Can you go on and about without a chimney in your house? No! It is an essential part of the functionality of your household, and here’s why you should not only install one but also clean your chimney; but what happens if you don’t clean it?
A chimney is a vertical pipe that directs smoke and gases away from a fire or stove in your house out of the roof. The main purpose is to prevent those harmful substances from penetrating the living spaces and to provide a way for the fire to get the oxygen it needs to keep burning.
If your house has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, a chimney is essential to your entire heating system.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Chimney?
Creosote buildup is inevitable when you burn wood or other fuel in your fireplace or stove. If you leave it unchecked, this accumulation becomes a serious hazard, and the following may happen.
Chimney Fires
One of the wildest issues that may happen if you don’t clean your chimney is the risk of a fire. This is due to creosote and other flammable substances accumulating in your chimney, followed by ignition, resulting in a fire that can spread to the rest of your home. These fires are extremely difficult to put out.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Another lethal consequence of not cleaning your chimney is carbon monoxide poisoning. When your chimney is obstructed, there is no room for carbon monoxide to escape. This toxic gas causes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death.
Smoke Damage
A clogged or dirty chimney makes the smoke back up into your house. This results in smoke damage on your walls, ceiling, and furniture. Other than that, it can also lead to respiratory problems.
Signs that Your Chimney Needs Cleaning
Now that you are familiar with the hazards of not cleaning your chimney, it is important to know when the time is to schedule a cleaning.
Here are some insights that your chimney needs attention:
Excessive Creosote Buildup
If you can see a dense layer of creosote in your chimney, it is time to call a professional chimney sweep. You cannot leave it as it is since creosote has highly flammable properties and can cause chimney fires if it’s not removed regularly.
Smoke Backing Up
If you notice smoke backing up when using your fireplace or stove, it’s a sign of chimney obstruction. This could be because of the buildup of debris, animals, or even a collapsed chimney liner.
Foul Odors
Your house shouldn’t smell. If you can smell a bad whiff coming from your chimney, it could be an indicator of debris buildup, animal droppings, or even a dead animal inside your chimney.
How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney?
The frequency depends on how often you use your fireplace. If it is regularly used throughout the winter, schedule a cleaning at least once a year. However, if you use it less, then you can probably get away with having it cleaned every two or three years.
Final Note
Address your chimney concerns by getting in touch with the experts from Brusher’s Chimney. We are located at 10103 Fondren Rd #375, Houston, TX 77096 — Dial (346) 803-2981 to connect with us.