Simple Ways To Keep Your Chimney In Perfect Running Order
Wood burning fireplaces, stoves and pellet stoves are wonderful to have in your home
because they create a warm feeling during those cool nights or long hard winters. In many parts of America wood is still a popular form of heating homes despite the effort of buying a season ahead and stacking for proper weather protection.
Fuel-efficient stoves and wood burning inserts can save money with rebates because they're using bio-energy. The most important part of using a wood burning stove or fireplace is the maintenance of keeping the chimney clean and in good repair. Each type of wood burning heating device has its own list of what to do and what not to do that comes with the stove and naturally should be followed to ensure best performance.
Reading and following instructions ensures you get the most out of the wood or pellets you burn while remaining safe and secure from any chimney fires that could harm you and your family.
Here are some general chimney maintenance tips to keep it in good operating order and your family safe.
A chimney to be effective needs a good draft to exist so it can extract the smoke and gasses create by the fireplace or stove. Paradoxically, a well-insulated home can reduce movement of air in the house causing a lack of draft in the home and effective operation of a fire and chimney. Generally, this is not a large issue as there is usually enough air entering the house through other means to create good draft.
Poor draft can be indicated by smoke coming back into the room or stove as air is drawn down into the chimney instead of exiting upwards. In cases where this is noted a chimney specialist should be consulted to determine appropriate resolution.
Conventional fireplaces have several specialized parts that are designed to burn wood cleanly and leave little creosote build up in the lining of the chimney. If the wood you're using has been seasoned properly, then it will burn better and leave little creosote residue that needs to be cleaned.
Creosote is highly flammable and a build up is the primary source of chimney fires, and this is the major reason you should have your chimney cleaned frequently, at least once a year, or more if a fireplace or stove receives constant use as your primary source of heat. Chimney sweeps are professionals who specialize in cleaning and maintenance of your chimney and can not only remove creosote but address issues with the spark arrester, flange or repair mortar coming loose or missing.
A cap on your chimney keeps water from rain and snow entering the flue and damaging the joints and flue liner. A cap with a screen mesh keeps critters and birds from nesting and obstructing the flow of smoke up chimney airway. A chimney cap with mesh also keeps sparks off the roof. A cap is a sound investment for your chimney to keep it in perfect running order.
Make certain ashes are regularly cleaned out of a stove after they've cooled, and have the dampers and stovepipe cleaned regularly. It is important to make sure you don't burn wood that has paint or other items on it because the fumes are very toxic and could cause illness in your family.
Pellet stoves are designed to burn either standard or premium pellets made from sawdust, wood shavings or even wheat hulls. They're able to be used with an existing chimney system and should be maintained the same way as a fireplace; many of the pellet stoves have some type of electrical component that feeds the pellets into the stove and is regulated by either a timer or other regulator.
Regardless of the type of fireplace, wood or pellet stove you're using, regular maintenance of the chimney is vital for the safety of your family and home.
If you're selling your home or planning on selling it then make certain you have a qualified chimney cleaner come to inspect and fix any damaged areas, this will increase the appeal of your fireplace and home for current or future potential buyers.
by: Bill McCormick
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