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!

Carbon Monoxide Poisioning

Carbon monoxide is all around us; our fireplaces, stoves, furnaces, cars, and even our backyard grills all produce this gas. While modern appliances are designed to safely vent dangerous carbon monoxide gas, it is important for homeowners to understand the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in case it occurs.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Because it is impossible to detect without a specialized carbon monoxide detector, the dangerous gas is often called the “silent killer”.

What causes carbon monoxide gas?

Carbon monoxide gas is naturally created in all combustion reactions. Burning wood, gas, coal, pellets, and other heating sources all create carbon monoxide gas; many household appliances create carbon monoxide gas that then safely vents to the outside. While fuel burning appliances are designed to be safe for household use, damage, venting problems, or improper use can cause carbon monoxide gas to build up. Exposure to carbon monoxide gas can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Because detecting carbon monoxide gas without a special detector is virtually impossible, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning creates flu-like symptoms. When exposed to carbon monoxide gas, many people will begin experiencing headaches, nausea, and sleepiness. As exposure continues, symptoms will continue to worsen to include decreased coordination, cognitive impairment, and vision problems. Without intervention, continued exposure can lead to coma and even death.

If you believe that you or your family are experiencing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to move to a fresh air environment such as outdoors or an open door or window as quickly as possible. Emergency services should also be called to evaluate the levels of carbon monoxide gas before reentering the home.

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

While homeowners should understand the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, there are a number of ways to reduce your risk of exposure to this dangerous gas. below are five ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. Install carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors are specially designed to alert you and your family to the presence of carbon monoxide gas. Install detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Detectors should be tested every six months and replaced every 7-10 years in order to meet modern safety standards.
2. Run generators outdoors. Generators should always be run outdoors; putting them in basements, crawl spaces, garages, sheds, or outbuildings can cause carbon monoxide to build up.
3. Open a window. If you use supplemental heaters in your home in the winter, consider opening a nearby window when they are in use. This is especially important for vent free fireplaces and heaters.
4. Warm up cars outside. As tempting as it can be on cold winter days, cars should never be allowed to idle in the garage – even when the door is open. Instead, pull them into the driveway before warming up the car.
5. Have your chimney inspected. An annual chimney inspection ensures your fireplace system is undamaged and venting safely.