Fireplaces are one of the most sought-after amenities in the real estate market. They improve ambiance, provide warmth, and turn a cold boring room into a cozy space. They can also be a source of real risk for your home. It isn’t just proper use of the fireplace that is important. The care and maintenance of your chimney is equally as important. Red Bank chimney service provided by a company that employs experienced chimney sweeps, like Carlin Chimney and Duct Service, is important on a yearly basis. The maintenance and services they provide is what keeps your chimney clean and therefore, safe. Let’s review just a few of the reasons that keeping your chimney clean is a good idea for you and your home.

Appropriate Fireplace Usage is Step Number One

Using your fireplace in an appropriate manner is your first defense against the dangers of a dirty or malfunctioning chimney.

One important fireplace usage tip is to always and only use seasoned wood. Wood that is not properly seasoned creates more smoke and is very inefficient. The large amount of smoke created when burning wood too high in moisture leads to the build-up of creosote. This is a black, tarry substance that is flammable. A chimney fire is likely to happen if it is not removed on a regular basis.

Also important is to be aware of what things you have around your fireplace. Remove any flammable items immediately. A fireplace screen can help to reduce sparks from escaping the hearth, but to be one hundred percent safe, there should not be anything on or around the fireplace that could ignite.

Lastly, knowing how to accurately use the flue damper is crucial to safe fireplace usage. A visual inspection of your flue and damper doors to make sure it opens and closes fully is very important. If your flue is not working properly or appears to be blocked in anyway, schedule Red Bank chimney service right away.

Safety Steps Cannot Be Ignored

It is vital for every home to have a smoke detector. But it’s not the only alarm a home needs. A carbon monoxide detector is also essential. Carbon monoxide is a by-product that is produced when fuel isn’t burned completely. So, burning unseasoned wood is not only inefficient, but can be extremely dangerous. A chimney that does not properly vent allows this dangerous by-product to infiltrate your home. Without a carbon monoxide detector, any person in the building is at risk of potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning because this gas is undetectable. This sickness can first present just like many other illnesses. Headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vision trouble are all initial symptoms. The only way to protect yourself is to have a carbon monoxide detector and to make sure the batteries are always fresh. The next best step is to have Red Bank chimney service completed annually.

Red Bank Chimney Service is Also a Safety Measure

As we just discussed, a chimney that does not vent properly puts residents at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are a few reasons why a chimney is unable to work efficiently.

First is creosote build-up. While creosote logs can help loosen this substance , they do not under any circumstance prevent or remove it. The only way to ensure your chimney is free of creosote is to have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually.

Secondly, birds and other animals can make nests in your chimney. A damaged chimney gives easy access to animals. Items like the chimney cap help ensure this doesn’t happen. This is another reason why a yearly inspection is absolutely crucial to safe fireplace use.

Protect Your Home with Yearly Red Bank Chimney Service

If you are unaware that your chimney cap is missing and neglect to have Red Bank chimney service prior to using your fireplace for the first time, you could be putting your home at risk. Using your fireplace while not knowing if your chimney is blocked or damaged is extremely dangerous. Blockages don’t allow smoke and gases to escape your home. A chimney fire is very likely without an annual cleaning by a certified chimney sweep. Following all the rules of fireplace use and visually inspecting your chimney is important. But, there is no replacement for a professional servicing of your chimney. Only with the proper tools and training can one accurately inspect a chimney. Red Bank chimney service is not only smart, it is the best way to prevent dangerous situations like a house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.