Care for Your Chimney

To many lucky homeowners, fall and winter mean time to curl up before a cozy fireplace or stove. But, if you put safety before snuggling, you may avoid dangers such as chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some tips from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

• Have your chimney checked every year. "Whether your house is old or new, an annual chimney inspection by a professional chimney sweep can ensure that both your chimney system and venting system are working properly and safely," says JoAnne Calderone, executive director of CSIA.
• Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods to reduce creosote buildup.
• Install a chimney cap to keep out debris and to prevent birds and animals from nesting.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn if harmful gases are entering your home because of a blocked or damaged chimney.
• Have your chimney waterproofed to prevent long-term corrosion and masonry damage. Avoid rebuilding old chimneys by replacing damaged clay liners with stainless-steel chimney liner pipes.
• Inspect and maintain your chimney flashing (the seal between the chimney and the roof).
• Install a sealing damper in your wood-burning system to save energy and eliminate off-season odors.
• If you own, or are planning to install, a high-efficiency gas furnace, ask your chimney sweep to check that the unit is vented according to the National Fuel Gas Code.

For a list of certified chimney sweeps in your area, call the CSIA at 800-536-0118.