Fireplaces and chimneys are essential parts of heating your home, so it is essential to understand how they work.
Winter is right around the corner, and it is a great time to take advantage of your fireplace and warm your home. Fireplaces and chimneys are essential parts of heating your home, so it is essential to understand how they work. While there are many harmless misunderstandings about chimneys, myths and misconceptions can lead to danger and costly and unnecessary repairs. Let’s go over some common chimney myths.
Chimneys That Are Rarely Used Don’t Need Cleaning
Many homeowners believe that if they do not use their chimney often, it does not need annual cleaning or maintenance. This would be true, if smoke, gasses, and toxic byproducts were the only issues. But, the structural integrity of your chimney is just as critical. Over time, the bricks and masonry that were used to build the chimney will begin to wear away. Because of this, regular chimney inspections are crucial.
If I Have a Metal Chimney Liner, I Don’t Need Regular Inspections
Many homeowners believe that once they install a metal chimney liner, there is no longer a need for regular chimney inspections. But, these liners do not guarantee that further problems will not occur. Chimneys with metal liners still must be cleaned and regularly inspected. Some liner warranties may be void if inspections are not continued after the installation. For this reason, chimney inspections should always continue regardless of your liner type and condition to ensure the safety of your home.
Fireplaces Make a Room Cooler
This chimney myth is partially true, but there is an easy solution. Fires require oxygen to burn, and that oxygen comes from the surrounding air. When the fire takes in oxygen, it also takes the warm air with it, making the home cooler. To remedy this situation, you can install a fireback in the fireplace. This metal plate is installed behind the fire plate and puts more heat back into the room to warm the home rather than let it escape to the outside. Firebacks also come in various decorative designs and can improve the look of your firebox.
I Can Save Money By Cleaning My Chimney Myself
Chimney maintenance is a very involved process and requires specific skills and knowledge. Creosote, a toxic material leftover from wood fires, is very difficult to clean from the chimney walls if you do not have the proper tools and experience. Also, an unskilled person may miss areas of damage to the fireplace or chimney. It is always a safe idea to have this inspection performed by an experienced professional.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys to Fix Your Leaky Chimney Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has been serving customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.