You may have heard that a wood-burning fireplace needs to be cleaned every year.  A homeowner in Howard County recently asked us if they need to have their gas burning fireplace cleaned.  Gas fireplaces are considered much cleaner and safer than their woodburning ancestors, but they can develop issues over time.  Many people don’t realize that gas fireplaces also experience buildup and need regular maintenance to work at their best. There are many reasons why gas chimneys must be cleaned every year.  Read on to find out more:

Why a Gas Chimney Needs Yearly Cleaning

There are a wide variety of reasons why you should have your gas fireplace cleaned and maintained. Poorly maintained gas fireplaces can be dangerous.  In some cases, it may be legally required. Depending on where you live, your insurance, city, or county may require regular chimney inspections and cleaning. Skipping this can get you hit with fees or even affect your insurance status. 

Ease of cleaning is one of the many reasons to choose gas fireplaces.  However, over time some buildup will occur. It’s important that this buildup is safely cleared away on a regular schedule. This typically means once a year, depending on use. A good time to schedule cleaning is at the end of summer or in the fall before the cold temperatures hit.

Why Chimney Sweeping Matters

What could happen if you don’t get regular cleaning and servicing?  Here are three common scenarios:

• Scenario 1: A residue has built up in the chimney, often paired with a cloudy film inside the glass viewing doors.
• What’s the problem? The residue could ignite, starting a chimney fire.  This is a potentially extremely dangerous situation that could cause permanent damage to your chimney or home.
• Scenario 2: You see damage to the doors, mortar, or crowns.
• What’s the problem? Chips, cracks, and poor seals could let moisture leak into the system, causing other problems. 
• The problems continue:  This might also allow toxic fumes to leak out of your gas fireplace and into the air you’re breathing.  Carbon monoxide is the big concern here.  It’s odorless and can sicken or even kill people.
• Scenario 3: Over the summer, a blockage developed in the chimney.  This is often caused by birds building nests.
• What’s the problem? This scenario could trigger a cascade of problems including chimney fires and, through poor airflow, carbon monoxide could infiltrate your home.

What’s Involved

When a technician from a professional chimney service like our company, All Pro Chimney Service performs a fireplace inspection and cleaning, he or she will start by looking at the exterior and interior of the unit. A major part of the inspection is checking that your chimney is operating correctly. This means looking for signs of both exterior and interior damage as well as making sure that the flue is clear.

If you haven’t used your fireplace in a while, some debris may be blocking the flue. This could include birds making nests, which often happens in the spring and isn’t noticed until temperatures drop in the fall. Another culprit is bad weather that blows debris and leaves inside.

The technician may also talk with you about any concerns or issues you’ve had. Next, he will check to make sure everything is operating correctly. If there’s a problem, it’s addressed. The next step will be a cleaning that removes residue from the chimney, vents, and glass panels.

Some inspections will include other, related services. For example, the technician may check that your carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. If you want to replace your ceramic fireplace logs or have something else installed there, this is a good time.

As the weather gets colder, people start thinking about getting cozy in front of a beautiful fire. Even if you had your chimney cleaned at the end of last winter, it is a good idea to ask a certified chimney sweep to inspect before you start using your fireplace.  No one wants to experience the cold season in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia without being able to use their fireplace safely.  Their many reasons why waiting until the winter for a chimney sweep is not the best idea.   

Things Can Change In Your Chimney Over The Summer?

An unused chimney is not a vacuum-sealed space that stays in perfect condition until you open it up for the winter heating season. Things happen both inside and outside that can change your chimney or fireplace needs.

• Animals like squirrels love places like chimneys. If your chimney cap was damaged or missing, you made an open-door invitation to nest builders and nut storage. Animals in your chimney threaten the safety of your home. 
• If a chimney swift has built a nest in your chimney, it issues by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and will usually be gone when cold weather arrives. If it is still there, your Chimney Sweep can answer your questions about your options.
• The storms that your chimney encountered during the spring and summer can cause damage to masonry and flashing.  Heavy rainfall and wind drive water into those damaged areas.  Your chimney could already be damaged.

Why Not Wait Until Winter?

While winter is the time that we use our fireplace and chimney, it’s not a good time to do inspections and repairs. Chimney service companies are busiest just before the winter holidays because people start a fire on the hearth then realize that the chimney isn’t clear and call in a panic. 

• Your chimney could have small cracks in the mortar and flashing.   These cracks turn into leaks once the freeze-thaw cycle of winter starts.  It is always best to catch problems early.   Small cracks quickly turn into major problems.  Repairs now save you money.
• Many chimney repairs need good weather and a specific temperature window to be done correctly.  Fall weather is warm enough for repairs to be completed quickly. 
• If you wait until winter to call, you might have to wait longer for the sweep to come and risk waiting for needed repairs past the time you wanted to enjoy your fireplace.
• If you use your chimney without inspection, you risk the health and safety of your home.  You don’t know for sure if your chimney is safe.

Why Not DIY?

Cleaning your chimney yourself is a bad idea.  Certified sweeps are the best choice to do an inspection. The reasons are simple.

• Certified sweeps know what to look for and what to do about it.
• Certified sweeps have the equipment to see deep into your chimney and vents.
• Professional chimney sweep technicians have the experience and training to see current problems in addition to identifying potential problems.  Early detection saves you money.
• If repairs are needed, they often can do those repairs in the same visit or schedule a time before the winter hits.

If you have a chimney, you need a sweep every year.  Make sure your home is protected by selecting a chimney service professional who is fully certified and call for an appointment before the busy season starts.  Waiting until the winter could be too late.