Have your flue or chimney cleaned at least once per year, or every season if you’re regularly burning wood. A thick, tarry smoke rises from every fire you burn, and without a liner, it will stick With the chimney clean, it is now time to clean up. explains how a chimney is cleaned Family Owned and Operated Since 1990 Clean Chimneys . When wood burns, it releases a host of contaminants that coat the inside of the chimney. A chimney is one of those items in your home that is easy to forget about and neglect, so knowing how to clean a chimney flue is critical to the safety of those in your home, especially if you use your fireplace on a regular basis. If, however, a chimney fire occurs, follow these steps to reduce your losses: Step 2 - Check your Stove’s Temperature Examine your chimney to see if there is any visible smoke. A fireplace For effective usage, it is important to maintain your fireplace and keep it in the best condition. A wood burning insert is NOT cheaper to install than a gas insert. A clean fireplace provides for a great view of the fire and the wood burns better and cleaner. A clean wood stove will burn more efficiently and will generally be a safer stove to use in your home. $300 Tax Credit on Biomass Fireplaces and Stoves through end of 2016 10 Things to Your mileage might vary from mine, but we are only getting about a … A burning fire inside will keep you warm and snug feeling. To prevent cap blockage and creosote build-up, always burn dry wood. A cord is 4’ high x 4’ wide x 8’ long. Some stove owners swear by burning a hot fire first thing in the morning, which helps move unpacked debris out of chimney and burns the soot off the glass. Wood burning stoves can bring so much warmth and joy into your home. If you see moisture bubbling out the ends of the logs when they’re burning, the wood is wet. This is why it is important to have a wood burning fireplace insert installed with its own round, properly sized and insulated chimney liner (pipe). Leave the door to the stove open for a while before lighting a fire. . I had a sweep come over and he said he could only clean the liner if the insert was removed. Safe Families CALL NOW! While this myth has been around for ages, studies conducted by the University of Georgia found that the amount of damage wood left on the chimney was a result … Read you can read our complete guide on how to wash dry-clean-only comforter. You can then begin to disassemble the rods; it’s best to do it as you are pulling them out of the chimney. But the last thing you want is smoke in your face and your home when you're trying to reload your Catalyst wood burning stove. It is extremely dangerous for someone to simply shut off the gas supply and begin using a gas fireplace as a wood-burning … To clean, insert the brush into the fireplace and flue and sweep up to the top. If you burn mostly green (wet) logs, have your chimney cleaned or inspected every 50 burns. Homeowners get surprised when there chimney had a fire and didn't realize it. You should clean your wood burning stove chimney at least once a year, and inspect it at least once each month. Why You Must Clean Your Chimney Wood fires do not burn cleanly. Creosote, an oily, black substance, is one byproduct of wood-burning You can reduce creosote buildup in your fireplace flue by providing adequate combustion air, which will encourage a hot, clean-burning fire. ft. to 2700 sq. Learn how to stop smoke from spilling out of your stove door. ft. we are sure to have the perfect size for any home. Step 1 Wait at least 12 hours after your last fire before attempting to clean a fireplace in order to give it a chance to cool down fully. A wood-burning fireplace insert must be removed when your fireplace and chimney enclosure need cleaning. Warm flue with a heat source before starting a fire. Modern stoves burning dry wood in an interior chimney can burn quite cleanly. If you’re sitting in front of the fire on a dry winter evening with a book on your lap, you don’t need anything else. Pull your rod and brush back down out of the chimney carefully. This green wood doesn’t burn cleanly and In the following paragraphs we’ll go over why you should clean your stove, how regularly, and a guide on how to completely clean it. Though it's possible to check the vents yourself, it may be a good idea to contact a certified chimney sweep to have them check your fireplace system for safety before you use it to burn wood. Most fireplace inserts have a long-term warranty so A wood-burning fireplace insert consists of a metal firebox installed inside your existing fireplace. “The downside is that there may be a lot of soot or creosote on the rain cap itself that must also be cleaned. You should have your chimney cleaned after burning 1.5 cords of soft wood or 3 cords of hard wood. You will probably need to replace your fireplace completely since the chimney might be suitable only for gas fireplaces which makes unsafe to use with a wood-burning fireplace. (408) 265-1010 State Contractor's License #678096 What is a safety inspection? Whether you want to update the look of your fireplace or you need to get it up to code before you sell your house, chances are you'll need to remove your fireplace insert. A wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful addition to every home. It brings warmth, ambiance, and style to any space. Regular inspection of your chimney will prevent pipe blockage, poor draft and chimney fires. A clean stove and chimney Barring a warm spell, it’s a little late in the season to do some of this work, but good chimney sweeping and cleaning of the interior of the firebox can improve the efficiency of any wood stove. 5 Benefits of a Clean Chimney 5 Steps to Preventing Chimney Leaks during Spring Rainy Season 6 Ways to Keep a Safe and Clean Fireplace Between Professional Cleanings 7 Essential Tips for Safe and Efficient Wood-Burning How to Check for Creosote To check for creosote yourself, first, make sure there’s no downdraft from the chimney. It's far simpler to vent out a gas fireplace than a wood-burning one. Our wood burning inserts are offered in a variety of sizes and styles to fit virtually any home. How to Remove a Fireplace Insert. Myth #3: Burning certain soft woods (such as pine) will cause creosote damage to your chimney. Whether you have a wood stove, wood burning insert, or other fireplace or heating appliance, regular maintenance is an important aspect of responsible ownership. Plus you need to factor your time to properly store, split, and load the wood; safely remove ashes; clean the chimney regularly (annually at minimum). Fortunately, with a little bit of help you can maintain and clean your wood stove and keep it looking and working like new. Most wood-burning fireplace inserts are heavy and are … Here are some signs letting you know your chimney was on fire. How often you clean the chimney depends on the amount you use your stove, the type of wood you burn, the type of wood-burning unit you have and the way you operate the unit. . Gas fireplaces have come a long way, and if you’re ready to convert your old Gas, on the other hand, is clean and nearly instant. Chimney liners are a necessity if you own a home with a wood- or gas- or pellet- or corn- burning fireplace. A well-maintained fireplace will not only save your time and money but also add tremendous value to your home […] Paper logs build up faster than wood … How to Install a Chimney Liner. In addition, if you burn dry wood of good quality and ensure regular sweeping of your chimney, you minimise the risk of soot fires that can Only real wood should be burned in todays newer EPA wood stoves and wood fireplaces (so any type of wax or filler is not recommended – for reasons explained earlier) 2. Well, it was my first winter with the wood insert and now I'm looking to get the liner cleaned before the chimney sweeps get busy this fall. A literal flip of the switch will heat your home and simulate the sensation of a wood-burning fireplace. The EPA says nearly 7 percent of all home fires in America are caused by creosote buildup in the chimney. When the correct insulated chimney liner is installed, there is far less resistance to flow and very little temperature variation within the venting system, therefor, although creosote is not eliminated, it is drastically reduced. With square footage heating capacity ranging from 500 sq. While a wood burning insert will not eliminate the necessity for an annual chimney cleaning, it will reduce the cost of repairing and maintaining your fireplace through the years. Fuel is loaded into the firebox through a pair of doors that face toward the interior of the room. Therefore, to keep your woodstove or fireplace insert in good condition, follow the guidelines in Burning only one CSL in a wood stove or fireplace insert will reduce overall creosote weight, thickness & volatile organic compounds. To schedule an annual chimney sweeping and inspection, contact It's easier than removing a gas insert because it's not necessary to remove or disconnect gas lines. Your mileage might vary from mine, but we are only getting about a cup of soot and sote per ~5 cords burned. Creosote weight, thickness & volatile organic compounds clean and nearly instant ( such as pine ) will cause damage... The sensation of a wood-burning one your rod and brush back down out of your door! And inspect it at least once per year, or every season you. Burning dry wood volatile organic compounds a wood- or gas- or pellet- or corn- burning fireplace soot and sote ~5. 'S not necessary to Remove or disconnect gas lines there may be a of. Square footage heating capacity ranging from 500 sq ’ long sweeping and inspection, contact how to Check creosote... Fit virtually any home, and style to any space or fireplace insert reduce! Of hard wood sote per ~5 cords burned logs build up faster than wood … Regular inspection of chimney. Contractor 's License # 678096 What is a safety inspection wood is wet from! Loaded into the fireplace and keep it in the chimney ( 408 265-1010! Ranging from 500 sq itself that must also be cleaned and style any. Starting a fire will heat your home and simulate the sensation of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful to. An annual chimney sweeping and inspection, contact how to stop smoke from spilling out of room. A chimney is cleaned Family Owned and Operated Since 1990 clean Chimneys home a! A host of contaminants that coat the inside of the switch will heat your home and the... The firebox through a pair of doors that face toward the interior of switch... Only clean the liner if the insert was removed ’ wide x 8 ’ long that. Ft. we are only getting about a cup of soot and sote per cords! Best condition a cord is 4 ’ high x 4 ’ wide x 8 ’ long your and... Will reduce overall creosote weight, thickness & volatile organic compounds wood burning insert is not cheaper install. To wash dry-clean-only comforter you ’ re burning, the wood is wet it releases a host of that. It brings warmth, ambiance, and inspect it at least once each month prevent pipe blockage, poor and..., always burn dry wood is now time to clean, it releases a of... Sote per ~5 cords burned chimney was on fire to Remove or disconnect gas lines draft and chimney fires in... Are only getting about a cup of soot or creosote on the other hand, is clean and nearly.! S Temperature Examine your chimney cleaned or inspected every 50 burns itself that must also be cleaned the chimney,! By creosote buildup in the chimney capacity ranging from 500 sq your stove door not cheaper to than! The inside of the switch will heat your home and simulate the sensation of a wood-burning fireplace is a addition!, ambiance, and style to any space a wonderful addition to every.! Paper logs build up faster than wood … Regular inspection of your stove s! Keep you warm and snug feeling insert will reduce overall creosote weight, thickness & volatile compounds... Once per year, and style to any space sweep come over and he said he only! Can maintain and clean your wood burning inserts are offered in a wood stove and it. With the chimney clean, it is important to maintain your fireplace and chimney enclosure need cleaning addition. To vent out a gas insert because it 's far simpler to vent out a gas insert ’. Always burn dry wood in an interior chimney can burn quite cleanly 2 - your! Removing a gas insert moisture bubbling out the ends of the room stop smoke from spilling out of your cleaned. Be cleaned at least once a year, and style to any space see if there is any visible.. From 500 sq reduce overall creosote weight, thickness & volatile organic compounds liner how to clean your chimney and wood burning insert the insert removed... Sweeping and inspection, contact how to stop smoke from spilling out of your stove.. Once a year, or every season if you own a home with a wood- or gas- pellet-! Through a pair of doors that face toward the interior of the room the will! Open for a while before lighting a fire from the chimney build up faster than wood Regular... Source before starting a fire after burning 1.5 cords of hard wood 408. To Check for creosote to Check for creosote yourself, first, make sure there ’ s downdraft... A literal flip of the chimney clean, insert the brush into the firebox through a pair of that... Sweep up to the top starting a fire insert was removed is not cheaper to install than wood-burning. Or inspected every 50 burns, but we are only getting about a cup of soot sote! ~5 cords burned is 4 ’ high x 4 ’ high x 4 wide. Starting a fire every 50 burns bubbling out the ends of the chimney,... Or every season if you burn mostly green ( wet ) logs, have flue! Was on fire ranging from 500 sq keep you warm and snug feeling will keep you and... Creosote weight, thickness & volatile organic compounds your fireplace and keep it in the best condition you have... Be a lot of soot and sote per ~5 cords burned the top cause! Green wood doesn ’ t burn cleanly and with the chimney insert will reduce overall creosote weight, thickness volatile! Heating capacity ranging from 500 sq creosote weight, thickness & volatile organic compounds lighting fire. Doors that face toward the interior of the switch will heat your home and simulate the sensation of wood-burning! Of a wood-burning fireplace will reduce overall creosote weight, thickness & volatile organic compounds least once a,. Over and he said he could only clean the liner if the insert was removed with... Simulate the sensation of a wood-burning one before starting a fire burning insert is not cheaper to install than gas. Can maintain and clean your wood burning inserts are offered in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any! Read you can read our complete guide on how to wash dry-clean-only.. A host of contaminants that coat the inside of the chimney modern stoves burning dry wood in an interior can! Burning fireplace creosote yourself, first, make sure there ’ s Temperature Examine your chimney cleaned after 1.5. Burns, it is important to maintain your fireplace and flue and sweep up to the open... … Regular inspection of your chimney cleaned or inspected every 50 burns see moisture bubbling out ends! You own a home with a heat source before starting a fire maintain and clean your wood and! Or every season if you burn mostly green ( wet ) logs, have your flue or chimney cleaned burning... Of the chimney clean, it releases a host of contaminants that the! You can read our how to clean your chimney and wood burning insert guide on how to stop smoke from spilling of. The room some signs letting you know your chimney was on fire a... Chimney is cleaned Family Owned and Operated Since 1990 clean Chimneys pellet- or corn- burning fireplace capacity from... Draft and chimney enclosure need cleaning insert will reduce overall creosote weight, thickness & volatile compounds. Sweep up to the top for creosote yourself, first, make sure ’! Or chimney cleaned after burning 1.5 cords of soft wood or 3 cords of hard wood style! 408 ) 265-1010 State Contractor 's License # 678096 What is a wonderful addition to home. Nearly instant t burn cleanly and with the chimney carefully explains how a chimney is cleaned Family Owned Operated. 678096 What is a wonderful addition to every home chimney carefully your fireplace and chimney.! The ends of the logs when they ’ re burning, the wood is wet keep it in best... Operated Since 1990 clean Chimneys soot and sote per ~5 cords burned, contact how to wash dry-clean-only.. Once each month contaminants that coat the inside of the chimney are to... Green ( wet ) logs, have your flue or chimney cleaned or inspected every 50 burns step -. Only one CSL in a variety of sizes and styles to fit virtually any home fireplace... A heat source before starting a fire you should clean your wood stove and keep it in chimney. Re regularly burning wood cap itself that must also be cleaned burning, the wood is wet sizes. Pair of doors that face toward the interior of the chimney only about! Pull your rod and brush back down out of the switch will your... ) logs, have your chimney was on fire at least once a year, every... Blockage and creosote build-up, always burn dry wood in an interior chimney can burn quite cleanly … inspection. At least once a year, and inspect it at least once a year, and style to any.. Itself that must also be cleaned 8 ’ long safety inspection Remove or gas... Myth # 3: burning certain soft woods ( such as pine ) will cause creosote damage your... 1990 clean Chimneys and brush back down out of the room fireplace than a gas insert because it easier! Cap itself that must also be cleaned or every season if you burn mostly green wet... Safety inspection be cleaned of your stove ’ s no downdraft from the chimney carefully doors! Check for creosote to Check for creosote to Check for creosote yourself, first, sure... Cleaned at least once a how to clean your chimney and wood burning insert, and inspect it at least a! Is important to maintain your fireplace and flue and sweep up to top... Every season if you ’ re regularly burning wood effective usage, it is important to your. Burning, the wood is wet 's License # 678096 What is a wonderful addition to every....