Why is chimney cleaning important?
Have your chimney and flue professionally inspected each year, to make sure it’s clean and safe.
Who doesn’t love an open fire or a wood heater?
But if you want to enjoy the warmth and beauty of a wood heater or fireplace, you need to make sure the chimney or flue starts winter in the best possible condition.
Your chimney is going to need attention and effort to keep it clean.
Energy Safe Victoria says wood heaters that have not been properly cleaned and maintained – including the chimney or flue, carry an added risk of fire.
So whether you just bought your house and you’re new to chimneys, or you’re an old hand at wood heaters, remember keeping it clean is an important part of chimney ownership.
Also, regular maintenance is going to prolong the usage of the appliance.
The Victorian Building Authority recommends having an annual check for any solid fuel heaters.
Here on the island, Island Flue Cleaning, owned by Richie and Daniel Laing, has been keeping houses warm and safe since 1987.
No one wants to have to spend large amounts of money on chimney repairs, so when you think about the cost of a chimney inspection, remember it is much more expensive to have to repair it down the road, says Richie.
Besides the need to keep the chimney functioning properly, you also want to keep it working safely.
Excessive build-up of creosote, as well as debris, can create a dangerous situation that just might result in a chimney fire.
Since creosote is so flammable, any kind of build-up is dangerous.
Also, leaves, branches, and animal nests are likely to cause a fire.
All it will take is one burning ember to climb up the chimney and ignite whatever the obstruction is.
Another reason for regular chimney cleaning is the potential for odour problems.
Chimneys that are not maintained become chimneys that stink, Richie says.
All of that build-up, whatever the build-up might be, will inevitably cause the appliance to send foul odours down into your home.
Honestly, who wants to deal with that?
It is important to have a professional inspection, rather than try to do it yourself.
Unless you have a trained eye, and the right equipment, you may not correctly spot the trouble areas that could be lurking.
Call the qualified chimney cleaners at Island Flue Cleaning for a thorough inspection.
You will then be able to rest easy, knowing your chimney appliance is working safely and efficiently.
/ Sponsored article /
