How to Improve Indoor Air Quality with Proper Chimney Care
In a region that experiences over four feet of snowfall annually and is surrounded by dense forests filled with oak, hickory, and pine trees, it’s natural that many Wisconsinites in the Greater Milwaukee area prefer wood-burning fireplaces and stoves for affordable home heating. The chimney, a crucial component of these heating systems, plays a significant role in maintaining indoor air quality. Since wood-burning heating appliances are used frequently during the long, chilly Midwest winter, here’s how to improve indoor air quality with proper chimney care.
The Keys to Better Indoor Air Quality
A lack of proper care can lead to downdrafts, where smoke backs up into your living space, bringing with it dark soot, foul odors, and harmful contaminants. It not only compromises your indoor air quality but also presents serious health and safety risks. Chimney care is a year-round endeavor, and taking these steps will make a significant difference in improving your air quality:
Professional Chimney Inspection & Cleaning
This is the first and foremost step to improve indoor air quality. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweep will thoroughly remove flakes of creosote baked onto the interior walls and components. Creosote is flammable and corrosive. It can also cause obstructions along with animal nests and debris that restrict airflow. These blockages can force smoke and toxic gases, including deadly carbon monoxide, back into your home. An inspection ensures your chimney is structurally sound and venting properly.
Only Burn Seasoned Firewood
By burning seasoned firewood, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality. Burning fresh or “green” wood creates excessive smoke and moisture, leading to a heavy buildup of creosote in your chimney, which is both a fire hazard and a source of odors that can seep into your home. Seasoned wood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently, enhancing your indoor air quality.
Make Recommended Chimney Repairs Promptly
Cracks in the flue liner or masonry can cause smoke, soot, and gases to leak directly into your home. A leaky chimney can also introduce moisture, leading to mold and mildew issues. Repairing structural issues promptly is vital for the efficient venting of combustion byproducts and is a key factor in improving indoor air quality.
Install a Sturdy Chimney Cap or Chase Cover
This cap or cover is the primary defense against the elements and pests. A cap prevents rain and snow from entering the chimney flue, which is a significant cause of moisture-related issues and musty odors. It also keeps birds, squirrels, and debris from blocking the vent, ensuring proper ventilation.
Parge Your Smoke Chamber
The smoke chamber is the area just above the firebox. If the masonry here is rough or cracked, it impedes the flow of smoke, causing turbulence and making it difficult for the chimney to draw correctly. Parging—applying a smooth, heat-resistant mortar coating—improves airflow, reduces creosote collection, and prevents gases from seeping through the brickwork and into your living space.
Consider Installing a Top-Sealing Damper
Unlike traditional throat dampers, a top-sealing damper sits at the very top of the chimney and seals the flue tightly with a silicone gasket. When the fireplace isn’t in use, this damper acts like a secure chimney cap, preventing conditioned indoor air from escaping and stopping cold, damp air and outside odors from getting in. This damper significantly boosts energy efficiency, prevents drafts, and improves indoor air quality.
Milwaukee Chimney Sweep – Cleaning – Inspections
Whether you rely on a wood-burning fireplace, a stove, or even other heating appliances vented through the chimney, proper care is essential for improving indoor air quality. Smoke Stacks is the trusted chimney sweep serving the Greater Milwaukee area, including Menomonee Falls, New Berlin, Caledonia, and Rochester. Don’t compromise your family’s health and safety this winter. Call Smoke Stacks today to schedule an appointment with a certified chimney professional.
