October 2024 update
We continue to transition into fall, the leaves are changing color, hummingbirds are getting ready for their long journey south and we are noticing that the days are getting shorter. Most of us have our list of priorities to get done prior to the winter season. Whether it be tiling our gardens and planting fall vegetables, trimming the bushes, washing the mildew from the house, and keeping up with the leaves. It is also important to make sure we have safety items on our list of priorities.
Being in the chimney and dryer business, I will focus on fire safety priorities. If it has been a while since you have had your chimney serviced or “never,” now is the time to get it scheduled. Regular service will remove soot and debris, improve draft, and identify issues before they become major problems. One of the major problems is creosote build-up. This can occur when wood is not properly seasoned, when pine and other soft wood species are used, or when wood stoves are not kept at the proper temperature. Creosote is a shiny black substance, has a distinct odor and is flammable. Prevention is much more effective and affordable, verses having to pay for removal.
Your dryer vent is another safety concern and is also one of the most ignored “mechanicals” in your home. Lint will build up in the duct over time regardless of how often you clean the lint screen. This build-up will reduce the air flow and cause your dryer to work harder, take longer, and use more energy. In the event the line is completely clogged, it could cause the dryer to overheat and cause a fire. Depending on how often you use the dryer, recommended duct cleaning is every one to two years.
Other safety items to check are carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. All three may have expirations dates, usually ten years, if they are expired, they should be replaced. Batteries, if replaceable, should be replaced on a yearly basis. And a carbon monoxide detector should be placed near the fireplace, as well as bedrooms.
Finally, check off your safety list and schedule your chimney and dryer vent cleaning with us at the same time for an additional discount. We hope you enjoyed our October 2024 Update. Stay tuned for our next post!