In late fall, in all of winter, and in early spring, there is nothing quite like the sight, sound, and smell of an indoor fire. Fireplaces do more than create ambience in your home. They can dramatically cut energy costs, and they can provide necessary warmth and flame for emergency heat and cooking.
How To Maintain Your Chimney
Unfortunately, the Chimney Safety Institute of America estimates that there are nearly 25,000 chimney fires in the United States per year. The main culprit in these incidents is the buildup of creosote, a highly flammable combination of wood-burning byproducts. Preventative maintenance and chimney cleaning in MD can be crucial in eliminating the threat of creosote, and your first step should be to have your chimney annually inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional. A proper inspection determines whether your chimney needs to be swept, and whether it needs necessary metal or masonry repair.
When To Schedule Service
A lot of people assume that late summer is the prime time to have an inspection completed. Never assume! Spring is often best, as the harshness of winter weather has just subsided and because chimney service providers are least likely to be booked during this time.
How To Find a Cleaner
If you elect to use the internet to search for chimney cleaning in Washington DC, or in any other specific area, you can use sites such as Angie’s List, Yelp, and Home Advisor to help you identify certain chimney professionals in your region. Once you identify and browse through a few potential professionals, plug each individually into the Google search bar for instant reviews and ratings from other locals who have used that particular professional for their chimney needs. For the best service, make sure that that the professional you choose is licensed and insured, and that the business has reputable reviews.
Fireplaces are a delight, but they can also be a threat to the safety of your home. Make an annual chimney cleaning a priority, and enjoy the benefits of indoor fire for years to come.
