5 Signs Your Chimney Requires Cleaning

You may not think about it often, but the importance of a well-performing chimney should never be underestimated. The only way to make sure your chimney is functioning to its maximum capacity is to have it cleaned by professionals regularly. All the dangerous gases (like carbon monoxide) and smoke generated during combustion in a fireplace need somewhere to go. And a clean, unclogged chimney is what keeps these pollutants from entering back inside your home.

As time passes, your chimney collects large amounts of creosote or soot and becomes clogged by debris such as bird nests, cobwebs, and twigs. A skilled and focused chimney sweep will thoroughly clean your chimney, and allow it to function at its best.  But how can you tell if your chimney is due for a cleaning? Just keep an eye out for the following warning signs.

5 Signs You Should Opt For Chimney Sweep

Regular and proper chimney inspection is an essential task to ensure your home’s safety and comfort. Neglecting this task could lead to several problems, including fire hazards, poor ventilation, and foul odors. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 signs that indicate your chimney requires cleaning.

Bad Odors Emanating From the Chimney (Even When the Fireplace Isn’t Being Used)

Weird odors coming from your chimney when it is not in use are likely caused by creosote buildup. Soot and creosote will naturally accumulate in the chimney flue after you use the fireplace. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup poses a huge fire hazard. Since creosote is flammable, you need to have your chimney cleaned by a chimney sweep to prevent the risk of accidental ignition. 

Smoke Inside the Home

Does smoke fill the room whenever you light a fire? This happens because the clogged-up chimney is unable to let the smoke pass through the flue and outside the house. A chimney that’s full of dirt and debris will only become less and less effective over time. If smoke is being blown back into the room, it’s a sure-shot sign that you need to call a chimney sweep to bring the chimney back to working safely and effectively. 

Soot Falling Into Fireplace

If you see that soot is dropping back into the fireplace, it’s another sign that you need to call a chimney sweep to remove it. As soot collects throughout the chimney, it can come dislodged by rain, wind, or debris. This can damage the chimney or fireplace, in addition to making blockages inside so the smoke fails to billow out of your home.

Visible Tar Deposits 

If you can see thick, black deposits of creosote in the chimneys, it’s time to call a chimney sweep. Creosote (a tar-like substance) can build up around the stove, on the chimney lining, or on the damper. The fact that you can see these deposits easily, means a) the chimney hasn’t been cleaned in years, and b) the creosote buildup has reached a critical point and must be addressed immediately.

Fire Takes A Lot Of Time To Start

When you try to light a fire in the fireplace, does it take a while to ignite? A clogged-up fireplace will take a long time to ignite, and it will be more difficult to maintain due to reduced airflow. A fire needs sufficient air to burn right, and that can only happen if your chimney is clean and free of obstacles. 

Call UHS to Give Your Chimney the Care It Deserves

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time for you to get your chimney cleaned out. Clogged, dirty, and blocked fireplaces can suffer greatly reduced performance, and pose a severe threat to your home the longer you ignore them. United Home Services provide regular chimney cleaning services so you and your family can enjoy a nice, roaring fire in the safest way possible. Call us at 844-415-1543 or fill out this online contact form.