tools.

Buying and Selling Your Home

You should protect yourself as a new home buyer or seller you know well, and you can do that with a video scan. If you are a seller, a chimney scan video has 2 purposes: inform you about issues that should be fixed before you can sell your act or home as a selling point to reassure potential buyers that the chimney is in good condition.

If you are a buyer, the chimney video scan works almost the same way. A video scan is going to alert you in case anything needs to be resolved before the start of fire season, therefore, protecting you and your chimney from any fire damage.

You can contact chimney repair Upper Marlboro if you need your chimney to be scanned and even fixed

The post Benefits of a Chimney Inspection Scan first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Chimney tuckpointing is a great way to protect your home while giving it a clean, beautiful appearance. Sooner than later…brick or stone chimneys will need joints repaired and gaps filled where mortar has deteriorated or weakened with cracks and/or holes. Getting the highest point of your home repaired and maintained is important in order to protect the interior of your home.

Chimney Tuckpointing

Chimney tuckpointing is a specialty that requires a skilled professional to complete the task. If it looks easy when he’s doing the job, don’t be fooled. There are a lot of people who thought it was easy, and you get something that looks like this. (see picture)

There are some DIY jobs around the house that are not recommended, and this is certainly one of them. If you’ve never attempted tuckpointing and if you’ve never tried matching the mortar colors, it’s best to leave it to a professional from Superior Chimney. Why? Because the joints need to be accurate and precise and the mortar needs to be prepared properly. Too many mistakes can be made without the expertise.

Size of the Chimney

Chimney’s come in all sizes and shapes. Chimney tuckpointing will go from the top of the chimney all the way down to the base. This means that the flashing may need special attention. You want to be sure that the weather elements remain in front of the flashing and not behind. Directing the elements away from the chimney is the best way to keep moisture from entering your home.

Repairing the Chimney

When Superior Chimney comes to your home to evaluate the chimney tuckpointing project, the technician will take pictures and explain the work that needs to be done. If the chimney has gone a long time and is in disrepair, the technician will show you why.

Remember, this is an important investment in your home. The chimney acts more than just a place for the smoke to leave your home, it may also be connected to your water and air heating appliances. The chimney is an important element to the infrastructure of your home.

Materials

Chimney tuckpointing requires materials to be used. As you begin the project, the technician will assess mortar color and finish. Most homeowners would like the mortar to match the rest of the home. Our staff works to get as close to the color to match the existing mortar as possible. Now if you want to have some fun, you certainly can choose another color and have your chimney be a focal point to your home. Your choice!

Let’s not forget the brick or stone. If needed, we’ll help you to learn how to match the new bricks to the current color bricks or stone on your home.

One material you definitely want on your restored chimney is Chimney Saver. It’s a great waterproofing material that seals the weather elements out and ensures the integrity of the repairs remain intact. The benefits far outweigh the investment. Chimney Saver will minimize the amount of deterioration on the bricks as well as the masonry work. It will prevent water absorbing into both the porous bricks and masonry. Finally, it’s a great way to stave off future chimney tuckpointing repair.

Let’s Get Your Chimney Checked Out Time to get started. Give us a call at 877-244-6349 to set up an appointment. We’re here to get your chimney evaluated so you can keep the inside of your home dry and safe.

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

One of the most important components of your chimney is the damper. The damper is a flap that can open and close as needed. When you are using your fireplace, you can open the damper to let smoke and air out. When you are not using the fireplace, you can close the damper to keep warm air inside. Dampers also have the added benefit of keeping debris and wildlife out of your chimney.

There are two common types of dampers to be aware of – throat dampers and top-mount dampers. It’s important to understand what type of damper your chimney has and how it works. Let’s take a look at these two types of dampers and the pros and cons of each.

Throat Damper

Throat dampers are located at the base of the chimney where it meets the fireplace. These dampers are most common in older chimneys, but you can sometimes find them in new homes as well. The advantage of throat dampers is that they can keep your house very warm. This is because it keeps cold air from the chimney from the fireplace.

However, there are many downsides to using throat dampers that are important to be aware of. Throat dampers are very difficult to replace once they break. They can also be very expensive to keep in good condition, as they require frequent repairs. Although they do keep your house warm, they are not as energy-efficient as top-mount dampers. Additionally, throat dampers do not prevent debris or wildlife from getting into your chimney. Some newer throat dampers are inflatable, which also means that they are very easy to puncture.

Top-Mount Damper

The alternative to a throat damper is a top-mount damper. Top-mount dampers are located on top of the chimney rather than at the base near the fireplace. Many chimney professionals will install a top-mount damper as a replacement for an old throat damper. There are many advantages to installing a top-mount damper over a throat damper.

The biggest advantage of using a top-mount damper is that they are very energy efficient. These dampers usually have an air-tight seal, which is very effective at keeping warm air in and cold air out. They can also function as a chimney cap if you don’t already have one, keeping excess water and debris out. They also make it much harder for birds and other wildlife to make their way inside. Top-mount dampers are more expensive up front than throat dampers, but they usually last longer and require fewer repairs.

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand what type of damper you have and how it works. Ideally, you should be scheduling chimney inspections at least once per year. These inspections can identify problems with your damper and other parts of your chimney and offer recommendations for appropriate repairs. If you need professional chimney services in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney can help. Give us a call at (860)-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

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

No matter who you have working on your house, they need to be reputable and trustworthy. The same is true for who you partner with for your chimney needs. Here are six signs you’ve partnered with a trustworthy chimney sweep company.

They continually train their staff

Continuing education is vitally important to understanding how to sweep a chimney and repair any problems. All Northeastern Chimney team members receive ongoing training to ensure that we can provide our customers with solutions that meet their needs and the highest possible quality service. As technology changes in this industry, we believe it’s important that our technicians fully grasp how to use those new tools.

They have long-standing experience in the industry

Everyone has to start somewhere. When a new business owner launches a chimney sweep business, they should already have many years in the business prior to starting their company. Because fireplace repairs can have significant consequences for your home, technicians need to be both skilled and experienced. A fly-by-night startup firm may eventually prove themselves, though you will want to be extremely cautious before signing on the dotted line when they’re in the early stages of their business.

They present themselves professionally

When we say present themselves professionally, we’re not referring to suits and ties. After all, sweeping a chimney is a relatively dirty business. However, we expect all Northeastern Chimney employees to be kind, courteous, and respectful of every customer we serve.

External websites speak highly of their services

With digital marketing now more prevalent than traditional forms of advertising, customers can do their own research before making a purchase decision. Those in the trades, such as a chimney sweep firm, are no different. Google and Facebook are great places to read unfiltered and honest reviews from past customers. There you can also see how the company responds to criticism or any customer service complaints.

They’re fully insured against accidents

Business insurance protecting against liabilities and accidents is absolutely vital. If there are any unexpected issues, those insurance coverages will protect both you and the business. If they don’t have valid insurance, stay clear of them. However, if they have full coverage, it’s a sign you’ve partnered with a trustworthy chimney sweep.

They provide references without hesitation

Most companies who have been in business for a while can provide some kind of proof of prior services performed. They should be able to give you a couple of names that you can call for a reference. If they hesitate, it’s a red flag to take note of.

We are Connecticut’s premier and trustworthy chimney sweep company

For nearly 30 years, we’ve been serving Connecticut with chimney-related services, ranging from repairs to sweeps to inspections and more. We embrace each of these characteristics, including the importance of ongoing training, professionalism, and treating each customer with the utmost respect. If it’s time to schedule your next Chimney sweep, contact the team here at Northeastern Chimney, LLC by phone, 860-233-5770, or via our website.

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

It is the time of year when Overland Park, KS, families are enjoying the warmth of the glowing flames from their gas or wood-burning fireplace. However, many homeowners may not realize that creosote, small animals, debris, and undetected masonry & brick damage may be reducing the efficiency and safety of the chimney, which can be unknowingly putting them at risk. These five benefits of annual chimney inspections illustrate why they are so critical for homeowners throughout the Greater Kansas City region.

Early Detection of Masonry Damage

While masonry chimneys are durable structures that can last for decades, their porous materials are susceptible to damage due to weather and environmental conditions. Since brick or stone chimneys typically deteriorate slowly, it is often difficult for homeowners to spot early signs of masonry damage until more severe problems like spalling brick, a rusted damper, or worn flashing cause noticeable damage. Also, masonry damage reduces the efficiency of your fireplace and increases the risk of fire and exposure to harmful contaminants like carbon monoxide. Ignoring it can also lead to a partial or complete structural collapse. With annual chimney inspections and routine maintenance, you can minimize repairs and prolong the lifespan of your chimney, fireplace, and other attached heating appliances.

Spot Obstructions Before It Becomes a Health Hazard

For your fireplace and chimney to operate safely, emissions from the burning of wood or gas fuels must be able to exit the flue at the top of the stack. However, leaves, small animals, creosote, and debris can block the duct, restricting the venting of harmful fumes. As the blockage becomes more severe, it becomes more dangerous. It can eventually cause a sudden backdraft that pushes smoke, dust, hot embers, and toxic carbon monoxide fumes out of the fireplace into your living room. In addition to having a messy cleanup, the burning embers can burn your skin. Also, the smoke and fumes can irritate your throat and lungs, making breathing more difficult and even causing respiratory issues in some individuals.

Minimizes Fire Risk from Creosote Build-Up

A Certified Chimney Professional® checks for creosote build-up in the chimney and fireplace during an annual chimney inspection. Creosote is a naturally produced byproduct of burning wood that builds up inside the chimney every time you light the fireplace. Without regular chimney sweeping, creosote hardens into a dark, crusty, and highly flammable material that is very difficult to remove without professional assistance. Creosote build-up in the chimney is the number one cause of chimney and house fires. Just recently, a Kansas City, MO family was awoken in the middle of the night in sub-freezing conditions when a fire started in the chimney. Fortunately, family members and pets evacuated safely, and the KCFD quickly brought the fire under control, preventing more structural damage to the home.

Checks the Condition of Your Flue Liner

The flue liner, which is typically clay tile, metal, or concrete, is designed to protect the masonry from the intense heat of the gas or wood-burning fireplace so it doesn’t spread to combustible building materials like the attic, roof, or framing. However, when the flue liner is not inspected annually, deterioration from normal wear and tear, water leaks, gas residue, and undetected chimney fires can reduce its effectiveness, which increases the risk of fire and exposure to harmful contaminants in your home.

Ensures Attached Heating Appliances Are Safe to Operate

An annual chimney inspection is a quick, efficient, and affordable way to ensure your chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances like your fireplace, heating stove, or furnace are safe to operate. The National Fireplace Protection Association (NFPA), the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and fire safety experts recommend annual chimney inspections.

Chimney Inspections in Kansas City

The Certified Chimney Professionals at Fluesbrothers provide all three levels of chimney inspections in communities throughout the KCK/KCMO area. Call 913-236-7141 or contact us online to schedule your annual chimney inspection today!

The post Benefits of Annual Chimney Inspections appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Not only can fireplaces look beautiful, but they can also be an excellent source of warmth during the winter. Whether you have a gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace – if you are using your fireplace for warmth – it’s important to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Here are things you can do to prevent heat from escaping from your fireplace and keep it running efficiently.

Use The Right Firewood

If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to be mindful of the type of wood you are using.

Dry wood burns much more efficiently than freshly cut wood because of its low moisture content. Seasoned wood that has been cut at least one year ago is going to give you the best possible burn.

Fresh wood, on the flipside, not only burns inefficiently, but it can also cause a lot of excess smoke. Dry, seasoned wood is your best option for burning.

Open The Bottom Damper or A Nearby Window

Wood-burning fireplaces tend to lose a lot of heat as the smoke flows up through the chimney. To combat this, you’ll need to find ways to pull air out through the room you are trying to heat so it doesn’t flow upward. Many fireplaces have a bottom damper that you can open to do this. Bottom dampers typically let air out through the base of the firebox.

If you don’t have a bottom damper, you can also crack a window in the room you are trying to heat while the fire is burning. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it actually pulls the warm air through the room. After the fire has finished burning and all of the smoke has escaped, be sure to close the flue and any open windows. This will keep the warmth in your space and prevent it from escaping.

Keep Gas Fireplaces Insulated

In most cases, gas fireplaces are going to be far more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces. If you have a gas fireplace, it’s important to make sure it is properly insulated. This helps prevent the heat from escaping through any structural weaknesses in your home. If you have tempered glass in your gas fireplace, consider swapping it out for a ceramic glass instead, as the material is inherently much more efficient.

Install A Fireplace Insert

Inserts are one of the most effective ways to increase your fireplace’s heat output. Fireplace inserts use a heat exchanger to push extra warmth out into your home. This delivers much more heat with each fire.

Schedule Regular Chimney Inspections

Regular chimney inspections are essential for keeping your fireplace working efficiently. Your chimney tech can identify potential problems that you might not have found on your own and suggest appropriate repairs.

If you’re due for a chimney inspection in Connecticut, Northeastern Chimney can help. Give us a call at (860)-233-5770 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

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