Earlier the Better, Say the Experts

As the days become shorter and the cool evenings stretch into long, dark nights, a lit fireplace is like a warm and cheery hug that we all need from time to time. Just the thought of gathering friends and family around a crackling fire brings a certain joy that beats all your winter blues. While prepping for the chilly weather ahead and making plans for Christmas and New Year, did it just occur to you that you missed scheduling a routine chimney cleaning service after the last heating season? In case you are wondering whether to wait until the next spring, experts say the answer is no, it’s not too late! Arrange for a chimney clean up right away, before you light the first fire of the season.

The Basics of Chimney Cleaning 

• Why Do You Need A Chimney Sweep or Cleaning? With regular fireplace usage, your chimney, liner, damper and smoke chamber will be at the receiving end of the flammable creosote build-up. Moreover, seasonal elements such as dirt, debris, twigs, pine cones and dried leaves, or birds, critters and other wildlife could have taken refuge inside the chimney, creating risky situations. Any type of blockage or sooty build-up will have a devastating effect on your fireplace’s efficiency and safety. A chimney sweep involves the complete removal of any obstructions that inhibit the performance of your wood burning hearth, or have the potential to cause chimney fires. 
• How Often Should You Schedule a Cleaning? While most people prefer to schedule an annual chimney sweep, at times, you may need more than one sweep in a year. Plan a cleaning service when there is a minimum of about 1/8^th inch of deposit in the chimney. However, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) advises that if you notice any glaze in the flue, cleaning should be done right away, even if the soot build-up has not reached the minimum threshold of 1/8^th of an inch. 
• When Should a Cleaning be Scheduled? Ideally, the best time to arrange a cleaning service is late spring, just after the heating season is over, or early fall, before you start lighting fires again. However, if you notice any performance issues with a newly installed fireplace or chimney, call a service technician immediately. If you wait it out till the season turns, it may result in expensive repairs.
• Why Book an Inspection? Each time you use your fireplace, the combustion process releases an acidic material that gets deposited along the chimney walls. Over a period of time, this can weaken or deteriorate the masonry or the metal flue liner. Sign up for an annual fireplace and chimney inspection to ensure that such damages are detected and repaired in a timely manner. The technician will also check all the components of the fireplace to make sure they are in proper working condition. If you have installed a new wood burning fireplace, get it checked midway through the first heating season as well.

For professional chimney and fireplace services in and around Philadelphia, choose Elite Fireplace. Our certified and licensed technicians have the right equipment and training to conduct fireplace inspections, chimney sweeps and chimney restoration and repairs.

For safe and reliable fireplace and chimney services, count on the experts at Elite Fireplace. To schedule an appointment or know more about our services, call us at (610) 489-4274 or contact us online. 

Get in the Know of Common Chimney Problems and their Solutions

Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, you will agree that ‘leak’ is a dreadful four-letter-word, and you would do anything to avoid any leaky problems in your home. Depending on the type of leak and how quickly you identify its source, you may be able to minimize damage to the floors, walls, roofs and other sections of your home. However, a water damage situation is usually accompanied by scare, confusion and a significant dent in your wallet.

In just a couple of months from now, you will be sitting around a crackling fire, warming your tippy toes, sipping hot cocoa or wine, and taking in the familiar smell of firewood burning. When you find yourself wrapped comfortably in your favorite fleece blanket, or surrounded by family or friends on cold, winter evenings, you will be thankful for the wood logs that you collected and prepped ahead of time. 

Your Professional Chimney and Fireplace Company Can Help

When it comes to selecting a heating system for your home, you have a number of options available in the market today. In addition to the HVAC systems, you have plenty of secondary heating sources such as fireplaces, stoves or inserts. However, the variety of models available in every category may leave you confused. How do you decide on the appropriate solution for your home’s heating needs? Your lifestyle, preferences and budget will be the guiding factors while narrowing down on aspects such as the fuel type, venting options, designs and sizes. 

A List of Pros and Cons from Your Trusted Chimney and Fireplace Company 

Isn’t it magical to hear the crackling of the logs, take in the aroma of the burning wood, watch the flames dance and feel warm and cheerful just by being in a room with a lit fireplace? Wood has been used to light fires since prehistoric times, making it one of mankind’s most faithful friends. However, in modern times, thanks to the higher environmental awareness and stricter emission norms, wood burning fireplaces are slowly making way for gas or electric ones.

A Handy List and Possible Solutions from Your Trusted Chimney and Fireplace Company 

A wood-burning fireplace always has a special place in our hearts and homes. But your hearth’s safety and efficiency is largely dependent on the health of the chimney. Seasonal wear and tear can result in a blocked or leaky chimney, which can be extremely dangerous to your home and your family. Not only can it lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, but a damaged chimney could potentially cause a massive house fire. 

Your Trusted Chimney and Fireplace Company Responds to Common Queries about Fireplace Safety

At that time of the year when the temperatures take a nosedive, the warmth and charm of a lit fireplace is guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of everyone in your home. However, if you do not take the necessary precautions to ensure fireplace safety, this enjoyment could be short-lived.