Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Fireplace Resolutions

2018 has arrived, and with the new year comes new year’s resolutions. This year, don’t just make plans to improve your health, fitness, or organization; think about creating a list of fireplace resolutions along with the rest of your goals for the new year!

Ideas for fireplace resolutions in 2018

Looking for ways to get the most out of your fireplace system in 2018? Try setting fireplace resolutions! The following are just a few ideas for easy fireplace resolutions that you can set in 2018.

• Use the fireplace more.
  Don’t let your fireplace fade into the background in a room. Instead, set a goal to use your fireplace more!
• Regularly clean out the firebox.
  Many homeowners are surprised to learn they do not need to clean out the firebox after every fire. In fact, a one-inch layer of ash on the bottom of the firebox can make it easier to both build and maintain your next fire. However, fireboxes should still be regularly cleaned. Try removing at least some ash after each fire and fully clean the firebox at the end of the burning season.
• Forward schedule maintenance.
  Do you struggle to remember to schedule your annual chimney sweeping or inspection? Try forward scheduling your next maintenance appointments; forward scheduling helps you set your next chimney appointment at the end of the current one, much like you would do at the dentist or doctor.

Tips for keeping your fireplace resolutions on track all year long.

Keeping resolutions – no matter what they are for – can be difficult. Follow these three easy tips to help you stay on track with your fireplace resolutions in 2018.

• Keep track of your resolutions.
  Whether you set weekly, monthly, or yearly goals for your fireplace, keeping track of them using a calendar or spreadsheet can help you achieve them. If you’re trying to use your fireplace more, use special symbols to keep track of days it is used on your calendar. Likewise, many companies will schedule your maintenance appointments months in advance; this gives you flexibility in appointment times – and one less thing on your to-do list.
• Set realistic expectations.
  If you only used your fireplace a handful of times last year, setting a goal of using it at least once per week in 2018 may not be realistic. Making realistic goals makes them more achievable – and leaves you less likely to feel frustrated or discouraged.
• Don’t give up entirely.
  While regular maintenance is important in making sure our fireplace burn their best, missing a few month’s of cleaning or rescheduling a chimney sweeping are unlikely to have a major impact on fireplace performance. Even if you don’t meet your usage or maintenance goals, don’t give up entirely; stay committed and enjoy getting the most out of your fireplace system the rest of the year!

Contact Us Today

When setting goals for the rest of the year don’t forget about your fireplace! While it may seem silly, setting fireplace resolutions can help you get the most out of your fireplace system. For more ideas on fireplace resolutions or to schedule your next maintenance appointment, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.

We Still Have Holiday Sales!

The holiday season may have ended, but there is still time to take advantage of deals for your fireplace and chimney! At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we offer a full range of fireplace and chimney services to help our customers care for their heating appliances and safely enjoy them for years to come!

Our Services

Clean Sweeps of Michigan has been caring for the fireplaces and chimneys of our neighbors in mid-Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana for almost 40 years. Our years in business have given us the knowledge and experience to care for all of your heating system needs. Our services include:

• regular annual maintenance,
• help troubleshoot an ongoing performance problem,
• restoration of an aging historic chimney.

While we may be best known as chimney sweeps, we can care for your dryer vents too! Dryer vent cleaning significantly reduces your risk of dryer fire as well as keeps your dryer operating efficiently. In fact, dryer vent cleaning can help eliminate some dryer performance problems such as long dry cycles or clothes with musty or damp smells!

How often should my chimney be swept?

Many homeowners believe their chimneys do not need to be swept every year, especially if they are used infrequently. However, according to National Fire Protection Association, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

Annual maintenance, even with fireplaces that are rarely used, ensures:

• there are no changes to the chimney,
• that no unseen damage has occurred,
• and that are no other issues that could make the fireplace unsafe to use.

Likewise, the more you use your fireplace the more it may need to be cleaned; if your home has a fireplace or stove as a primary heating source, it may need to be swept more than once per year.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends fireplaces be swept anytime there is a buildup of 1/8th of an inch of more of soot or ash in the flue. This amount of buildup typically occurs after burning one full cord of wood in normal conditions. If you burn more than a cord of wood in a single fireplace during a burning season, a mid-season chimney sweeping can lower the risk of an accidental chimney fire. It can keep your fireplace or stove burning efficiently for the rest of the winter.

Start the new year off right – schedule your annual maintenance now!

Regular chimney sweepings and inspections are an important part of keeping your fireplace system in good working condition. One of the best ways to help your fireplace burn safely and efficiently is through yearly maintenance; this helps ensure your fireplace and chimney are free from buildup, damage, or deterioration.

The holidays may be over, but our deals are still here! Take advantage of our holiday sales by scheduling your next chimney or fireplace maintenance now. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your next chimney appointment!