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!