CHIMNEY AND VENTILATION SYSTEM INSPECTION

3. Inspection and cleaning of chimney flues
Regular chimney cleaning is the basis for safe use. the fireplace. Dirty chimney flues can cause smoke and exhaust gases to flow back into the house, which is dangerous to your health . Remember that chimney inspections are required by law.

How to inspect a chimney:
Contact a chimney sweep who will professionally clean your chimney and check its patency. Chimney inspection should take place at least once a year, preferably before the heating season.

4. Inspection of ventilation systems
A good ventilation system is essential for the proper operation of the fireplace. Check that the vents are not blocked and that they provide adequate air flow. Also make sure that the supply ventilation is working properly. If fireplace uses an outside air intake, inspect that as well.

FUEL CONTROL

5. Checking the condition of the fuel
Inappropriate fuel can reduce the efficiency of your fireplace and increase the amount of soot. Make sure you use dry wood with appropriate humidity (below 20 %). Wet wood causes a reduction in heating power, a decrease in efficiency, excessive smoking and soot accumulation.

What wood to choose:
Use hardwood, such as beech, oak or hornbeam, which burns evenly and produces a lot of heat. Avoid softwood, which contains a lot of resin and can foul the chimney

WHY IT IS WORTH TAKING CARE OF YOUR FIREPLACE BEFORE THE SEASON

Safety comes first
Neglected fireplace can become a source of dangerous situations. Accumulation of soot and tar in chimney flues creates a risk of fire, and improperly functioning seals or cracks in fireplace insert can lead to smoke and exhaust gases being released into the rooms. Regular inspections by professionals such as chimney sweeps minimise the risk of such incidents.

Heating efficiency and energy savings
Clean fireplace is more efficient wood combustion, which means more heat and less fuel consumption. A dirty insert and chimney flues can reduce combustion efficiency by up to several dozen percent. Using the right wood with low moisture content additionally increases the efficiency of the fireplace, which translates into lower heating costs and greater thermal comfort.

Comfort of use and aesthetics
Clean fireplace not only does it work better, but it also looks better. A clear glass and a well-maintained fireplace insert add charm to any interior, creating a cozy atmosphere on cold, winter evenings. Regular cleaning of the glass and removal of ash makes the fireplace a real decoration of the house, and not just a source of heat.

Longer life for your fireplace
Taking care of the technical condition the fireplace and its regular servicing extends its life. Damage caused by lack of maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or even the need for replacement fireplace insertBy investing time in annual inspections and cleaning, you prevent premature wear of your fireplace, which saves you money in the long run.

Peace of mind all winter long
Well-groomed fireplace is a guarantee of peace and safety throughout the heating season. Knowing that all elements are in working order and the chimney is clean and clear, you can enjoy the warmth and pleasant glow of the fire without worrying about unforeseen problems.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/darkwood2014/