Thinking of the home fireplace might conjure images of cozy nights, warm crackling logs, and maybe a cup of cocoa or a good book…but what about those times your fireplace is just there? It may still be adding charm to your living space, but it also might be gathering dust like that home gym equipment you promised to use every day.
If you don’t use your fireplace often you might wonder, “Do I really need to get it inspected?”
The answer is an emphatic “yes!” In short, life still happens to a chimney – even if it isn’t being used much.
Why Are Annual Chimney Inspections Important?
Clogs, Critters, Deterioration, and Damage
Think of all that your home weathers in the course of an average year. Your chimney system isn’t exempt from that wear and tear.
One major concern with a chimney is creosote. This substance builds up as a result of incomplete combustion, and poses a very real risk to home and health. Even if you use your chimney infrequently, it should be checked for creosote. But other things can clog a chimney too, no combustion required.
A chimney can be an attractive feature to birds and small animals seeking shelter, refuge from predators, or a place to rest. Playing unwitting host to animals can create a mess and cause damage to the chimney. Further, on the occasion that you do use your chimney, blockages caused by nests, dead animals, or other debris can prevent smoke and gases from escaping your home properly. Obstructions can lead to a chimney fire, smoke backing up into your living space, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Weather and moisture can cause a good deal of damage as well. Cracks, eroding mortar, leaning, or flaking masonry are signs that a chimney needs attention asap. Catching these (and other) signs of damage early can preserve the health of the chimney system as a whole- keeping it reliable, durable, and an asset rather than home liability. When it comes to structural issues, prevention is immeasurably better than treating them after the fact!
The Efficiency Factor
When you do end up using your chimney, you want it to be ready and safe for use. Inspections are an integral part of keeping it that way.
You’ll also want the system to run efficiently. A well-maintained fireplace should produce better heat output – and require less fuel to do so. If you get behind on maintenance, you might settle in to use your fireplace only to be disappointed in its performance. The solution? Keep it ready to operate at peak performance so it’s a source of enjoyment rather than frustration!
Insurance Matters
Some insurance companies require proof of routine chimney maintenance should you ever file a claim related to fire damage. Keeping up with inspections not only protects your home in the first place, but can add a layer of protection to your bank account should an accident occur.
And, of course, maintenance can save you money in the long run even if you never suffer an accidental fire. Think of chimney maintenance as an investment in peace of mind that can pay off in several ways.
How Often Should a Fireplace & Chimney be Inspected?
Chimney inspections have clear benefits…so, how often should they be scheduled?
The recommendation is annual professional inspections, regardless of how often you use your fireplace. Think of it like your own annual doctor check-up – something that helps you maintain your well-being and draws attention to health needs that may not have otherwise been obvious. Is ignorance bliss? Not in your health…and not in chimney care either!
A chimney sweep technician will provide a thorough assessment of your system from top to bottom. Our certified professionals provide three levels of chimney inspections, but in most cases a level one inspection is sufficient. This will get experienced eyes on each component of the fireplace system with a goal of promoting safety, functionality, structural soundness, and efficiency.
Book With Our Technicians Today
The answer to whether you need regular inspections for an irregularly used fireplace is definitely yes. Even if you view your fireplace as more of a decorative feature than a functional one, it needs to stay healthy and sound to protect the value of your home. And regular inspections are also essential for ensuring that your fireplace is ready to go for that spontaneous cozy evening when you finally decide to light a fire.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a chimney inspection, don’t delay in scheduling one! All of our chimney technicians are CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified, and we’re also members of the NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild). Why? Because we want to make sure that we’re fully equipped to serve with excellence. If you have questions about chimney care, we’d be happy to help!
