What To Know About Cleaning Your Home's Chimney
While a roaring fire can be a comfort during the chillier months, not all of that burning wood makes it out of the chimney. Instead, some of the material clings to the walls of the chimney. This residue is called creosote; if enough accumulates, it can be a significant fire hazard. This is why chimney cleaning is so important; it removes creosote and reduces fire risk. Here's what you need to know about cleaning your home's chimney.
You Need To Hire A Chimney Sweep
If you have a chimney, you should leave the thorough cleaning to a chimney sweep. A chimney sweep thoroughly cleans and inspects your chimney during a chimney cleaning. A chimney cleaning is necessary for the safe operation of your fireplace, and a chimney sweep has the skills and equipment to get the job done well. During a basic cleaning, your chimney sweep will inspect your chimney for damage. However, there are different levels of chimney inspections. In addition to chimney cleaning, you can get a more detailed inspection if you suspect your chimney is damaged.
How Much Chimney Cleaning Costs
Another thing to know about chimney cleaning is how much it will cost to have a chimney sweep clean your chimney. On average, you can expect to pay $130 to $380 to have your chimney cleaned by a professional sweep. During a chimney cleaning, all the soot, creosote, and other accumulated buildup is removed. The longer it's been since you've had your chimney cleaned, or the more you use your chimney, the more chimney cleaning is likely to cost since there will be more buildup. The size and accessibility of your chimney can also impact your bottom line.
How Often You Need Chimney Cleaning
How often you need to seek out the services of a chimney sweep depends on how often you use your chimney. Since the accumulation of creosote increases fire risk, you may need more frequent chimney cleaning if you use your fireplace year-round. For most households, getting a chimney cleaning once per year is sufficient. However, if you think you may need more frequent cleaning, you will want to discuss it with your chimney sweep.
If you have a chimney, here's what to know about cleaning it. First, hiring a chimney sweep is your best bet for chimney cleaning. Second, how much you pay for chimney cleaning varies but usually will cost you a few hundred dollars. Finally, most homes require chimney cleaning once per year.
For more information, contact a local chimney sweep.