Summer Is The Perfect Time To Have Your Fireplace Cleaned And Repaired

Summer is finally here! While warm temperatures mean that fewer homeowners are using their fireplace, it doesn’t mean to let your chimney sit idle until fall arrives. Use the summer offseason to have your chimney repaired and cleaned.

The importance of annual maintenance.

A yearly chimney sweeping and inspection is the best way to ensure your fireplace system continues to burn safely and efficiently. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, all fireplaces should be inspected at least once per year.

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Why have chimney repairs done in the summer?

Fireplaces and chimneys are rarely used in the summer months; however, this is precisely what makes the summer the ideal time to have your chimney serviced! The following are three reasons to have your chimney cleaned and repaired this summer.

1. Clean out harmful buildup.
   After a long burning season, the chimney can be full of buildup from ash, soot, and flammable creosote. Due to this, it is important to remove any buildup in the flue with a chimney sweeping. Doing so protects the flue, keeps the chimney clean, and keeps the fireplace burning safely and efficiently.
2. Avoid usage delays.
   Waiting on chimney repairs can mean you can’t use your fireplace at all. If your repairs are done during the summer when you are not using your chimney, there are no interruptions to enjoying your fireplace during cold weather. Likewise, some masonry repairs cannot be done during cold or inclement weather, making summer the ideal time for chimney maintenance.
3. Get a convenient appointment.
   Fall and winter are the busiest times for chimney sweeps; this often leads to long waits or having to shuffle your schedule to make time for the chimney sweep. Instead, schedule during the summer offseason to get a quick, convenient appointment that fits into your busy schedule!

Other summer chimney maintenance tips:

In addition to having your fireplace system cleaned or repaired, the following are a few of our favorite summer chimney maintenance tips.

• Keep the damper closed.
  Keeping the damper closed at all times when the fireplace is not in use prevents conditioned air from escaping. This keeps heating and cooling costs down – and keeps your home more comfortable – year round.
• Clean fireplace components.
  Clean the glass, oil hinges, or wash out your ash container. When cleaning any fireplace components or accessories that are exposed to heat, make sure to use non-flammable cleaning solutions.
• Turn off the pilot.
  If you have a gas fireplace, the pilot light can be turned off during the summer. Turning off the pilot light prevents any additional heat from being generated, and can save money on your monthly gas bills.

Count on us!

Don’t forget about your fireplace while the temperatures are hot outside. Instead, take advantage of your chimney’s downtime by scheduling regular maintenance or repairs this summer. For more information about summer chimney maintenance or to schedule your next services, contact Chimney TEK today!