Is There Too Much Creosote In Your Chimney?

People who have chimneys in their home no doubt know about the obvious dangers that they come along with, including blazing chimney fires. However, creosote poses a serious risk if it is left to accumulate in the chimney and many homeowners are unaware of it. Understanding this chemical compound and what it can do is essential to maintaining a home that is healthy and safe for the entire family, even those who do not come into direct contact with the fireplace or chimney.

Creosote is a combination of chemicals that is used to treat wood and coal. When these materials burn in the fireplace, they leave a layer of the creosote behind on the inside of the chimney. Over time, the creosote will accumulate and then the family may have to face a number of different risks if they do not properly take care of it.

Creosote buildup can cause Chimney fires – Suffolk NY – Chief Chimney Services

One of the biggest risk factors associated with creosote is that it is extremely flammable. It would take only a small spark from the fireplace to ignite the entire chimney. This can start a fire that will not only damage the structure of the chimney but that could potentially spread throughout the home. This is an especially significant risk in the event of negative air pressure, which sends material from the chimney into the home instead of out of the flue.

If creosote or smoke from burning creosote enters the air, everyone in the home will be at risk for health issues. Inhalation of creosote has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses as well as damage to various organs. These effects have been especially severe in the cases of children. Although some conditions can be treated, it is also possible that the effects of creosote could be fatal if left untreated over time.

In addition to doing internal damage, creosote can be dangerous for anyone who comes into physical contact with it. Just a bit of exposure can cause minor skin irritations and, in some people, severe rashes on the skin. The substance can also cause significant damage if it comes into contact with the eyes. Not only will it cause a painful irritation, but it has also been connected with a loss of sight.

Anyone who burns treated wood and coal in their fireplace should assume that they have at least some creosote inside of their chimney. There is no avoiding the residue when the treated material is burned. However, there are other signs that there is a significant accumulation of the material in the chimney. For example, when it burns, creosote will have a distinct smell that should come straight through the fireplace and into the home.

The best way to deal with accumulation of creosote is to have a cleaning by a professional chimney sweep at the end of each cold weather season. Since there are so many health dangers associated with it, the average, untrained person should not attempt to clean it up on their own. A chimney sweep has the proper tools and training to safely rid the chimney of excess creosote. An annual cleaning is the best way to keep the chimney safe and clear.

Creosote is a typical problem for anyone with a fireplace but it is a fairly easy issue to manage. Remember to have a chimney sweep come in each year to clear it out and to check for any damage to the chimney. Failure to take care of this could result in illness, physical injury, and devastating chimney fires. Let a professional bring peace of mind along with an efficient heating system.

Chimney Crowns

What Is A Chimney Crown And Why Would It Need To Be Repaired?

The crown of the chimney is typically a cement layer that covers and protects the chimney from outside threats. These threats can include bird and animal visitors, rain, shrubbery or other debris, and strong winds. The crown is designed to encourage rainwater to leave the roof, instead of settling around the chimney masonry and flashing.

Common Problems With The Crown

• Sometimes, the crown is applied in too thin of a layer and quickly deteriorates, leaving the chimney unprotected.
• Sometimes, the crown is improperly sealed, leaving gaps and cracks for water to sneak in.
• The crown may have been made out of a brick and mortar mixture. A good, solid crown should be composed of a cement and mesh or fiber mixture and should be thick and level. This just helps reinforce the structure and keep it from deteriorating rapidly in severe weather.
• The crown may not have the proper overhang to encourage water to leave the roof.

Because chimney crowns play such a crucial role in the overall well-being of your chimney system, it is strongly recommended that you have your crown checked at least once a year for soundness and effectiveness. If you think about it, the crown of your chimney is exposed to the worst weather conditions and never has relief. It is the uppermost part of the chimney and does not get protection from wind, rain, heat, cold, or any other damaging weather conditions.

If your chimney crown is not up to par, it is worth the time and investment to have it professionally redone out of the proper materials and to the proper specs. Maintaining and repairing your chimney crown is significantly cheaper than making repairs to your entire chimney system that result from water and wind damage. Protect yourself from costly surprises down the line by having your crown inspected and repaired, if necessary.

If you’re worried about appearances and don’t like the image cement brings to mind, don’t worry. At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we have a great appreciation for aesthetics and will make sure that you are pleased with the look of your chimney crown. We always produce clean, beautiful work that is pleasing to both your wallet and your eye.

Whatever your crown repair needs, you can trust Chief Chimney Services, Inc. to do high-quality work in a timely fashion. To schedule your crown inspection and repair today, call Chief Chimney Services, Inc. We guarantee you will be happy you did!

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

Due to the high temperatures it endures, the firebox often needs some TLC and repairs. Let our trained and experienced chimney masons take care of this crucial work to be sure it gets done right.

How to Build the Best Fires

You may be a pro at building fires. You build the best campfires, have a roaring fire pit in the back yard, and even have a reputation for the best steaks on the charcoal grill. When it comes to building a fire in a hearth, insert, or stove, however, many homeowners find themselves struggling. You don’t have to. We want our customers to have the best experience every winter when it’s time to light the fire and that’s why we offer the best tips and services to help you build the best fire possible.

Proper Fuel

First thing’s first. If you’re trying to light the wrong type of fuel, your fire will not light. This doesn’t just mean making sure you only use wood in your fireplace. Burning the right fuel means to only burn properly seasoned firewood in your wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove. Wood that has been freshly cut is considered wet or “green” and will be more difficult to light, burn, and will produce more creosote and smoke than seasoned firewood. In order to ensure your wood is ready to burn in your fire unit make sure it has been cut to length and stored for 3 to 6 months (more for hardwoods). When the wood is ready to burn it will begin to crack, will dull in color, and feel light. The bark will pull away from the wood, and two pieces of wood hit together will produce a hollow sound. When you’re sure your firewood is good for burning you’re ready to build your best fire.

Clean Chimney System

If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned or inspected in the last 12 months, it may not be safe for a fire. Not only that, but a dirty chimney will prevent proper ventilation of the fire which causes venting issues and fire failure. If your fireplace is difficult to light, maintain, and push smoke into your home, there is likely a problem with the chimney that needs to be diagnosed by a professional.

Prime the Flue

During this last part of winter, you may experience extremely low temperatures. Many homeowners don’t use their fireplace all the time, though, and the chimney may be very cold when you attempt to light your fire. When you’re lighting a fire with a cold chimney it can be nearly impossible. What’s more, a newly lit fire will not produce enough heat to properly vent up the chimney, resulting in a smoky house and a weak flame. Before you light a fire with a cold chimney, first light a roll of newspaper and hold it at the flue opening until it burns completely. This little flame will burn well, slowly warming the flue so that your new fire will vent properly.

Building the Fire

We all learned to build a fire upside-down. Don’t believe it? Pay attention here: the typical fire is built with the tinder and kindling on the bottom followed by larger wood on top of that, and then the largest logs go on the top of the pile. The reason why this method is a little “upside-down” is that the tinder and kindling often get smothered before lighting the rest of the pile. This method also forces the flame to rise up while the embers fall down. Professionals see this flaw in the science of the fire and recommend a better way.
For the best fire, we recommend our customers master the top-down burn. When you build a top-down fire your smoke will rise up out and out instead of smothering out your fire. Your embers will fall and ignite the rest of the fire, and the fuel burns more completely, producing less ash and smoke.

To build your top-down burn your wood should be cut to length and ready to burn. The first layer of wood is your largest logs. They should be lying side by side and laying back to front. Don’t press the ends of your logs completely against the back of your fireplace or appliance. Your fire needs airflow to burn properly. The second layer will be smaller logs than the first and laying opposite the first, crossing the first layer. Don’t cramp your wood in too tightly. Continue this in layers upward until you reach ½ the fireplace height. It should be 4 to 5 layers with kindling and tinder at the top. This method should allow you to light the tinder (wood shavings, lint, etc.) and then the fire burns on its own.

If it sounds too good to be true, you’ll have to try it for yourself! Our customers that have tried the top-down burn were not disappointed and experience a more complete burn and healthy fire than ever. The placement of the wood and the layers allow for great airflow in and around the fuel and improved efficiency.

Now that your chimney is properly maintained and your fire is built, make sure you practice fire safety precautions to keep your family safe and warm this winter.

Still having trouble with your fire? Residents of Suffolk County depend on Chief Chimney Services for comprehensive chimney care and you can too. Schedule an appointment online today.

Fireplace Smoking Problems

The last thing you want to experience on a cold winter’s night is a smoky fireplace. A smoky chimney doesn’t have to be wafting clouds of smoke out into your room. It can also smell strongly of smoke, cause respiratory distress, and produce excessive smoke inside the fireplace that hides the flames. A smoky fireplace can take on different forms, but one thing is for certain—it shouldn’t occur at all.

Reasons Your Chimney Smokes

Draft Problems

• Your chimney should vent the smoke from your fireplace, but to do so requires an updraft to carry smoke and gases up and out of the house. The heat from the fireplace should create the push the air needs to rise, but if the chimney system is competing with other draft-producing appliances in the house, it may not vent properly.
• Troubleshoot: Crack a window or door in another part of the house. Do not run large appliances or ceiling fans while the fireplace is going or when fireplace doors are open.

Airflow Problems

• It may be that you have an obstruction in your flue. Your chimney may have a creosote buildup that has become a dangerous obstruction. It may be filled with debris, or the damper may be stuck in an engaged position, closing off the flue opening and preventing airflow.
• Troubleshoot: Look into your chimney with a mirror to check for obvious obstructions. If the flue is closed to airflow, DO NOT ATTEMPT A FIRE until it has been assessed by a certified chimney sweep.

Incorrect Fuel

• Burning the wrong type of fuel in your fireplace can cause smoke problems. You should only burn properly seasoned wood in your fireplace. It should be cut and dried so that it burns cleanly. Green/fresh wood will smoke more, as well as leaves, pine cones, pine needles, clothes, and trash.
• Troubleshoot: Plan ahead and cut or buy wood with adequate time for it to season. Check the wood’s dryness by inspecting it visually before burning.

Cold Chimney

• If your chimney is cold, your fire is battling a great deal of cold air. The cold air in your chimney will fall as the warm air from your fire attempts to rise. The cold air will win, push smoke into your house, and make it difficult to light the fire and keep it lit.

Troubleshoot

• Prime your chimney by lighting a rolled newspaper and burning it completely while holding it at the mouth of the chimney. This small amount of heat slowly warms the air in the chimney. By the time the newspaper is burned completely, your chimney should be ready to vent your fire.

Contact Us

There are other reasons that your chimney may not be venting properly. If you’ve attempted to troubleshoot and still get the same results, it’s a good idea to stop using your fireplace until a professional can assess it. There may be unseen problems with your chimney system that can put your family and home at risk if not addressed. Schedule a chimney inspection with Chief Chimney Services, and you won’t be waiting long. Chief Chimney Services offers the best services in the Suffolk County Area—and in a timely manner. Call us today at 631-863-2460 or schedule an appointment online now.

Fire Investigation Services

It isn’t just old chimneys that need routine care! In our historic region of New England, we specialize in historic chimneys for good reason. In order to provide the best services for all of our customers, we offer chimney and fireplace consultation services in addition to a full selection of chimney care and maintenance.

Chief Chimney, Service for Decades

With over 30 years of experience, our team at Chief Chimney Services continues to be the choice for our friends and neighbors in and around Suffolk County New York. Our collective experience combined with our thorough training, examinations, and credentials make us the best. Our team can help troubleshoot and diagnose problems with your chimney and fireplace system that have been present but overlooked for years. We take care of chimneys from top to bottom and can sweep and inspect your chimney system year-round.

Fire Investigation When Disaster Strikes

Having a professional investigate the cause of your fire may be the furthest thing from your mind when you have a chimney-related fire. However, this is an important service that we provide for our existing customers and new ones alike. Scheduling fire investigation services after a chimney fire can help you better handle your insurance company and attorney and offer advice when a very stressful situation can often cloud judgment. During a fire investigation, our technician will determine the definitive cause of the fire. This type of service is often called an origin and cause investigation. It takes place after a fire is extinguished, and can’t be completed by just anyone.

The Process of Fire Investigation

First, a fire occurs. Many flue fires may go out on their own due to lack of fuel or oxygen. About 15 percent of reported house fires are a result of heating appliances, and these are the types of fires we want to help you understand better. After a fire is extinguished, an investigator determines first if the fire is the result of a crime. Then, the investigator looks at the remains after a fire to reconstruct the events which led up to the fire. Through this process, a fire investigator can determine the origin of the fire (location, appliance, etc.) and the cause (damage, misuse, etc.). In most cases, house fires are preventable.

NFPA’s Top Ten Preventable Causes of U.S. House Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are ten preventable causes of most U.S. house fires. While we can’t help you with all of these, we want you to be aware!

• Cooking
• Kids playing with fire
• Smoking
• Heating
• Electrical
• Candles
• Fireplace
• Dryers
• Flammable products
• Christmas trees

When it comes to house fires, you can prevent them and we want to help. While we offer fire investigation services, we would much rather meet you—and your chimney—before an accidental fire occurs!

If you reside in the Suffolk County area and own or rent a home with a chimney system, we can help to prevent devastating accidental fires by completing routine chimney sweeps and annual inspections. These important appointments keep chimney and fireplace systems efficient, safe, and long-lasting.

Schedule a chimney sweep or inspection today. Call our office at 631-863-2460 to meet one of our experts and plan a consultation or investigation today.

Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

So you keep up with your regular maintenance with your fireplace and chimney. Did you know there are still carbon monoxide dangers lurking in your home? The most common cause of accidental carbon monoxide exposure is household items such as gas water heaters and furnaces, oil-burning furnaces, charcoal grills, portable generators, and small engines.

Any fire appliances that burn can produce carbon monoxide, and carbon monoxide is very dangerous. It is a silent killer with no smell, no taste, and no sound. No home should have a fire appliance without having a carbon monoxide detector too. At Chief Chimney Services, we want to help you understand all the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to avoid exposure to it.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is very hard to detect, and exposure of carbon monoxide poisoning is also very hard to detect. The symptoms of a person who is exposed are often confused for the common cold or flu. Whether sudden exposure to a large amount or a slow leak, there can be serious permanent damage to your health, if left unchecked. You should pay attention to the following signs and symptoms, as they include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Confusion and memory loss
• Disorientation
• Nausea and vomiting

Very serious symptoms of CO poisoning can mimic neurological or psychiatric disorders ranging from convulsions and seizures to paranoia, confusion, and coma. Prolonged exposure will result in permanent organ damage, organ failure, or even death.

Protect Your Family Against CO Poisoning

Exposure to carbon monoxide is highly poisonous. The existence of CO in the air you breathe causes a buildup in the bloodstream, eventually replacing the oxygen in the bloodstream and starving the tissues of oxygen. Since the symptoms are common to the same symptoms caused by viral infections and the common cold, it’s important to note when family members all exhibit the same symptoms.

You should see your family physician for symptoms of cold or flu so that proper tests can identify an illness. If your symptoms can not be diagnosed, this could be caused by carbon monoxide exposure—especially if symptoms subside when away from the home. Symptoms may reappear when you’re back in the home, or when seasonal appliances are used such as a fireplace or furnace. Additionally, you should make sure to never run a small engine indoors—even the garage. Open the garage door before you start your car, lawn mower, power blower, generator, or any other gas-powered tool.

Professional Care for Safer Homes

To protect your family against CO poisoning every day, every home should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level of their home. Follow all user guides and manuals for heat appliances and other household tools and appliances which burn fuel. Have your fireplace, stove, or gas log set serviced by a professional to prevent CO leaks.

A smoky fireplace can cause CO exposure. A damper malfunction, poorly-sized chimney flue, or obstruction is not only a fire hazard, but they are also a CO risk. When any part of your fireplace or chimney is not working, you should schedule an inspection with Chief Chimney Services to protect your family against CO exposure.

Choose Chief Chimney Services for your comprehensive chimney care, and we’ll make sure your chimney is safe. Concerned about a carbon monoxide leak? Call us for an inspection or contact your local fire department now. Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 today!

Schedule Your Sweep Before the Rush!

Just as you’d leave for a trip before rush hour, or get holiday shopping finished before the week-of, you should plan ahead to have your chimney system cleaned.

Avoid the Fall Rush

At Chief Chimney Services we clean and service chimneys year-round. We’re just much busier from October through January, a time we call the “fall rush.” During this time you may not get the desired appointment time, you may have to schedule several days or weeks in advance, and you may be cold while you wait. We don’t want our customers to be cold or unsafe this winter, so we suggest scheduling your chimney sweep early. Avoid the wait, the hassle, and the cold. Schedule now, and you can be on the books this fall, or get it done this spring or summer.

Scheduling a Spring Chimney Sweep

Many homeowners decide to schedule a chimney sweep in the spring so that the system is ready for fall, and there is plenty of time for necessary repairs before the first fire of the season. Scheduling in the spring will also ensure your chimney is waterproof, animal-proof, and won’t stink when summer humidity mingles with the soot and creosote-covered walls. They’ll be clean after a Chief Chimney Services professional completes this hassle-free chimney sweep.

Scheduling a Fall Chimney Sweep

Do not wait until the weather turns cool before scheduling your chimney sweep! You can schedule now for your service in the fall and avoid the fall rush. Scheduling now also means your chimney is not forgotten. When you neglect to schedule routine sweeps and annual inspections, your chimney and your home may suffer. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) agree that routine chimney maintenance means a safer and more efficient chimney system.

Put Your Trust in Chief Chimney Services

The technicians that make up our team at Chief Chimney Services will not disappoint. We treat your home with the utmost professionalism and clean your chimney system from top to bottom, paying attention to the smallest detail. When you schedule with us, you can also rest assured that your chimney will get a thorough once-over, and we won’t miss a thing. This is the best way to ensure that damage is detected before it becomes unsafe and before it affects the rest of your system and your house. After our technician presents you with a detailed report of the findings, we can help you work out a repair plan that will get your chimney back to work before cold weather strikes in the fall! When you work closely with your chimney sweep, you can work around the fall rush.

Get started today. Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or contact us online!

The Importance of a Clean Fireplace for Valentine’s Day

We are halfway through the cold season, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s still important to maintain the chimney properly, however—even if you’re using it less, and even if it is working fine. If your chimney system is broken or damaged, you may not notice it until it’s too late, and serious damage has occurred. Besides the obvious safety perks of a clean chimney, you may also find that a clean chimney is just what you need to make your Valentine’s Day warm, comfortable, and romantic.

Why Sweep Your Chimney

In order to keep your family and property safe, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance. Both the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend routine sweeps and annual inspections for the most efficient and safe chimney system possible—year-round. When your chimney is cleaned, there isn’t anything in the flue to obstruct airflow, so the smoke rises out as it should. The alternative is that the air slows, and smoke stalls, depositing soot and creosote on the flue walls and even pushing smoke back into the house. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous. Carbon monoxide poisoning often goes unnoticed. If you have a smoky chimney, and you’re troubleshooting to no avail, contact a chimney professional and schedule a chimney sweep today.

Most chimney sweeps include a level 1 inspection that assesses the readily accessible portions of your chimney system. This inspection will identify any hazards that may put your family and home at risk. A level 1 inspection is recommended annually and may be required by your homeowner’s insurance. Kill two birds with one stone, and have your chimney sweep completed now.

The Danger of an Unclean Chimney

If your chimney continues to work while dirty, there are many things that can occur.

You may experience:

• a smoky fireplace while the fire is lit,
• a drafty or stinky fireplace while it’s not lit,
• or may even have a fire that devastates your household with injuries and loss of property or life.

A dangerous chimney is no laughing matter, but it can also cramp your style for your big Valentine’s date.

Dirty Chimneys Stink

When the chimney is dirty, it can stink—actually smell! If you notice your chimney has an odor, you may have a dirty chimney or a bigger problem. The best solution is to schedule a chimney sweep with a professional. If the chimney isn’t cleaned, you may also have difficulty lighting or keeping a fire burning, reaching the desired temperature, or burning too much wood. All of these issues can be avoided completely with a chimney sweep, and there’s still time.

You can schedule a chimney sweep with Chief Chimney Services now, and we’ll have your system cleaned before Valentine’s Day!

Operating Your Fireplace this Autumn

October for many simply means new decorations, Halloween parties, and pumpkin spice treats. For some, though, it is time to think about your fireplace. When you’re ready to light your first fire of the season, you want to know your chimney is ready, and that your fire will be safe and warm.

A Fire-Ready Fireplace

Both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends routine maintenance for a safe and efficient fire. You may schedule annual chimney inspections and base your chimney sweeps on your inspector’s recommendations. You may schedule your sweep for spring, and your inspection for fall. Maybe you just want to do them both together, and that is fine, too. The important thing is that your chimney is safe and has been assessed by a certified chimney sweep before burn season.

Preparing for Winter

Your chimney may be in good shape, but you’d like some added protection. You can schedule waterproofing services with Chief Chimney Services before winter. This vapor-soluble sealant keeps water molecules out, while allowing gases to escape.

Proper Fuel Store

When you have a wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove, you should have a supply of properly seasoned wood to burn in your fire. Burning green/fresh wood or any other material including trash and cloth, it can burn incompletely, increasing the smoke, creosote, and pollution produced by your fire. Burning seasoned wood will decrease the amount of wood you have to burn during one season, saving you in resources and utilities. You will also need chimney sweep services less often when you have an efficient fire, saving you money in maintenance and repairs.

Fireplace Safety

Burn season is long, and during cold weather, families often spend an increased time indoors. Additionally, through fall and winter there are many reasons to have guests and host get-togethers, and it’s important that everyone stays safe.

• Never leave children unattended with a fire. You can add a barrier by installing a screen or custom glass doors.
• Keep the damper open while the fire is burning to allow the smoke, gas, and particulate pollution up the flue.
• Keep decorations, furniture, and drapes away from the hearth.
• Use only proper fireplace tools and accessories when stirring the fire or adjusting logs. For added protection, use leather gloves to prevent burns.
• Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you do not have these installed, do so before lighting a fire.
• Plan a fire escape with your family and make sure to practice at least monthly so that everyone knows how to best leave the house during a fire.
• Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the house. First aid kits should only be used for minor injuries, not to replace emergency care. A fire extinguisher should be used only to escape or to put out a small fire, not to attempt to put out a house fire.

When Autumn arrives in full swing, you won’t want to wait to light your fire. Make sure it’s safe so it’s ready when you are.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a real danger and the cause of 20,000 exposure-related ER visits per year in America alone. You can’t smell it, see it, or taste it. It is called the silent killer because people can be poisoned suddenly, or over time and never realize it. Symptoms are similar to the common cold or flu, so it’s often overlooked. Because it is almost undetectable, the best way to prevent poisoning is to prevent carbon monoxide intrusion.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced naturally any time fuel is burned. Your fireplace produces it at high rates while a fire is burning, and your chimney vents it. It’s when the chimney isn’t working properly that intrusion can occur.

A Draft Problem

If your fireplace is smoky, you have a draft problem. This means the chimney isn’t venting properly, and smoke along with other toxins, including carbon monoxide are entering the home.

Firebox Damage

Damage to the masonry of the fireplace can allow carbon monoxide intrusion into the home. Holes and cracks in mortar can allow smoke and vapors through into the home.

Missing or Damaged Liner

If the liner becomes damaged or is missing, the gases in the chimney will penetrate the porous masonry of the chimney and enter your home.

A Clogged or Damaged Dryer Vent

The chimney is not the only ventilation system in your house that vents a heat appliance. Clothes dryers also produce carbon monoxide which can lead to CO poisoning if the dryer vent is damaged or clogged.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Intrusion

1. Keep your chimney and fireplace maintained properly. This includes scheduling regular chimney sweeps and annual inspections to insure your chimney is venting properly at it’s safest and highest efficiency. At these important service appointments a certified chimney sweep will get a good look at your entire system, clean it up, and offer a detailed report of necessary repairs and actions.
2. Burn only properly seasoned wood so that your chimney system is more efficient.
3. Make sure the damper is opened when the fireplace is in use. If the damper becomes damaged or stuck closed, do not burn a fire until the damper assembly is closed. The damper can cause smoke and carbon monoxide to push into the home instead of up the chimney.
4. Check your gas fireplace monthly: visually check hinges, bolts, and gaskets that are designed to prevent smoke and carbon monoxide from entering the home while your gas fireplace is burning.
5. Check your dryer vents regularly for leaks and clogs. Have them professionally installed and within code regulations. It is recommended to have dryer vents cleaned annually.
6. Purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector. This simple and inexpensive action may save the lives of your loved ones.

As with anything else, it is best to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning than to treat it. A slow leak can cause organ damage over time that is irreparable. A large leak can cause sudden death. Prevention is key.

If you’re not certain your home is safe from carbon monoxide poisoning, contact Chief Chimney Services today for expert advice and swift service.