As the Chicagoland area continues to reach hot temperatures, we’ve had some very uncomfortable humid days. Simply working in the garden or walking down the driveway to get the mail, you’ll experience drips of sweat due to the high humidity. Your chimney is going through similar experiences. Humidity can intensify unwanted smoke smells from the chimney and fireplace into your home, especially if it hasn’t been swept yet. Let’s talk about humidity and the chimney and what you can do about it.
Humidity and the Chimney Equals Intensified Smells
We all enjoy a roaring fire in the cool or cold months. Did you know that with a wood burning fireplace a byproduct called creosote is released, and a fair amount sticks to the interior walls of the chimney? If not swept after the season is over, it will begin to release a smoky smell with the mix of humidity. At times, there may also be another odor. This smell could be musty, and you could be smelling mold and mildew. It can often times happen if there isn’t a waterproofing agent to keep moisture out. The smell of mold and mildew isn’t limited to those with wood burning fireplaces, it can also be gas fireplaces or those that don’t even use the fireplace.
Can the Smell be Controlled?
Absolutely. You don’t need to live with humidity and the chimney. Here are a few ways you can remove/minimize the smell from your home, especially on those humid days.
Chimney Sweep and Inspection — A regular chimney sweep and inspection can control the smells that come from the fireplace whether it be creosote or the mildew smell. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages all homeowners to sweep their chimney every year for the safest and best way to enjoy your fireplace.
Chimney Damper — Chimney dampers control the flow of air which can play a big part in getting rid of the smell. Chimney dampers are a great way to control the flow of air especially when you are burning a fire.
Chimney Cap — A chimney cap plays a key role in keeping water out of the chimney. It protects the opening on top of the chimney from animals, debris and rain or snow from entering the chimney. By keeping everything out, you also get to keep the musty smells out too!
If you like smoked foods, get a smoker. You definitely don’t want that continuous smoky smell in your home due to humidity and the chimney. Call Superior Chimney today to get your chimney swept and inspected especially since we’ve had many humid days, and probably more to come. Call 877-244-6349 today!
