Why Furnace Flues need yearly inspection and cleaning…
and what happens if you neglect them
The furnace flue is one of the most neglected parts of the home. The majority of emergency calls regarding chimneys is from the heating system and the need for furnace flue cleaning.
Don’t forget the furnace flue!
Most homeowners that burn wood at this stage know that they need to clean and inspect the chimneys periodically. But many homeowners are unaware that there is a second and separate chimney flue that services the heating system. It is assumed that the heating company services these, but what your oil man does is service your furnace. You may even have a service contract with him. What they will do for that is tune up the furnace. Some good contracts will provide brushing out the connector pipes and the base but they NEVER go up on the roof to clean nor inspect the chimney. We take over where they leave off and that is to brush the oil soot of the chimney walls from top to bottom as well as inspect the integrity of the chimney structure and chimney liner.
The National Fire Protection Assoc. 211 codes state that “chimneys must be inspected and cleaned if needed annually” – just like the oil service man services the furnace annually, so should the chimney system be serviced annually.
It is unfortunate that many oil servicemen don`t mention the chimney during their visit. When they finally do, its because it is past the point of routine maintenance. It is clogged or the chimney has eroded and collapsed. During the winter we average 1-2 Emergency phone calls EVERY day with regards to furnaces being shut down due to lack of maintenance. At this stage it is beyond cleaning. Unclogging an oil/flue blockage can run multiple hundreds of dollars, especially on an emergency basis in the middle of the busy season.
Safeside completes a Chimney Sweep for a new homeowner in Bridgeport, CT
Safeside Chimney was scheduled to perofrm a routine Chimney Sweep to a customer in Bridgeport, CT.
The customer just purchased a home in Bridgeport, and wanted to have the home cleaned thoroughly inside and out.
(Click to book your appointment for you Bridgeport Chimney Sweep)
The Safeside Chimney specialists arrived promptly on time, and started preparing the chimney to be cleaned. The crew members covered the floor where the fireplace was located to protect the carpeting while the chimney was being cleaned, then the crew members started on the outside of the home to inspect and clean the chimney. The first thing was to make sure there was no debris in and around the chimney cap, and remove all unwanted dirt and debris. Then the crew started cleaning the chimney from top to bottom. After that was completed, the crew went indoors and finished the chimney cleaning.
We use the best equipment for our chimney cleaning. Our equipment ensures that no chimney dirt will escape throughout the home. When the chimney was thoroughly cleaned from inside and out, and top to bottom, the crew removed all the floor protections, and made sure the home was left clean without any trace of the Safeside Chimney crew. Safeside Chimney provides a thorough cleaning on all chimney’s, and when our crew is finished we make sure that there is no chimney dirt or dust left around on the flooring. The home will look like we were never there, and the chimney will be ready for a safe operation for the family for the winter months.
Annual Chimney Sweep for Bridgeport Customer
Safeside Chimney was scheduled to service a customer in Bridgeport, CT for her annual chimney sweep. The customer had noticed that there were birds chirping from her fireplace, so she wanted to make sure the chimney was clean and safe before using it during the winter. When our team arrived, they checked and inspected the chimney where they found an empty bird’s nest. They cleaned all the debris from the chimney and removed the soot that had built up over time. The chimney crown and caps were inspected and the team made sure the chimney was in excellent condition before finishing the service.
The team repaired the crown to prevent birds from building a new nest. Our customer said she was happy that the birds were gone and her chimney could now be safely used. We asked her how she found our company, and she said she read internet reviews, which said we were affordable, prompt, and professional. She thanked us for doing a quick and affordable job.
For more information on Bridgeport’s top chimney sweep, click the link!
Chimney Sweep Prepares Milford Resident for Winter
Our Chimney Cleaning technicians were dispatched to a wonderful home In Milford, CT. The customer needed her chimney swept to clean out soot and debris. Safeside Chimney specialists also determined that a chimney inspection would be performed to make sure it is safe and operating properly.
Our chimney sweep team arrived as scheduled, then began the inspection. Cleaning your chimney can help in preventing fires. It is important that the proper type and size brush is used for the best results. We cleaned the interior flue lining and work our way down the chimney. Our team thoroughly cleaned the soot and debris and let the customer know that her chimney is now ready for the winter.
We have been providing superior chimney services for Milford residents for over twenty years and our number one concern is to make sure that our customer’s chimney is safe. The customer thanked the Safeside Chimney team for doing an excellent job and said they would call us for future services.
Learn more about Milford’s#1 chimney company, here!
Successful Norwalk Chimney Cleaning
Safeside Chimney had an annual chimney cleaning service scheduled for a customer in Norwalk, CT. This was a regular customer who calls Safeside Chimney every September for this service. Our sweep specialists inspect the customer’s chimney and fireplace to make sure it was free from objects and build-up. We thoroughly cleaned the fireplace to remove any soot, debris, and branches. During any chimney service, it is important to make sure your safety is the #1 priority. Our specialists always take the proper precautions and make sure the site is clean before we leave.
Our sweep specialists inspected all areas of the chimney and cleaned it. We always make sure to cover all furniture, to ensure our work is done without leaving a mess behind. When they were done, our customer thanked us for doing an excellent job, as usual and said she would see us next year!
Check out Norwalk chimney services from Safeside Chimney, here!
Prevent Fires in Your Chimney
Having your chimney cleaned annually will prevent fires in your chimney. Soot, creosote and debris can collect in your chimney, which is some of the main reasons that a fire can start in your chimney. Having a clean chimney will keep your fireplace operating properly and effectively.
What is creosote?
Creosote is black or brown in appearance, and can be flaky along with having a sticky tar-like appearance. The creosote can be shiny and hard, depending on the length of time it has been in the chimney. The danger of creosote in a chimney is that it is highly combustible. The smoke, gases and tar minerals that come from the wood being burned in the fireplace goes up the chimney, but when these particles begin to stick to the chimney walls, this is creosote forming.
Debris
Debris come in many forms. It can be leaves and twigs that have blown into a chimney, because the current chimney cap is faulty or there is no chimney cap. It also consists of bird nests, raccoons and squirrels in the chimney. Animals are drawn to the chimney when it isn’t being used, because it is dark, private and warm. These type of debris can cause blockage, which can cause a fire.
Chimney Inspection
Having your chimney inspected at least once a year, prior to the heating season can determine if there is creosote buildup or debris in the chimney. The chimney inspection allows the chimney technician to examine the chimney for any cracks or damages too. If there is any creosote or debris present, then the chimney technician will remove and clean the chimney, then repair or replace the chimney cap, so your chimney is in good working condition for the winter season.
It is important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. It will keep your family safe from any chimney fires along with providing your home with a safe and comfortable source of heating. Give Safeside Chimney a call today and schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. Get in the habit of doing this once a year, so your chimney is always safe.
For more information on our chimney services, click here!
Chimney Fire in Stamford, CT
Proper care and maintenance of your chimney is an important process for any homeowner. Failure to do so can be a disaster! Below is an article about a chimney fire in Stamford. As you can see the home was destroyed. Avoid problems with regular maintenance and cleaning. Schedule your cleaning and keep your home safe today!
Click on the link to read more about the Stamford, CT chimney fire.
Annual Cleaning and Inspection of Your Chimney
There are certain things that you have to do to your home annually, so your home stays safe and performs properly. Having an annual list is important, because it will remind you what needs to be done. Some of the duties on your annual ‘To-do’ list probably includes changing your furnace filter, putting away patio furniture, and checking the battery in your smoke detectors. These are important things on the list, but one important thing that must be added is having an annual cleaning and an inspection of your chimney done.
What is a chimney cleaning and inspection?
A chimney cleaning and inspection is done to keep your chimney operating properly. This will keep you and your home safe. The chimney cleaning and inspection is done by our qualified professionals. A chimney cleaning should be done at least once a year.
The Chimney Inspection:
The chimney inspection is a comprehensive checklist performed by our trained and qualified professionals. The inspection includes:
- A detailed check of the flue liners
- A detailed check of the damper to make sure there is proper movement
- A complete check for creosote, then remove any creosote that is more than 1/8 inches
- Look and check for any debris, birds, raccoons, and any other animals
- Inspect the firebox for any damage
Chimney Cleaning:
The chimney cleaning is done to ensure your chimney is working and operating properly. The chimney sweeping will remove any buildup of creosote, which includes scraping the creosote off the chimney walls. There are two different chimney brushes we use. The wire brushes are used for masonry chimneys, and a polypropylene brushes are used for the metal chimneys. If a company uses the wrong brush, then it could damage the chimney.
There are two different chimney cleaning methods that we perform. One is the top down or Rod Method. This method will have one of our team members on the top of your roof, and cleaning from the top of the chimney down. This method cleans the entire chimney completely. The bottom up method is performed from the inside of your home through the chimney opening. This is one of the main choices by homeowners, because the dust control is lessened. Don’t worry, our team puts down tarp and drop cloths, so your home will not receive any of the dust.
No matter which method you have done, the main thing to do is to add the chimney cleaning and inspection to your annual ‘To-do’ list. It is best to have the chimney cleaning and inspection before you begin operating your fireplace or woodstove for the winter. Doing this will have your chimney operating properly, which will keep you, your family and home safe.
For more information on our chimney services, click here!
Spring Cleaning Your Chimney
When spring finally arrives after a long, cold winter, homeowners are getting into the spring-cleaning mood. Spring cleaning your home gets dust, dirt and debris out of your home and is the perfect time to sanitize and scrub your home. The last thing the homeowner is thinking about with their spring cleaning is the chimney, but this is the perfect time to have it cleaned.
Cleaning your chimney while you are doing your spring cleaning will guarantee that your chimney has been cleaned and ready for winter. There are other benefits to cleaning your chimney at springtime.
- Creosote is deposited in your fireplace when it is being used. Creosote will build up in the liner of the chimney. The creosote can produce a sour odor that can be smelled in your home.
- Water can enter the chimney throughout the winter months. Ice, snow and rain create a moisture that can cause corrosion in the liner of the chimney, which leads to damage. A spring cleaning can identify any damages.
- Cleaning the chimney can save the homeowner costly repairs later. Many homeowners don’t clean their chimney until fall months. If there is major damage to the chimney, then the homeowner will have to wait to use the fireplace until the repairs have been made.
Spring is an excellent time to deep clean your home. It will remove dust, dirt and debris from your home, leaving your home clean and healthy. This will allow a professional chimney sweep to identify any damages.
Having a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean during your spring cleaning will allow for any repairs to be repaired, creosote to be removed and your home being clean and healthy. Call the professional chimney sweep company who is licensed, insured and certified in chimney sweeping. Safeside Chimney can provide an effective and efficient chimney sweep.
Call Safeside Chimney for all spring chimney sweep cleaning. Get your whole house clean and healthy when you have your chimney sweep done too.
For more information on chimney services provided by Hartford’s chimney leader, click here!
