Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Get Ahead By Making Your Annual Appointments

While we are still in the middle of the extreme heat and long days of summer, fall will be here in the blink of an eye! Make sure your fireplace is ready. How? By making your annual sweep and inspection appointments now.

Protect your chimney with annual maintenance.

Our fireplaces and chimneys need regular TLC in order to burn their best. Having your chimney swept and inspected once per year is one of the best ways to help your fireplace burn safely and efficiently.

Why your chimney needs to be swept annually.

During the burning season soot, ash, and creosote can build up in the flue. A chimney sweeping removes any buildup and debris in the fireplace and flue. The result? A chimney that is clean and ready to use.

Removing creosote is one of the most important aspects of a chimney sweeping. Creosote is a naturally occurring byproduct of combustion; while burning all fuel sources can produce creosote, creosote buildup is most commonly seen in wood burning fireplaces. Having creosote removed by a certified chimney sweep is important, as it is extremely flammable. Ignition of creosote in the flue is the primary cause of most chimney fires!

Do you use your fireplace as a primary heat source in your home? If so, you may need to have your chimney swept more than once per year. In addition to an annual sweeping, chimneys should be swept when there is 1/8th of an inch of accumulation of soot. This amount of accumulation typically occurs after one full cord of wood has been burned.

The importance of annual inspections.

There are very few homeowners who are brave enough to climb onto their roofs; likewise, most chimneys are difficult – if not impossible – to see completely from street level. Due to this, chimney damage can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Chimney inspections are the best way to stay apprised of the condition of your chimney – without the risk of climbing on your own roof!

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Chimney inspections are an important part of your chimney maintenance – no matter how often you use your fireplace. Since chimney damage can occur whether you use your fireplace one or 100 times during the year, all homeowners should have an annual inspection done.

Inspections are often the first line of defense in identifying chimney damage. Minor damage such as small masonry cracks or shifting chimney caps can often be quickly and easily repaired, protecting your chimney from further damage and saving you money on costly future repairs.

Schedule your appointment today!

On long and hot summer days, using your fireplace may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, scheduling annual chimney maintenance now will ensure your fireplace system is safe and ready to use this fall. To schedule your next chimney sweeping and inspection, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Check Out Our Propane Alternatives

Propane has long been considered a clean burning and cheap way to heat your home in fireplaces, grills, and more. However, many of our customers have noticed the serious shortage of propane in Michigan – and across the Midwest. Lowering the thermostat or using the fireplace less frequently can help conserve propane. However, having a cold home during harsh winter conditions is not a long term solution.

If you use propane as a primary heating source in your home, it may be time to switch to another fuel source. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we have a wide variety of fireplaces, stoves, and inserts to meet your family’s heating needs. Whether you prefer wood, pellets, or even a different variety of gas, we have the perfect appliance to heat your home this winter!

Wood fireplaces and stoves.

There is nothing quite like the smell, sight, and warmth of a crackling, wood burning fire. Modern wood burning fireplaces and stoves have come a long way from their inefficient masonry counterparts; new wood burning heating appliances are more efficient than ever before. In addition, they can be used to heat everything from a room to an entire home.

Along with their improving efficiency, many homeowners choose wood because of its low cost, environmental impact, and availability. Buying firewood is often an inexpensive endeavor; enterprising homeowners can even cut, chop, stack, and season their own wood for pennies. Likewise, as a renewable resource there is little risk of ever running out of firewood. Finally, firewood is readily available and can be bought almost anywhere from private dealers to at local home improvement stores.

Pellet stoves and inserts.

Pellet stoves and inserts are an excellent alternative for homeowners who like the look and feel of wood fires but want an easier to use, more efficient alternative. Pellets are created from compressed, recycled wood parts and pieces; they burn hotter, create less smoke, and less behind less ash and residue than traditional wood logs. Likewise, they are considered to be carbon neutral by many. This is since they are made from recycled parts of an already renewable energy source.

Pellet stoves and inserts are easy to operate. Depending on the size of the hopper, it may only need to be reloaded once per day. Bags of pellets are relatively inexpensive and typically resemble bags of mulch. This makes them easy to stack and store.

Gas fireplaces and inserts.

Many homeowners who already use a propane heating appliance prefer the benefits of gas to other fuel sources. We offer a variety of natural gas fireplaces, inserts, and stoves to match your home’s décor and style. Whether you prefer sleek and contemporary or rustic and traditional, we have a variety of gas heating appliances to meet your needs.

Don’t let Michigan’s propane shortage leave you out in the cold this winter. Instead, consider switching to an alternate heat source. Contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today for more information on finding the right wood, pellet, or natural gas heating appliance for your home!