The old saying goes that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but the same principle applies to chimneys and fireplaces. While it might seem like common sense to assume that all chimneys need to be cleaned once or twice a year, this isn’t always the case. If you want your chimney to work properly and efficiently over time, you need regular maintenance and cleaning services from an experienced provider like ramonage 95 in Paris.
Why Do Chimneys Need Regular Cleaning?
A chimney has multiple functions. Not only does it channel smoke and heat, but it also can help prevent carbon monoxide from seeping into your home. If your chimney is dirty or broken, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. As a result, regular cleaning is absolutely necessary to ensure that no damage occurs. If you don’t clean your chimney regularly (at least once a year), you run the risk of developing potentially dangerous fire hazards that can lead to damaged property and health issues for you and your loved ones.
What Is Black Carbon?
When you look out your window and see that your chimney needs cleaning, it’s easy to just turn on your vacuum cleaner and call it a day. And if you live in a city, you might think that all sooty residue is harmless—the result of simply burning a little bit of wood. But recent studies have proven otherwise. What many people are referring to as soot is actually black carbon, one of two primary types of pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Whereas soot absorbs solar radiation rather than reflecting it back into space like other aerosols, black carbon plays an integral role in global warming because its dark coloring allows heat from sunlight to be absorbed rather than reflected back into space.
How Can I Get Rid of it?
Get a professional chimney cleaning. If you are attempting to clean your own chimney, do not climb up onto your roof. Only professionals should be on rooftops because of safety concerns; get a friend or family member to help or hire a company like ramonage 95 to do it for you. Also, when working with your hands on such equipment, remember that electricity and fire pose inherent dangers—an electric spark may burn you in an instant! To clean any part of your chimney safely, use a sturdy brush and follow instructions carefully.
When Should My Chimney Be Cleaned?
There are no hard and fast rules about when to clean your chimney. However, before you embark on a cleaning project (it’s not easy), it’s worth noting that there’s no benefit to cleaning if your chimney hasn’t been used in several months or even years. Regular use of your fireplace is one way to reduce buildup; another is to have an annual inspection and cleaning performed by a professional. If you plan on using your fireplace regularly, have it cleaned at least once per year. Depending on how often you use it, spring and fall might be good times for a service call as well. To learn more about when—and how—to get your chimney serviced, check out our guide to fireplace maintenance here .
How Long Does It Take?
In addition to price, you should consider how long it will take for your chimney to be cleaned. A thorough cleaning can last from a few hours to a day or two; some chimneys can’t be serviced until they’re cool (such as those of multi-story buildings), meaning that you’ll have a longer wait. How long it takes is directly related to how much dirt has accumulated in your chimney and how complicated it is to get at—and chances are, more dirt means a longer cleaning time. If you aren’t able to be at home while workers clean your chimney, expect another half-day wait—or longer—for them to finish after they arrive.