FAQ/SAFETY TIPS:
When should I clean my chimney?
If a fireplace is used 4-5 times a week during the heating season, it should be cleaned once a year. If a fireplace is used 1-2 times a week during the heating season, it should be cleaned every 3 years. Also, if you light up a chimney for the first time, be sure the chimney is clean and inspected by a professional.
How do I know when to open and close the damper?
Before starting a fire, open the damper and leave it open while the fire is burning and after the fire is out, when the embers are still hot. The damper should be closed when the fire is out and the embers are cold- this will prevent heat loss.
How do I start a fire and keep it going?
1. Pre-heat the chimney by holding two to three lit pages of rolled up newspaper in the damper region for 10-15 seconds. 2. Start with one or two small logs and add more logs if desired once the fire is burning adequately. 3. Burn only hard wood (ie: fruit trees, hickory, oak, maple) that is seasoned for at least one year. Do not burn soft woods because they are loaded with tars and resins that can cause a chimney fire. It is a good rule to never burn pine, fir, treated wood, or trash. 4. Never skimp on kindling; you need just enough paper to set off the kindling and a good amount of kindling to get a good fire. 5. When burning a fire, try to keep the wood close to the rear wall but not against it. An air space should be left on all sides of the wood.
How do I prevent against a chimney fire?
1. Always keep fireplace screen closed while fire is burning. 2. Never throw Christmas wreaths, fancy wrapping paper, or pizza boxes into the fire. The impact can create a surge of fire that will leap out at you. 3. Have your chimney inspected/cleaned regularly.
When should I repair my chimney?
1. If you see loose bricks or cracks in your chimney, have water leaks, or feel air drafts, it is time to have your chimney inspected. 2. If you get many headaches while inside your house, this may be due to a partial or total blockage in your furnace chimney. Blockage can occur if animals build a nest, tile liner breaks, or upon the conversion of a heating system from oil to gas. 3. If you have unwelcome visitors (such as birds, squirrels, or raccoons in your house) they may be nesting in or on top of your chimney. AACS will correct these chimney problems and ensure they will not happen again.
