Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Why Is My Chimney Stinking?

During the warm months of summer, most homeowners pay little attention to their fireplaces. Unfortunately, there is one thing that can quickly make you pay attention to your fireplace system again – a chimney odor.

Chimney odors are often a symptom of a more serious, underlying chimney issue. Because of this, they should never be ignored. Instead, it is important to have your chimney professionally inspected to identify and repair the source of the odor.

What is causing my chimney odor?

There are a number of different causes of chimney odor. Because of this, a professional inspection is often needed to find the exact cause of the chimney odor. Finding and repairing the underlying cause of the smell can keep it from getting worse or returning in the future. Below are four common causes of chimney odor.

• Animals: Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other small mammals view your chimney as a safe place to hide from the elements or build a nest for their young. However, even if they are only in the chimney for a short time animals can create significant chimney damage and a number of unpleasant odors.If an animal becomes trapped in your chimney and dies, the smell of decay can often permeate into your home. This can affect your home’s air quality, as well as expose you and your family to harmful bugs, bacteria, or other parasites. Even if they do not become trapped in the chimney, animal droppings, food, and nesting materials can also cause chimney odor. These byproducts of animal entry can also block the chimney or promote the growth of mold and mildew.
• Creosote: Creosote is a byproduct of fuel-burning fires and is removed during chimney sweepings. However, excessive creosote buildup or creosote that has not been completely removed can cause chimney odors.Excessive amounts of creosote are created when fires are allowed to burn at low temperatures for long periods of time. Likewise, burning green or wet wood can create more creosote buildup. Creosote can create a smoky or dirty odor in your home; the smell caused by creosote is most often noticed during hot or humid conditions, such as during the warm – and wet – summer months.
• Drafting: If you chimney does not draft properly, your whole home can be affected by smoky odors long after the fireplace has been used. Chimney draft issues are often the result of an improperly sized flue; this can occur when a new insert has been installed or if the fireplace has changed fuel sources. The odors associated with incorrect drafting often accompany other chimney issues such as smoke blowing back into your home when the fireplace is in use.
• Moisture: Water can cause serious problems to both the inside and outside of your chimney. Inside, the presence of water – especially when combined with other debris – can facilitate the growth of mold and mildew. In addition to creating unpleasant odors, mold growth can also affect the air quality in your home.

You don’t have to live with a stinky chimney! The expert staff at Clean Sweeps of Michigan can identify and repair the cause of your chimney odor. Contact them us to schedule your chimney inspection and get back to enjoying your fireplace again!

Spring is the Best Time to Make Fireplace Upgrades

A crackling fire on a cold winter’s night can quickly turn any house into a home. Over time, however, fireplaces and other heating appliances can age, deteriorate, or go out of style. Whether you want to install a new heating appliance or replace an existing one, spring is the perfect time to do so!

Why have fireplace upgrades done in the spring

After a long winter of use, many homeowners let their fireplaces fade into the background until the first cold snap of fall arrives. However, you should start thinking about making fireplace upgrades much sooner!

The spring is the perfect time of year to have fireplace upgrades done. First, mild spring weather minimizes the chance of delays for any outdoor masonry changes or repairs that need to be made. Some masonry projects cannot be done in either very hot or very cold weather; because of this, spring is an ideal time to have work done!

In addition to the weather, spring is also the perfect time to have fireplace upgrades done because you are likely not using your heating appliance. There is nothing more frustrating than waiting for your new fireplace, stove, or other heating appliance to be delivered and installed when the weather is chilly and you want to be using it! Likewise, because fall and winter are our busiest seasons for repairs and installations, you may find yourself waiting longer than usual for an appointment.

To avoid time delays due to the weather and have your fireplace finished and ready to go before the temperatures drop, have your fireplace updated this spring!

Benefits of a new heating appliance

There have never been more choices when it comes to fireplace inserts and stoves. Likewise, new heating appliances are more energy efficient than ever; many stoves and inserts are EPA certified to produce little to no air pollution. With a wide range of fuel choices, sizes, and styles, there is a perfect heating appliance for every home on every budget.

Gas fireplaces and inserts: Modern gas fireplaces and inserts are able to create extremely realistic flames at the touch of a button. Homeowners love the convenience, efficiency, and low cost of operating a gas heating appliance. Likewise, direct vent gas fireplaces can be installed almost anywhere in your home without the need for a chimney.

Wood fireplaces and stoves: A crackling wood fire can add instant warmth and ambiance to a room. While wood may seem like an old fashioned or outdated fuel choice, these appliances are anything but. Wood stoves are available in a variety of styles ranging from traditional cast iron to more modern styles.

Pellet stoves and inserts: For many homeowners, pellet stoves and inserts offer the best of both worlds between gas and wood. Pellets have a realistic burn and smoky aroma while also requiring minimal stoking or reloading; some pellet stoves only need to be reloaded every 2-3 days, even when being used round the clock. As pellet stoves and inserts continue to gain popularity, pellets are becoming increasingly easier to find in retail stores.

Whether you want to upgrade your existing fireplace or install a new heating appliance, the spring is the perfect time to upgrade your fireplace. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today or stop by our showoroom in Ashley, IN and let our expert staff find you the fireplace or heating appliance to meet your family’s needs!