With the stormy winter weather we’ve experienced this past year, there’s a good reason to question your chimney’s safety. The larger, smokier fires that are burned during some harsh winters may leave a larger than normal creosote deposit in your chimney. It’s the same principle that causes a car engine to have more carbon buildup with in-town driving than with highway driving.
Creosote deposits are highly flammable and are an open invitation for a chimney fire. When creosote is allowed to accumulate, it can eventually block the flue opening. For your family’s safety, you need to have your chimney inspected before lighting your first fire of the season, the same way you would inspect the brakes on your car before taking the family vacation through the mountains. National Fire Protection Code 211 requires that all chimney systems be inspected annually. Don’t wait for the next heating season – take care of this important precaution now.
Be sure your heating unit is working properly by regularly checking the flue on the venting system of your furnace or boiler. First, operate the equipment for at least five minutes until the flue pipe is hot. Second, hold a lighted match to the edge of the draft hood and slowly move it across the opening. The flue is clear if the flame is blown downward or extinguished. If this is not the result, try the test again. If you get the same result, turn the furnace off and contact us immediately.
Remember your chimney when making a safety check of your home’s heating and water heating systems. If your chimney is blocked by debirs and/or dirt, the products of combustion cannot be vented and may back up into your home.
Every year, check your chimneys and vents for blockages and clean them every three to five years. If you have a metal chimney, check to see if its corroded or rusty.
E and M Maintenance can perform yearly inspections, clean your chimney and if necessary, perform any installations or repairs.
