Wondering why you are always having a headache inside your home? It could be because your indoor air isn’t clean.
If there’s an element that comes to mind first when we’re talking about chimney systems, it’s fire — your chimney is there, after all, so you can enjoy a fire in your home. But really, the key to your chimney doing its job is air — it’s designed to carry hot air and the byproducts and particles stowing away in that air up your flue, and out of your home.
When you think from that perspective, it logically follows that a problem in your chimney — a problem that maybe hampers the chimney’s ability to carry air up and out — will create a problem with the air quality in your home. There are many reasons why we continually stress being on top of regular chimney maintenance here at The Mad Hatter. You air quality is definitely an important one.
How You Can Foster Higher Air Quality In Your Home
Have Your Chimney Swept Regularly
As you use your wood-burning fireplace or stove, creosote deposits develop along the flue walls. Those highly combustible deposits not only increase the chances of a fire hazard developing — they can also impede your draft, allowing smoke and gases to get into your living area. Regular sweeping ensures that you have a clean flue, and that encourages proper draft. We recommend having a chimney swept annually.
Keep Up With Your Annual Chimney Inspections
A gap or crack in your chimney liner could allow toxic carbon monoxide to leak into your home. Fallen or nesting animal debris in your flue could block the chimney off and halt the proper venting of byproducts. A leak can allow mold to grow in or around your chimney, filling your air with spores. If you’re making sure that The Mad Hatter comes to complete your chimney inspection every year, we’ll find hidden problems and make any necessary repairs to get your chimney system back in top shape again — and to clear your air.
Use The Right Fuel
If you have a wood-burning appliance, there’s one kind of fuel you should be using, exclusively: seasoned or kiln-dried hardwood. Green or moist wood burns too cool, creating excess smoke and excess creosote, which affects your air now and could develop into dangerous, difficult-to-remove Third Stage Creosote down the line. Burning trash or treated wood can allow chemicals to get into the air you’re breathing. Stick to proper firewood — and if you’re sourcing wood yourself, make sure to give it six months to a year of drying time before you burn.
We’re always glad to answer clients’ questions about air quality, chimney systems. Just give The Mad Hatter a call!