Want to guarantee your friends, your family, and yourself a happier, safer, and more festive holiday season this December? Why not work with our team here at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County to ensure your heating appliance is functioning as efficiently as possible? There’s no doubt that a crackling fire sets the perfect mood for any get-together, and we’re happy to help you out!
Schedule Annual Maintenance
An annual inspection makes all the difference when it comes to keeping your system in good shape. A professional chimney expert will know where to look and what to inspect for to keep water out and your system functioning safely and efficiently, so you can rest easier knowing your system is getting exactly what it needs. Call today to schedule an inspection with our qualified team. Your chimney, fireplace, wood stove and gas or oil furnace will thank you!
So, what will our team being looking for? Well, we will let you know if there is any damage throughout your system. Cracks, holes, and other types of decay and deterioration that can cause your chimney to function much less efficiently, and that can leave you more vulnerable to bigger problems like chimney/ house fires and gas leaks. The longer repair work is put off, more damage and deterioration can get worse, meaning more expensive repairs or a total rebuild . Keep your chimney healthy by getting your inspections on the books as soon as possible.
We will also monitor for creosote accumulation. Creosote forms as your burn fires in your fireplace, wood stove or insert, and it lines your chimney walls in the process. This isn’t good for your flue liner, and it is also very flammable, thus increasing your risk of experiencing a chimney fire. Chimney fires can cause a lot of destruction and make your home heating appliance chimney unsafe and unsuitable for use – not ideal before the holidays or anytime of the year!
All in all, a thorough inspection will allow you peace of mind knowing your system is all set and ready to go for any festivities you have planned. It also keeps your chimney healthy for use in years ahead! Call us in today – you won’t regret it!
Burn Smarter
Another great plan for keeping your chimney healthy is to burn only seasoned wood if you have a traditional fireplace, wood stove or insert. Some homeowners throw trash, old boxes, wrapping paper, and more in their holiday fires, but this can lead to noxious fumes and smoke back-up into the home as well as creosote accumulation, both of which are bad for your family and your chimney. We also advise against burning unseasoned wood, which is too fresh to burn efficiently and will deposit a lot of acidic water into your system.
Seasoned firewood is darker in color, lighter in weight, split at the ends, and hollow-sounding. All in all, it won’t look or smell as fresh. These clear cut signs indicate the logs have been drying out for at least six months and will burn well in your fireplace this winter.
Have More Questions?
These things, along with regularly clearing out ash, investing in preventative maintenance, and hiring a sweep to check out any potential issues throughout the year all work wonders in guaranteeing a long, healthy life for your fireplace and chimney. Call today with any questions. We’re happy to help!