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The
combination of a hot, humid summer day and
excessive buildup of creosote on the walls of
the fireplace and the chimney creates an unpleasant
odor. The strong smell of creosote is
similar to burnt wood, only worse. If you have
a fireplace in your home, this time of year
is perfect to determine whether or not you
need a chimney mechanic to clean your chimney
and fireplace.
A rule of thumb for fireplace cleaning is simple:
clean the fireplace and chimney after burning
one cord of wood or when it smells during
the summer. A cord of wood is measured
as two rows of firewood four feet high and eight feet long.
That’s a huge amount of
firewood. Most homeowners do not burn a quarter
of a cord of wood each winter, unless that’s
the primary source of winter heating.
Does your fireplace have a draft problem? Does
it tend to go out before the wood is fully consumed?
This may indicate insufficient combustion
air. If so, now is the perfect time for
your chimney mechanic or sweep to install small
fresh air vents from the outside into the back
of your fireplace. This is a job for a professional
and the chimney mechanic will tell you
whether or not fireplace doors are needed.
Work on your fireplace during the summer. Know
why? Chimney sweeps are looking for work
and prices are more reasonable.
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the air
from becoming stratified, warmer
rising and colder settling. The
fan will keep the air well mixed
and the thermostat will call for
cooling less frequently, thereby
saving money.
• Close storm windows during
air conditioning use and close
blinds on the sunny side of the
home. Reducing heat and moisture
transfer into the home means less
cooling and dehumidification is needed
to remain comfortable. Also,
insulated window glass doubles
the energy efficiency of
windows.
• Prune plants and trees away
from the outside condensing unit.
Air space of at least three feet
above top air discharge units and
one foot around the sides is needed
for proper airflow. |
