Blockage Prevention
During the course of an inspection, a qualified technician will be required to clear up the flue of either your furnace or water heater; however, there are things that you as a homeowner can do to help avoid blockages.
You may prevent damage to your furnace by putting a chimney cap on it and having it professionally installed. The screen prevents birds and other small animals from entering the chimney, so preventing them from constructing nests there. The cap protects the local animals as well as your property. You will also prevent debris, such as sticks or leaves, from entering the flue pipes of the furnace, which might prevent them from functioning properly.
Ground Inspection: It is always a good idea to check up on your chimneys because they are responsible for expelling poisonous gasses from your home. If you have any concerns about the safety of your chimneys, you should contact a professional immediately. Including it on your list of things to accomplish is a simple matter. Carry out a visual examination of your chimney from the ground up, paying particular attention to determining whether or not the chimney caps have been damaged. When exposed to the elements for an extended period of time, chimney caps run the risk of decaying, and they are also susceptible to being blown off by powerful gusts of wind.
Mortar: If you have a masonry furnace chimney, checking the mortar joints on a regular basis can be important in maintaining the structural integrity of the chimney. Natural gas produces water vapor as a byproduct, and this water vapor has the power to wet the brickwork that is contained within the chimney. Because the water vapor is coupled with other harmful combustion byproducts like acids, the engine is susceptible to damage if the exposure is allowed to continue for an extended period of time.
Carbon Monoxide Monitor: There is a purpose for the existence of carbon monoxide alarms, and that purpose is to save lives from a gas that neither humans nor animals can see or smell. In the event that there is a leak that has not been discovered, installing a carbon monoxide monitor will set your mind at ease. Even if your furnace or water heater is relatively modern and has an auto-shutoff feature, you should still consider installing a monitor since it will serve as a fail-safe backup in the event that the built-in detection fails. When it comes to the byproducts of combustion, there is no such thing as having too much caution.
Touch Test: You don’t have to wait for the furnace or water heater to start acting up before physically checking the appliance for obstructions. You may do this immediately after the appliance has been operating normally. Make sure you check your appliance at regular intervals to ensure that it is not leaking any excess heat into the room. If it feels unusually hot on your hand, then there is probably a blockage somewhere. If such is the case, you should make an appointment with a specialist very away.
Who Should You Contact to Clean the Chimney of Your Water Heater or Furnace?
There are certain chimney sweeps whose area of expertise is limited to fireplace chimneys; however, you shouldn’t be concerned about finding someone with this expertise because there are lots of chimney cleaners who also provide services for heating systems and water heaters.
Contact businesses that specialize in cleaning ducts and inquire as to whether or not their employees are qualified to clean the chimneys of furnaces and water heaters. Cleaning companies that specialize in ductwork may also be able to remove obstructions from these types of appliances.
Even better, incorporate the cleaning of all of your chimneys, as well as the chimneys in your appliances, into your regular home routine. Your appliance will be maintained in good condition and your safety will be ensured by having specialists do routine cleanings and inspections on it, using a chimney cap that is trustworthy, and installing an all-important carbon monoxide monitor.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Mount Aukum and other affordable services.