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Your Stinky Chimney: Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them

You want your fireplace to offer the ambiance you expected when it was installed, along with efficiency and safety to boot. That isn’t too much to ask. When your chimney stinks it’s not only inconvenient, but it also points to a bigger problem that should be dealt with right away.

What a Stinky Chimney Means for You

A chimney that is working properly shouldn’t stink–if it does, there is an issue inside. By identifying the type of smell, it can be easy to diagnose.

• A musty, dank odor means there is moisture in the chimney. When moisture gets into the chimney it mixes with soot, resulting in an unpleasant odor. This is a common cause of a stinky chimney, and homeowners should be aware of this and call a professional right away because water can wreak havoc on your chimney .

• A singed, smokey odor means there is a draft problem, or some bad burning habits on the part of the homeowner. If there is a draft problem it might be as simple as opening a window in another part of the house to replace air in the house. However, it can be a bigger problem, like a liner that is the wrong size, or a chimney that is the wrong height. If this is the case, the odor will persist until the problem is fixed, and these repairs should be done by a professional. If the odor is the result of poor burning practices, it is the easiest fix. The only fuel that should be burned in your fireplace or appliance is exactly the fuel it is designed for.

If you burn cord wood, you should only burn seasoned wood that has been cut, set aside, and dried for a number of months before burning. Burning wood that is not dried properly can cause incomplete burning which can contribute to draft problems as well as soot buildup. Also, trash and other items should never be burned in the fireplace. These items do not burn completely and pose a threat to the chimney system and the home.

What You Can Do For a Stinky Chimney

1. Call a Professional

Even if you are able to correct the problem by cracking a window to improve the draft, or by using the proper wood, you should call a professional and have your chimney checked out. Depending on how long the odor has been present, there may have been damage caused to the chimney. For instance, both a draft problem and improper fuel can cause creosote buildup on the flue lining. This will continue to stink, as well as may cause flue blockage, and threat of fire.

If the odor was caused by moisture in the chimney a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS)  can assess the cause and the damage. The chimney may need to be relined, resurfaced, or waterproofed to prevent further damage.

2. Remember Maintenance

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections to insure the chimney system is operating at it’s best efficiency and safety. These are preventative steps that you can take as a homeowner to prevent costly damage later.

To learn more about how your chimney works and reasons why your chimney isn’t working, visit with a professional today. Chief Chimney Services is available for consultation, chimney sweeps , and inspections. Schedule your appointment online today.

5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

In America 85% of households own a tumble dryer, and neglected dryer vents are the leading cause of heating-appliance house fires. These fires don’t just cause damage, but cause hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths per year. As a homeowner, it’s better to prevent this damage by scheduling regular maintenance for your dryer vent.

1. Protect your family against carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a natural byproduct released when fuel is burned, which is toxic to humans. Carbon monoxide escapes through the dryer vent safely outside the home unless there is a problem. Unfortunately carbon monoxide is odorless and if a leak occurs a homeowner may not know until it’s too late. A professional will check for carbon monoxide leaks in your dryer vent during a regular cleaning and can correct this damage before it harms your family.



2. Nesting animals cause blockage and odors in the dryer vent

Since dryer vents sometimes only have a metal flap to cover the outside vent, this allows easy access for small animals to nest. The animals are drawn to the dryer vent because it’s warm and seemingly safe, but they often end up dying. If this occurs they can not only become trapped and die in the dryer vent, but they also leave behind nesting materials in addition to the lint already present.

3. Leaking ducts can lower efficiency as well as cause carbon monoxide poisoning

As ducts leak heat and vapors from the hose, the flow slows and blockage is more likely. Also a leaky dryer vent causes the dryer to work harder in order to get the job done, costing your family more time, energy, and essentially more money.

4. Let a professional check for correct size and installation of dryer vent.

Oftentimes during a hasty move or after a large purchase, homeowners don’t bother with professional installation. A dryer vent should work efficiently and without leaks if it is installed correctly. However, if the hose is too small for the appliance, it is more likely to experience blockage and low efficiency.

5. Prevention today saves money tomorrow.

A standard dryer vent cleaning is cheaper than the cost of fire damage and injury. It’s cheaper than making a claim to your home owners insurance, and the nuisance of doing without a dryer during repairs. With any household appliance it is best to take steps of prevention to ensure that safety is first.

The reasons to have your dyer vent cleaned regularly far outweigh the cost, and Chief Chimney Services offers an affordable cleaning. It’s important to hire a CSIA Certified Exhaust Technician®  because they are trained in the safe installation of dryer vent ducts and experienced in repairs.

Chief Chimney Services offers only the best professional service and expert technicians to keep your dryer vent clean and efficient. This is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.

Call Chief Chimney Services today and schedule your dryer vent cleaning.