There are many reasons why fireplaces are decommissioned.
- Dust and debris
- Too hard to get wood
- Allergies
- Damaged chimney
….and then there are some folks who just believe that a fireplace is an outdated and inefficient way to get heat for your home and prefer more modern technologies and the convenience of full
house systems. While it is true that most modern built fireplace are inefficient to use as a primary heating source, many who hold these “outdated fireplace” beliefs have never really experienced the comfort and satisfaction that comes from the warm glow of a roaring fire in the hearth.
Many of us who have — are hooked! If you are among the fireplace connoisseurs of the world, there are things you need to do to get your fireplace back into service BEFORE YOU NEED IT. If you wait until the week before you want to use it or (heaven forbid) the day before a winter storm is due to hit, you may find some insurmountable obstacles impeding your frantic efforts.
- All the good chimney service companies are booked out for 3-4 weeks.
- ALL the chimney sweeps in the world are booked a week or more out.
In short, BEFORE IT GETS COLD is the time to get your fireplace, gas logs and chimney checked out. Here are some good steps to take NOW.
- Have your chimney and fireplace inspected and thoroughly cleaned if it needs it. Call a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Lack of service is the primary cause of potentially dangerous buildup of creosote in chimneys. Chimney fires are NOT FUN and can cause costly damage to your chimney and possibly the rest of your home.
- Make sure that your gas logs, stove fans, etc. all work well before the time comes to use them. Remember — a large part of “everyone else” will have waited till the last minute and will be vying for the same hard-to-find spots you will be looking for, if you wait.
- Get your fuel lined up. Check your gas. Buy your wood now. Locate your pellet source.
These steps are a good idea even if you only plan to use your fireplace for special events. Remember those special times of year are pretty much the same for everybody. Let us – here at Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps and Bless Your Hearth – help you enjoy your hearth experience safely and with confidence. Schedule your fireplace, gas log and chimney services right away.
P.S. If you have an inefficient fireplace that you love and you are interested in more heat from your fireplace experience, ask us about it. There may be options for improving your hearth experience.