p sizset90 sizcache1Keeping chimneys clean is the other key step in preventing a hrefhttplife.familyeducation.comfire-preventionhome-repairs47811.htmlchimney firesa.– Link to article Chimney Fires.– If you dont use your fireplace very often or you just a hrefhttplife.familyeducation.combuying-a-housepersonal-finance47227.htmlmoveda you might not know whether your chimney is clean or not.ppppThe following signs indicate a chimney in need of a cleaningpppullipBurned wood odors coming from the fireplace when its not being used.plipFires that seem to burn poorly or that dump a bunch of smoke into the room.plipA black damper. Since it sits right above the firebox the damper is often the easiest thing to see and reach. And it gets caked with creosote. Look or reach inside and see what you can find. If you see black gunk or you can pull out chunks of the stuff theres a good amount of creosote built up inside.pliulpppHow often you need to clean your chimney depends a great deal on how much you use it. The kinds of fires you build and the type of wood you use also govern frequency. As a rule of thumb its a good idea to have chimneys cleaned at least once a year usually before cold weather sets in. Some people prefer to do it in the spring and some chimney sweeps offer special promotions at this time of year to keep business going. This is fine too but scheduling a fall cleaning will also clear out anything that might have fallen into the chimney during the summer.ppppMost people hire chimney sweeps. We recommend it as well. Its dirty work and not something thats okay to do half-way. A certified well-trained sweep will do a better job in a shorter amount of time than you can. Look for someone who is credentialed by the National Chimney Sweep Guild or the Chimney Safety Institute of America.ppbrbrRead more on FamilyEducation a stylecolor rgb0 51 153 hrefhttplife.familyeducation.comfire-preventionhome-maintenance47813.htmlixzz2kv3pziUFhttplife.familyeducation.comfire-preventionhome-maintenance47813.htmlixzz2kv3pziUFap
