Amber K questioned:
I know you’re supposed to get someone to come in and clean the fireplace out because it can cause fires but I don’t know how often and I don’t want to question a company because they’ll probably tell me whatever is going to benefit them most. My ancient house caught on fire because of it (this was during the previous owner’s ownership) but fortunately only that room was terribly hurt because the fire company arrived very quickly (the house is right next to a state park). Anyhow any thoughts would be appreciated…Thanks!
Debra
I know you’re supposed to get someone to come in and clean the fireplace out because it can cause fires but I don’t know how often and I don’t want to question a company because they’ll probably tell me whatever is going to benefit them most. My ancient house caught on fire because of it (this was during the previous owner’s ownership) but fortunately only that room was terribly hurt because the fire company arrived very quickly (the house is right next to a state park). Anyhow any thoughts would be appreciated…Thanks!
Debra
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Tags: Fire Company, fireplace, Fires
it would probably be excellent to clean once a year before you start burning in fireplace. growing up my dad would always do that.
It depends how much you use it. If it has a fire every night, I’d service it every two years. Also, avoid burning construction lumber, it leaves a lot of byproduct in its smoke.
A fire place only used on weekends during the colder times, have the fireplace done once very ten years.
at least once a year to remove the creosote from the chimney walls, creosote is perilous to have as an excess residue
The build up of creosote in the lining of the chimney is the culprit. This can accumulate when one burns unseasoned wood and other products that shouldn’t be burned indoors. But, even seasoned would will eventually cause enough build up that a cleaning is recommended. If you use the fireplace to heat your house on a regular bases a yearly cleaning may be a excellent thought. Typical cleanings are not that expensive, yet routine cleaning can be performed by the home owner using a soot brush kit available at all home centers. The brush comes with a set of pole that all interlock together to make a long handle to reach deep into the chimney. All you have to do is scrub up and down the walls to loosen the debris. Be sure to fist, though, have your hearth well sealed up with plastic so the soot doesn’t fall out into your house when you are cleaning it. Excellent Luck
If you are burning excellent seasoned hardwood you should have it cleaned on a yearly basis, never burn pine or soft woods as they will add excess creasote to your chimney and this will cause a chimney fire.