For many people, approaching cooler months conjures up images of cozy gatherings around a warm fireplace. However, if you haven’t done any chimney cleaning since last year, or you’re trying your fireplace out for the first time, it may not be safe to use.
The experts at Chimney Pro understand the dangers of operating a dirty chimney. Below, we will highlight the potential hazards that can cause damage to your home and explain why it’s important to have your chimney cleaned by a professional:
Your gas fireplace needs love too! Many homes have gas burning fireplaces but homeowners don’t think about getting them serviced until they need it for that special occasion like that first big football game or Thanksgiving dinner. So why not get an annual checkup for your fireplace before that first fire? Calling on a professional fireplace technician can save you time, frustration and money.
Having a roaring fire burning brightly in your living room’s fireplace is a cozy, comfortable way to spend a winter evening. However, if you have a traditional masonry fireplace, only five to 10% of the heat produced stays inside the home. That’s because traditional wood burning fireplaces aren’t very efficient. They lose far more heat up the flue than they retain. That’s why they’re not very good for use as a main heating tool. However, the use of wood burning fireplace inserts can prevent heat loss and keep much more of the generated heat inside your home.
Inserts generate hotter and longer-lasting flames, plus they retain a higher percentage of heat. This is an eco-friendly approach to heat generation, as you’re not using as much gas or electric heat to keep your home comfortable during the winter, plus you’re using wood — a natural renewable resource. Because you’re not using your traditional heat source quite as much, you’re saving money on those monthly energy bills. In addition to those savings, you’re reducing your maintenance costs, as inserts don’t require as much TLC as your traditional heating system. Over time, you may face a repair bill, but always check your system’s warranty coverage from the manufacturer before paying out of pocket.