When Should The Chimney Be Cleaned?

We all know the importance of cleaning chimneys, but someone might be wondering when to clean a chimney. Actually, there is no simple rule of thumb for how often to clean a chimney, such as after 50 uses or a year, but it's still an important task.

1. Prevent chimney fires

In general, chimney fires can be very large and noticeable, with loud pops, lots of smoke, and strong odors. But sometimes a chimney fire isn't always enough to be detected. Sometimes, they burn slowly and are invisible. They can get hot enough to seep into your home walls and ignite flammable objects. This is a very bad situation, but fires can be avoided with proper care and maintenance of your chimney. One of the most common causes of chimney fires is that, over time, the chimney can become clogged with creosote. Creosote is a natural tar-like substance produced by burning wood. Creosote is black or brown in appearance, and it builds up over time. The inadequate air supply is one of the factors that contribute to creosote buildup.

2. Protect your health

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel is burned. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fainting.

Too much carbon monoxide can be fatal. A clogged chimney can lead to a buildup of this dangerous gas. This is why it is vital to inspect and sweep your chimney before using it to make sure the flue is clear.

3. Avoid smoke damage

If the chimney isn't cleaned regularly, growth can start around the flue, making it difficult for the flue to draw smoke up. This can cause smoke to enter your room. Soot can leave a black film around your fireplace and stain any nearby furniture, rugs, or upholstery. Sometimes, the smoke even causes a black stain around the chimney, which is nearly impossible to remove. To keep your home clean, you also need to clean your chimney regularly.