Good chimney health is important to stay safe and planning your safety in advance is a step you want to take, if you want to enjoy a warm and cozy fireplace this winter season.
The best way to ensure this by planning in advance to make your chimney clean & well swept.
At Alpha Clean Air, we provide you with a satisfactory chimney clean service. All you have to do is call us and schedule an appointment and our professionals will get in touch.
But before you employ a chimney cleaning service for your home, it’s best to prepare your chimney for a winter clean. Here are the five steps you need to take to make these preparations.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare Your Chimney for Winter Use
Step # 1: Booking a Professional Chimney Sweep
The first thing you need to do before everything else is to call up a professional chimney sweep company and schedule an appointment with them.
It’s advised that you get your house chimney inspected & cleaned every once or twice a year.
Often then not, we are not aware how many birds or rodents may have found their nesting ground in your chimney area. And then, there is the problem with soot and creosote build-up that we definitely can’t avoid. If left untreated, soot & creosote can burn the entire chimney space down. Having a house fire because of an unclean chimney is the last thing you want.
Therefore, taking proper steps beforehand such as booking a chimney inspection with a chimney sweep service will give you a clear picture on the condition of your chimney.
Step # 2: Clean the Area Around Your Fireplace
After all, once the chimney is properly cleaned and swept, you may want to start a chimney fire to cozy up your rooms. You can begin with performing a thorough clean of the fireplace or the stove area, making it spick and span and ready for that first fire of the winter season.
Here are a few things you need to do:
- Clean the bricks, stones and tiles which surround the fireplace.
- Clean the glass around the wood burner.
- Clean the inside of the stove area & the fireplace.
- Dispose of remaining wood ash.
- Clean up the fireplace accessories giving a final touch.
Fireplace and stove area can easily become dirty & therefore, cleaning them regularly is a part of your house chore. Just double check and make it extra clean before a chimney winter clean.
Step # 3: Gather The Wood
No chimney fire is complete without the right wood burning in.
If you have scheduled a chimney clean for this winter, make the most of your remaining time gathering the perfect wood to burn in your chimney space. When deciding what type of wood you want to burn, here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Never burn wet, treated, polished, varnished or oiled wood.
- Never burn waste woods like pallets, furniture, fencing, etc.
- Only use good quality hardwood species such as ash, oak, beech, birch, etc.
- Avoid burning softwood such as pine, firs, cypress, etc. since they produce a lot of smoke.
Also, if you have plans for cutting the firewood yourself and you don’t want to outsource the pre-cut logs, just make sure to cut the logs so they fit perfectly within your fireplace.
Step # 4: Check the Blower (If You Have a Gas Fireplace)
Many people aren’t old school and would prefer a gas fireplace over a wood stove.
The blower is what allows gas fireplaces to circulate the warm air throughout the rooms for zone heating. Often dust and debris can clog the blower of a gas fireplace.
Build-ups can happen over time. If you have a clogged blower, chances are that it will reduce your gas fireplace’s efficiency. It ultimately reduces the amount of heat your fireplace can provide. In some cases, unclean and clogged blowers can result in a fire breakout.
As a part of your chimney maintenance routine, ensure that your blower is working at peak efficiency. You can either have a professional look at it, or clean the unit yourself.
Step # 5: Start the Fire!
If all’s been done, it’s time to start the fire.
Burn the hardwood that you’ve collected and experience the warmth of it in the comforts of your home. Enjoy a blissful & cozy environment in your home with a clean chimney this winter.
It’s always a fun experience when you have your favorite book with you & your cup of hot chocolate. You can also try roasting marshmallows or read a story book to your children.
Read More: Causes of Flue Liner Damage & How to Identify And Repair It
Want to Get Your Chimney Cleaned for this Winter Season?
Is your fireplace giving you the creeps and winter is just around the corner? Do you want to make it appear spick and span, fully functional and operable? If you’re looking for a team of professionals to clean your chimney and make your fireplace the perfect place to sit and enjoy a warm cup of choco, call Alpha Clean Air and get your chimney clean today!
Dial (888) 502-3828 and get your chimney cleaning done by QUADCA certified professionals.
