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Stinky Chimney

While most of us do not use our fireplaces and chimneys during the summer, they can still impact our day to day living in one major way: chimney odor. A stinky chimney does more than just affect how you use your fireplace; it can create odors throughout your home and even impact your home’s air quality.

A stinky chimney is often the sign of an underlying chimney problem. Because of this, it is important that homeowners not ignore a stinky chimney. Instead, a chimney inspection by a certified chimney professional should be used to help uncover the underlying cause of your chimney odor.

Stinky Chimney - Ann Arbor MI - Clean Sweeps of Michigan

What causes a stinky chimney?

Chimney odors can be caused by a number of different chimney problems. Because of this, it is important to have a chimney professional identify the underlying cause of the odor to keep it from coming back. Below are three of the most common causes of a stinky chimney.

  • Animals: If you notice a sudden sharp or rotting odor coming from your fireplace, you most likely have an animal stuck in the chimney. Chimney odors from animals can be caused by droppings, nesting materials, food sources, or bodies of trapped animals that have died.

Whether the animal in your chimney is alive or has already passed away, wild animals should always be treated with extreme caution because they can carry insects, bacteria, and disease that expose you and your family to illness. The most common cause of animal entry is a damaged chimney cap; having the chimney cap repaired can help prevent animals from getting into the chimney again.

  • Creosote: Creosote is a naturally occurring byproduct created by all fuel-burning fires; however, buildup of creosote is most commonly seen in wood burning appliances. Creosote is extremely flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fire; removing creosote buildup is an important part of your annual chimney sweeping.

If creosote buildup in the chimney is not removed, it can do more than just increase your risk of a chimney fire – it can also cause chimney odor. Sharp, smoky smells – especially those that are worse during hot or humid weather – are often the result of creosote buildup. Having the chimney swept at least once per year is the best way to remove the odors associated with creosote buildup as well as make sure your chimney is safe to use.

  • Water entry: Moisture can be one of the most damaging forces to your masonry chimney. In addition to causing bricks and mortar to crack and spall, water entry can also cause chimney odors.

Even tiny amounts of water in the chimney or fireplace can lead to the growth of mold or mildew. At first this will create a damp or musty odor; however, over time mold growth in the chimney can create an overwhelming smell that also affects the air quality of your home. This can be extremely dangerous to those who have respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies.

You don’t have to live with a stinky chimney. Instead of masking the smell with air fresheners, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your chimney inspection and get rid of your chimney odor for good!

Keep Your Fireplace Well Maintained

Keep Your Fireplace Well Maintained - Ann Arbor MI - Clean Sweeps of MichiganThe hearth and fireplace are often the focal points of our homes. Throughout the year, family and friends gather together around a roaring fire in order to spend time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, these special times can be cut short if your fireplace is not well maintained.

Proactive fireplace maintenance is the best way to ensure that your fireplace system remains safe to use for years to come. The following maintenance tips can help you keep your fireplace in the best condition possible – as well as help you determine when you need professional services.

Tips for fireplace maintenance

Just like brushing and flossing can help prevent cavities, conducting regular maintenance and upkeep at home can help keep your chimney and fireplace system in better condition. These three fireplace maintenance tips are great ways to help keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently in between professional chimney sweepings.

1. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Installing working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors make operating any fuel-burning appliance safer. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on each level of the home, as well as outside of sleeping areas. Test batteries every six months to ensure that alarms are still working; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced as needed or at least every 10 years in order to comply with modern safety standards.

2. Start a test fire

Before jumping in with your first fire of the season, burn a few pieces of test wood. Doing this can expose any drafting problems before you have a hearth full of wood – and a room covered in soot. Light several small pieces of seasoned firewood from the top down; smoke should draft vertically up the chimney. If soot or smoke blow back into your home, immediately begin troubleshooting; creosote buildup, debris in the chimney, or a partially closed damper can all lead to drafting problems.

3. Burn seasoned firewood

All wood is not created equal; burning the wrong kind of firewood can negatively impact fireplace efficiency and performance. Most fireplace professionals recommend burning seasoned hardwoods such as maple and oak. Seasoned firewood has been allowed to dry to remove excess moisture. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, at a higher temperature, and create less creosote.

When to call a professional

While there are a number of ways homeowners can take care of their fireplace and chimney systems on their own, professional services are often needed in order to ensure your hearth is receiving the best quality care.

“Safety is the best reason to have a professional chimney sweep inspect, clean, and test any fireplace when you move into a home,” said Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America. “While it is possible for homeowners to clean and maintain their own fireplaces and chimneys, it’s unlikely that they possess the requisite knowledge or experience to spot all potential problems during an inspection.”

Whether its regular preventative maintenance such as a chimney sweeping and inspection or more specialized services such as masonry repairs or new fireplace installation, a certified chimney sweep can safely and correctly get the job done right – the first time.

No matter what condition your chimney is in, maintenance is an important part of helping it last for years to come. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your fireplace maintenance services!

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