Old Smokey's Fireplace & Chimney's Blog

Spring Is the Time for Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning

Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 Safety Standard suggests that people get their vents and chimneys cleaned at least once a year? One of the reasons for this is because the winter is tough on ventilation systems. Heating your home can leave your vents vulnerable to messes and clogs, potentially leading to fire and toxic gas hazards. That’s why we at Old Smokey’s believe that the spring is an excellent time to schedule your annual vent and chimney cleaning.

Dryer Vents

Dryer vents are used to channel hot air created in your dryer outside of your home. Although you have a lint trap in your dryer, little pieces of lint can still make it past the trap and get lodged in your dryer vent. Over time, lint can build up enough to actually clog your dryer vent. This can greatly lower the drying efficiency of your clothes dryer, raising your energy costs. Clogged dryer vents can also be hazardous, with one of the most severe possibilities being having toxic carbon monoxide gas leak into your home, instead of venting outside. Furthermore, since warm air isn’t able to leave your dryer, it can easily become overheated, starting a lint or dryer fire.

Chimneys

Your chimney can accumulate a fair amount of creosote over the winter. Creosote is formed when non-combusted gases produced from burning wood condensate on chimney walls, creating a blackish tar. This tar is called creosote. As more and more creosote accumulates, it can start to affect your chimney’s airflow. This can cause poor burning fires and may lead to smoke entering your home. Creosote is also combustible and could start a dangerous chimney fire that is almost impossible to put out.

Hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) suggests having your chimney and vents inspected and cleaned by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep annually. Only a CSIA-certified chimney and vent technician has the knowledge and experience to properly inspect and clean your chimney and dryer vents. At Old Smokey’s, we require that all of our technicians be CSIA certified. This is because we know that the safety of your family is on the line, and we want our technicians to have the best training possible.

Spring is just around the corner and now is a great time to have your chimney and dryer vents inspected by a CSIA-certified chimney technician. Let us help you with your spring cleaning! If you are ready for an appointment, please call Old Smokey’s at 260-424-0009 or schedule an appointment online today!

Call us now to avoid the fall chimney inspection rush!

Summer is coming to an end! Soon it will be time to start getting cozy around your fireplace again. Before you fire up your fireplace for the first time this fall, it is important that you get your chimney inspected. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) both suggest getting your chimney inspected annually. In fact, an annual chimney inspection by a CSIA certified chimney sweep, like the ones at Old Smokey’s, is the best way to prevent a chimney fire from happening. So, now you know how important chimney inspections are. So, when is the best time to get time to get your chimney inspected?

Right Now!

You may be weeks away from lighting your fireplace for the first time. However, right now is an excellent time to have your chimney inspected! The fall and winter becomes very busy for a chimney sweep. Due to their busy schedule, it can be difficult to get an inspection done at a time that is most convenient to you. If you schedule an inspection before the fall rush, it will be easier to schedule a time that is best for you.

There are a lot of potential problems that can arise with owning a chimney. Therefore, you never know what may have happened to your chimney since your last inspection. Winter can be especially tough on your chimney. Wind and moisture can cause your chimney to erode and crack. The summer heat can also take it’s toll on your chimney. Oh, and let’s not forget about problems that can arise with birds and squirrels using your chimney for their home. With so many potential issues, it is important to get your chimney inspected as soon as possible. This will help assure that any issues found during an inspection will also be taken care of, before you want to start using your chimney!

The Three Levels Of Inspection:

Level one inspections are the most basic and most common. They are performed if there have been no changes to your chimney since its last inspection. However, has there been any structural changes to your chimney, a transfer of property, or an event that may have caused damage to your chimney (such as an earthquake, fire, or tornado)? If so, your chimney will require a level 2 or level 3 inspection. These type of inspections are more detailed and require specialized tools. Unfortunately, they also require more time to complete. If you think you need a level 2 or level 3 inspection, avoiding the fall rush! This will help assure that there is plenty of time available to complete your inspection. Also, that any issues found will be repaired in time for fall.

If you are in need of a chimney inspection, why wait? Call us today to have one of our CSIA certified chimney sweeps inspect your chimney. You can have peace of mind knowing that your chimney and fireplace will be ready warm you up once it gets cold outside!