New Year’s Resolution: Schedule Your Annual Chimney Inspection

Do you remember your last New Year’s resolution? Every New Year’s Eve, Wisconsinites make annual resolutions, often a commitment to improving their own lives or those of others. However, studies show that most resolutions go unfulfilled as our busy schedules take over and last year fades into a distant memory.

This year, consider making your New Year’s resolution to schedule your annual chimney inspection. It’s easy to achieve, and you’ll feel proud to complete one of the most essential home maintenance tasks that will protect your home and family.

Why Annual Chimney Inspections Are Vital in Milwaukee

As temperatures drop and the holidays approach, the risk of fire tends to increase in Milwaukee homes. The chimney is a critical component for venting smoke and exhaust from your heating system. An annual inspection can uncover “hidden” issues that could lead to fire, health, and structural hazards. The Milwaukee Fire Department strongly recommends homeowners to “Have your fuel-burning home equipment, including fireplaces, furnaces, wood and coal stoves, space and portable heaters, inspected by a professional annually.”

Eliminating Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards

The single most important reason for a chimney inspection is to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. An inspection detects flammable buildup, like creosote, in wood-burning chimneys, which is the leading cause of house fires in the Milwaukee Metro area. An inspection also checks for flue obstructions, which could cause deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your living space.

Uncovering Masonry Damage

Wisconsin winters, with heavy snowfall, ice, and slushy conditions, can damage masonry surfaces, resulting in cracks in the chimney crown, liner, and brickwork. A professional inspection will also look for structural issues and signs of moisture intrusion, which can rapidly deteriorate the entire structure. Extensive damage can lead to a partial or complete chimney collapse.

Reducing Negative Air Pressure

In newer, energy-efficient homes with tightly sealed envelopes, negative air pressure is a common problem. It occurs when multiple exhaust fans run simultaneously, competing for the available oxygen in the home. As a result, harmful byproducts from combustion appliances, such as furnaces or fireplaces, might be drawn back into the living space rather than being properly vented outside. An inspection will verify that the flue is the correct size for the attached heating appliance and provide recommendations to resolve this stack effect issue.

Improving Heating Efficiency

A clean flue with a smooth chimney liner allows your fireplace or furnace to burn fuel more efficiently. Using a specialized video camera to determine the liner’s condition is a vital step toward improving heating efficiency. Repairing or replacing damaged liners provides more heat output from your fuel, saving money on energy bills during Milwaukee’s cold winters.

Your Fireplace Safety Checklist:

An inspection is the first step, but safe fireplace practices are essential:

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Ensure you have working smoke and CO detectors on every level of your home and test them monthly. Contact the Milwaukee Fire Department if you need assistance acquiring or installing these essential home safety devices.

Only Burn Dry, Seasoned Wood

Avoid burning trash, cardboard, or fresh wood, as these materials substantially increase flammable creosote buildup. Oak, Hickory, and Maple are excellent hardwoods and are locally available.

Use a Spark Screen

Always use a fireplace screen or glass doors to prevent embers from landing on your flooring or furnishings.

Safely Dispose of Ashes

Place cool ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store them outside, away from the home and combustible materials.

Professional chimney cleaning in Hartland, WI.

Don’t Leave Fires Unattended

Always extinguish the flames before leaving the house or going to bed. Unattended fires can get out of control quickly and spread throughout the house.