How to check if it’s time for a Chimney Flue Cleaning

There is no gaining the significance of a well-functioning chimney though it is not something that crosses the mind of many often.

For a chimney to optimize its function, regular Chimney flue cleaning is paramount.

Noxious gases not to mention the smoke that is churned out in the process of combustion in a fireplace need an outlet out of the house and a chimney that is polished and not obstructed would suffice.

It is a cinch that over time, your chimney is more likely to become clogged by litter and refuse such as cobwebs and also gather soot. It is thus imperative that you carry out chimney flue cleaning to prevent dangerous disastrous reputations like chimney fires and of course, guarantee maximum efficiency.

Question on your mind could be, how then do you tell if your chimney needs a flue cleaning?

Here are the tell-tale signs.

The room fills with smoke when the fire is lit

When a chimney is blocked or clogged, that can only spell inefficiency and ineffectiveness implying that for it to return to its functioning order and stop smoke from engulfing the room whenever there is combustion; then flue cleaning would be in order.

You notice a foul odor when not using Fireplace

This would likely be a result of creosote buildup. Creosote always forms as thick, black deposits and are sometimes conspicuous around the stove, on the damper, or along the chimney’s lining

Soot accumulates through the chimney often instigated by other debris which can consequently damage your chimney or fireplace altogether. If you notice soot dropping back into your fireplace then it is time to call a professional to do carry out a chimney flue cleaning

Soot and creosote will automatically gather in your flue whenever you use the fireplace.

But if left for a protracted period, then the buildup may lead to a hazard like a chimney fire, and a flue cleaning exercise guarantees that no unwanted explosions occur.

Poor Combustion

Air aids combustions meaning for fire to burn properly then there has to be sufficient air. This simply implies that when there isn’t enough air, it will be tedious to light a fire and agonizing to keep it burning as a result of poor airflow or confined exhaust noxious gases.

Chimney cleaning services thus immensely improve airflow hence improving fireplace capability and safety.

Presence of animals

Animals are beautiful creatures- but not when they live in the chimney. When birds and rodents lodge in your chimney, this can in turn seriously impede ventilation. How can you tell if a rodent or a bird’s nest is blocking your flues? You won’t miss their scratching sounds or droppings, and thus to stop smoke and other harmful gases from engulfing your house, call for a chimney fuel clean-up.

If faced with any of the above signs, contact a respectable Chimney fuel sweep as clogged and dirty fireplaces pose grave threats to your household.