Many young homeowners either have been told or believe that since I have a gas fireplace, there’s no need to sweep it. That is a false. Plain and simple. There are many ways you can hurt yourself, family and home by not following the recommendation of the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. What do they say? Whether you use or never use a wood burning or gas fireplace, it must be swept once per year. Why? Let’s discover the risk factors together.
Risk #1 Blockages and Poor Ventilation
It may seem like there’s nothing going on in the fireplace, but there’s a lot of activity that you won’t see. The volatility of wind in Chicago is undeniable. This causes leaves and debris to fly around landing in the chimney. Next, with Fall upon us, raccoons squirrels birds bats and other critters are finding a warmer place to camp for the Winter, and your chimney looks pretty good. Blocked by the wind and cold, the fireplace is a good place to sleep for the season.
Not only are these blockages dangerous, but carbon monoxide (CO) can back up into your home instead to going up the chimney and outside of your home.
Risk #2 Carbon Monoxide
Did you know that gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide? Without a clean and clear vent, carbon monoxide continues to build up inside of your home. What are the side effects? This can lead to dizziness, headaches and feeling sick to the stomach. This can be a serious problem if not caught in time.
Risk #3 Damages!
If the fireplace and chimney goes for extended periods of time without servicing, moisture can build up inside of the chimney causing damage and a big repair job. But let’s not forget that without good ventilation, the airflow again gets restricted. Now you’ll be stuck with your gas fireplace shutting down or even overheating.
Risk #4 Potential for Fire
Most times when you purchase a home, someone else lived in it. We don’t ask their habits, we just hope everything works. Before you start that fireplace, do you know if it was used? Do you know if it was a wood burning or gas fireplace? Was it always used in that way? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, it’s time for a fireplace sweep & inspection.
Here are some warning signs that you have a potential problem:
- The smell of gas
- A hint of burning smells
- Moisture on the glass fireplace doors
- Smoky smell
- Headaches, dizziness
- Carbon Monoxide detector goes off
- The discovery of debris
- Efflorescence or white color staining
- Having trouble keeping the fireplace lit
- Sooting or irregular flames
Contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349. So, when you hear someone say, I have a gas fireplace, no need to sweep it, you now know what you need to tell them.
