If you are wondering what the goal of chimney cleaning is, you are not alone. This article will explain what chimney cleaning is, how it can improve your heating efficiency, and how to avoid scams. So, if you’re considering cleaning your chimney, read on to learn more about the process. Once you’ve completed this, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect when you’re scheduled for a cleaning. You can learn more at chimney cleaning silver spring MD.
Clean chimneys
Getting a certified chimney sweep can be difficult, so here are some helpful tips for finding one. The first step is to know which chimney is suitable for your home. A bendy chimney can be especially difficult to clean, so you’ll need a brush designed for cleaning clay flue liners. A metal or plastic bristle brush is best for this job. For the rest of the chimney, you’ll need to use rods to clean the entire length of it.
Another good reason to hire a chimney sweep is the mess. While sweeping chimneys, be sure to hire a professional who uses a dual HEPA filter vacuum. Good chimney sweeps start from your home’s roof and work their way down the chimney while running a vacuum the whole time. You’ll be thankful you took the time to do this once a year! It will be well worth the investment in the long run.
Increase heating efficiency
Chimney sweeps will clean the chimney to increase the efficiency of your fireplace. A clogged vent will limit the amount of air that can reach the burning wood, reducing the amount of heat produced by the fire. When this happens, your heating bills go up. Likewise, a clogged chimney can lead to a fireplace fire, so having it cleaned annually will reduce the risk. And as a bonus, chimney sweeps will also reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
In addition to cleaning the chimney, you should install a fire screen in front of the fireplace and store combustible materials away from the fireplace. The chimney is an integral part of your home and must function correctly. You can also install a spark arrester on the top of the chimney to prevent a fire. Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will also help keep your home safe.
Remove creosote
Read on if you are wondering how to remove creosote with chimney cleaning. It is a black, tar-like substance that forms within a chimney due to the condensation of gases from burning fires. If left unchecked, creosote can build up to a dangerous level and even burn away entirely in a chimney fire. If you have glazed creosote, the task can be more difficult. Still, luckily, you can find a non-toxic, environmentally friendly solution that will eliminate this unwanted substance from your chimney without harming your stove or furnace.
Whether you use a chemical solution or a household product, you can easily remove creosote from a chimney by hand. Before starting, make sure to read the directions and wear safety goggles. Using chemicals may be dangerous if you are not skilled at cleaning chimneys. You may consider hiring a chimney cleaning professional to take care of the job. You can also find information about local chimney cleaning professionals at the National Chimney Sweep Guild.
Avoid telemarketing scams
One of the best ways to avoid telemarketing scams when chimney cleaning is to check the company’s credentials. If a chimney sweep claims to have a degree in cleaning, this is a sign of a tricky sell tactic. Moreover, avoiding the company that uses alarming language or looks at your chimney without your permission is best. This is a surefire way to get into your home and make you a victim of a chimney scammer.
You never know if you’ve been duped when you pay for the service through cash, check, or money order. Unfortunately, cash, check, or money order are often the preferred payment methods because they disappear before you realize you’ve been scammed. But paying with a credit card is safer, as it gives you the right to dispute charges that don’t match what you expected. On the other hand, debit cards don’t give you these rights. Therefore, fraudulent telemarketers increasingly prefer using bank debits.
Identify problems
Inspect your chimney regularly for problems. Using a vacuum cleaner to clean it is not an ideal solution. The suction can pull air into the chimney and create an environment where carbon monoxide can build up, killing you while you’re asleep. In addition, the brush attachment can ignite loose creosote and start a dangerous chimney fire. A professional chimney cleaning service should be able to identify your chimney’s specific problems and advise you on the best way to treat them.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual chimney inspection to ensure no dangerous levels of creosote. A neglected chimney may lean, crumble, or even collapse if it is allowed to accumulate too much moisture. If this happens, the chimney may need to be tuckpointed. Tuckpointing involves the removal of the damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar, which provides stability and protection. Moisture damage to the brickwork can also cause collapse. However, this is less expensive than repairing a collapsed chimney.