THE TOP 3 REASONS WHY CLEANING YOUR CHIMNEY IS IMPORTANT!
When was the last time you cleaned your chimney? If the answer is anything over a year, you are not doing yourself any favors! We break down why cleaning a chimney is a must!
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
You can't see, smell or taste carbon monoxide. But the gas is a byproduct of combustion, and it's deadly if you breathe it in high enough concentrations.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If you or your family members have any of these symptoms while using an unvented heating appliance, have your chimney inspected immediately by a certified chimney sweep.
So how does this relate to chimney cleaning? When a chimney goes without cleaning for long enough, the build-up of ash and other material from fires can cause blockages. These blockages impede proper airflow in your chimney, which can cause excess carbon monoxide from properly rising in your chimney and blowing back into your home.
Avoid Chimney Fires
A chimney fire is a serious situation, but it doesn't have to be. Chimney fires can be caused by several things, including a lack of proper maintenance or the use of an old or damaged chimney.
A chimney fire occurs when flammable gases get trapped inside the chimney and ignite due to heat from the fireplace or wood-burning stove. Although these fires are usually small at first, they can grow rapidly if left unattended because they will continue burning until there is no longer any fuel available for them to consume.
To prevent a chimney fire from happening to you, ensure your fireplace or wood-burning stove is regularly cleaned by a certified professional who specializes in servicing and repairing wood stoves. Fires do not wait for a convenient time, so get your chimney cleaned today to avoid creating a potential fire hazard.
Improving Air Quality and Heat
With proper cleaning, a functioning chimney allows for much-needed airflow in the home that can allow smoke to vent out. Not only can you have a safer home, but you can also avoid having the smell of smoke linger in your home, especially around fabrics that absorb scents. Proper smoke flow is especially important for homes with individuals that have asthma or any other breathing issues.
Likewise, proper airflow allows for better heating; how so? Well, a clean chimney can ensure enough oxygen reaches your fuel source, allowing for longer-lasting fires that do not need constant refueling.
Can I Do The Cleaning Myself?
Typically DIY projects can end in disaster, but you can clean your chimney on your own! However, before your think you can just grab an old broom and some towels, be forewarned, cleaning the chimney is a thorough process.
From vacuums and dusk masks to proper brushes, you need the tools for the job. The only reason we advise against a DIY chimney cleaning for most homeowners is the risk of potentially not spotting potential hazards is high. We not only clean chimneys but we conduct thorough inspections to make sure that there are no underlying issues with your heating system.
Robison has got you covered when it comes to all your heating needs, so give us a call today at (914) 345-5700
