A Winter Chimney Checklist Everyone Should Be Following

1. A Winter Chimney Checklist Everyone Should Be Following If you’re ready to light your first fire of the season, making sure that your chimney is clean and safe is one of the most important things you can do. Whether it’s your first fireplace or you just want to make sure you’re doing the right things, the following winter chimney checklist can help. Schedule a Chimney Cleaning and Inspection If it has been more than a year since a chimney company has been to your home, now is the time to schedule an appointment for a chimney cleaning and inspection. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends cleanings and inspections once each year to help ensure safety. Some of the things on the chimney tech will look for include: Soot –Soot is the black byproduct of combustion that you’ll find on the inside of your chimney liner. Some soot is perfectly normal, but because it is made of carbon, it can be flammable if it is not removed at regular intervals. Creosote – Creosote is a flammable substance that builds up over time in layers. It clings to the inside of the chimney flue and ranges from powdery to hard and flaky. It is extremely dangerous, and that’s why regular cleanings are so important. If there is more than a quarter inch of soot and creosote on the inside of your chimney, it’s time for a cleaning. Glaze – Glaze occurs when creosote and soot are not cleaned regularly and turns into a tarry, glassy substance over time. It hangs from your chimney like icicles and poses a serious fire threat. If you notice glaze inside your chimney, do not use it until you’ve had a thorough cleaning and inspection. Prepare for Your First Fire Now that you have your cleaning and inspection out of the way, the rest of the winter chimney checklist is easy to follow. Use the Right Wood –You should only burn dry and seasoned firewood in your fireplace. Wood that is still wet will put off a great deal of smoke and lead to the quick buildup of creosote. Remove Fire Hazards – Things like furniture, blankets, and rugs should be moved away from the fireplace before you light your first fire. Check Your Smoke Detector – Make sure your smoke detector is in good working order by using the test function. If you don’t have at least one smoke detector on every floor and another in the kitchen, be sure to install them. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector – Though proper cleanings and inspections should drastically reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) buildup, it’s a good idea to have a detector installed. Install one carbon monoxide detector on each floor to be safe. Check Your Fire Extinguisher – Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher that is easily accessible and be sure that you test it regularly. Accidents can and do happen, and a simple fire extinguisher can prevent a significant amount of damage. Overlooking any of these steps can lead to tragic results, so be sure to follow them carefully every single year. Call for your chimney cleaning and inspection today, and then be sure to follow the tips for making every warm crackling fire you light this winter safer.