This autumn and winter chimney cleaning in Orlando is going to become a more tedious and expensive job. The latest reports by the Energy Information Association (EIA) indicate record breaking price hikes in house hold fuels. However, chimney cleaning should not be put on the back burner due to increased prices because unclean chimneys lead to serious health and material issues. These include carbon monoxide poisoning and greater probability of chimney fires.
Price Hikes
With EIA reporting a 19 % increase in household oil prices and a 15% increase price hike in natural gas, many homeowners are addressing their financial concerns by turning to solid fuel appliances. With the expected increase in use of wood or pellet stoves and chimney cleaning in Orlando taking a backseat, the biggest concern for Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is the increase in reports for chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Concerns from CSIA
The CSIA reported that for the years 2009-2011, an average of 362,300 residential structural fires occurred due to a chimney fire. The cost of fixing the damage was found to be an average of $6681 per resident. On investigation it was found that all the fires were caused primarily due to improper cleaning and regular maintenance of chimneys.
With the increase in use of wood and pellet stoves, chimneys will pack in more soot and creosote and hence become clogged a lot faster. This disrupts the proper flow of all the gases through the chimney. This will cause carbon monoxide to become trapped inside the house and become a cause for poisoning and other respiratory diseases. Furthermore, creosote can cause structural damage as well as catch fire.
Hence the CSIA has begun reminding that the new heating patterns, including an increase in solid-fuel use, have the potential to increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires.
NEWS from NFPA
A report by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) points out that chimneys and chimney connectors had accounted for the largest share (36 percent) of home heating fire incidents in 2005. If improper heating patterns and chimney cleaning in Orlando may seem as an exaggerated cause of concern then the same report states that “failure to clean” accounted for two-thirds of those fires.
Estimates from CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates an average of 25,700 residential structural fires related to fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors. These fires resulted in 30 deaths and cost $627 million in property loss annually.
The Proper Way to Enjoy Chimney Comforts
An integral part of responsible operation of heating appliances is its annual maintenance. Surprisingly, the problem with chimney cleaning in Orlando is that few homeowners realize that the chimneys that are venting their furnaces, water heaters and stoves, and their living room’s fireplace, needs to be inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional at least once a year. Apart from that keep in mind the following tips:
- Ensure that all the appliances are installed with the correct venting components as defined by the manufacturer
- Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home, or replace batteries of old ones
- Check and update your smoke alarms by replacing batteries and checking for any malfunctions
Taking precautionary measures will give a peace of mind and let you use your fire place and other appliances unreservedly.
About ABC Cleaning, Inc of Orlando, FL
Serving Central Florida since 1992, ABC Cleaning, Inc. has been the acknowledged leader in our air duct cleaning, chimney cleaning and dryer vent cleaning. We consistently invest in and have the most modern equipment and technology available, and the best trained service technicians. Call ABC today at (407) 477-4302.
