Fireplace Cleaning Company | Chimney Sweep | Chimney Cleaning | Melbourne, FL
Everything you need to know about chimney and fireplace cleaning, including how much it costs, how often you should do it, and more.
While cozy evenings in front of the fireplace are certainly irresistible, take the time to make sure your fireplace is as safe as it is inviting. A 2016 report from the National Fire Protection Association states that a leading factor contributing to home heating fires was the failure to clean chimneys.
It’s not usually a do-it-yourself chore, so it’s best to hire a certified chimney sweep from the Chimney Safety Institute of America to tackle this job, recommends Ashley Eldridge, CSIA education director. That’s because cleaning and inspecting chimneys involves a lot more than just sweeping soot.
Here’s everything you need to know about prepping your fireplace and chimney.
How often should a chimney be inspected?
Every year. New wood-burning installations such as fireplaces or wood-burning stoves should be checked midway through the first heating season to confirm everything is working properly.
How often should a chimney be cleaned?
Cleaning should be done as necessary — normally when there’s a minimum 1/8-inch of deposit in the chimney. An annual inspection will determine if any sweeping or repairs are needed.
In some cases, it’s necessary to sweep more than once a year, especially if the operator, the fuel or the venting system are not properly matched.
What should a professional chimney cleaning include?
- Sweeping the fireplace, checking the firebox, liners, smoke chamber and flue, chimney exterior and inspecting the appliance for proper clearances.
- Recommendations for proper operation or replacement of equipment and necessary repairs to equipment or structure.
- A video inspection. It may mean an additional cost, but it could detect hidden damage.
Can I clean the chimney myself?
“I hesitate to recommend do-it-yourself,” says Eldridge, “because most of us don’t know how to do it properly and we certainly don’t have the expertise or equipment to inspect the chimney for other failings.”
There is one type of chimney that could most likely be cleaned by the homeowner, though. It has an installed insert in the fireplace with a properly sized liner. To clean, insert the brush into the fireplace and flue and sweep up to the top.
“The downside is that there may be a lot of soot or creosote on the rain cap itself that must also be cleaned. Most of the work can be done from the fireplace,” says Eldridge, “but you want to be able to see through that rain cap from the ground to be sure it’s not blocked.” Also, if the chimney cap needs cleaning, that means getting up on the roof, a task not for the faint of heart.
About ABC Cleaning, Inc. of Orlando, FL
Serving Central Florida since 1992, ABC Cleaning, Inc. has been the acknowledged leader in air duct cleaning, chimney cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning. We’re NADCA certified, we consistently invest in and have the most modern equipment, and utilize the latest technology available with the best-trained service technicians in all of Orlando. If you need help deciding whether to replace or repair faulty ducts, please contact us at ABC. We provide quality HVAC service throughout Orlando and the surrounding communities. Please give us a call today at 407-381-2120. We are here to help!
