As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, now is the perfect time to clean your chimney! But how do you know when it's time for a cleaning? And what's the best way to go about getting it done? Keep reading for everything you need to know about chimney cleaning.
The general rule of thumb is to have your chimney cleaned once a year. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you use your fireplace frequently, you may need to have it cleaned more often. The same goes for burning wood that produces a lot of soot, like pine. In these cases, it's best to have your chimney cleaned at least twice a year.
Another exception is if you have a new home with a new fireplace. In this case, you'll want to have your chimney inspected before using it for the first time. After that initial inspection, you can follow the general rule of thumb and have it cleaned once a year.
If it's been more than a year since your last cleaning, it's probably time for another one. But there are other ways to tell if your chimney needs to be cleaned, even if it hasn't been a full year.
For example, if you notice any of the following signs, it's time to give us a call:
Any of these signs indicates that something is wrong and that you need professional help. So don't wait—give us a call today!
Now that we've gone over how often you should clean your chimney and how to tell when it needs to be done, let's talk about some helpful tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
First and foremost, make sure you hire a professional! Chimneys are complex structures; cleaning them yourself is dangerous and can also damage your fireplace. Hiring a professional who knows what they're doing will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Secondly, schedule your appointment for early fall or late spring. These times of year are typically slower for us, so we'll be able to get to you faster. Plus, if repairs need to be made, they'll be less likely to interfere with using your fireplace during peak season.
Finally, ensure your pets are out of the house during the appointment! We love animals as much as anyone else, but they can sometimes get in the way (not to mention they might not love all the noises and commotion). So play it safe and find somewhere else for Fluffy and Fido to hang out for an hour or two while we take care of business.
Now that you know everything there is to know about chimney cleaning—when to do it, how often, what signs to look for—there's only one thing left to do: give Chimney Sweep Masters WA a call at +1 (206) 737-8884! We're experts in the field and would be more than happy to help prepare your fireplace for winter.
