Sweep in the cool season with a chimney cleaning
Even in the 21st century, humans have a primal need to gather and gaze at fire. That's why we have fireplaces in our homes or at the very least, a hot video of a crackling blaze on TV.
Unlike the streaming yule log loop, fireplaces require maintenance and as the winter burn season begins, now is the time for a check up. Wood burning fireplaces and stoves should be inspected for the build up of creosote in the chimney. If creosote catches fire, it can burn hot and fierce, says Steve Marjoram, owner-operator of Soot Busters in Calgary.
“It's important to have your chimneys looked at often. Whether it needs cleaning or not depends on what kind of wood you burn, how wet the wood is and how much you burn,” he says.
Marjoram recommends burning a harder wood, like birch, rather than pine or spruce.
During the winter months, he says most homeowners are weekend burners. However, those who supplement their home heating with wood stoves should have their chimneys cleaned more often.
Marjoram says sweeping takes an hour and costs about $145.
Gas fireplaces that aren't operating properly can also produce soot. Bill Luke of Heatsafe Industries in Calgary says black on the inside of the glass is a sign of trouble.
“Some older fireplaces have a high temper rubber seal, but Calgary's climate is so dry that they can crack. That allows dangerous carbon monoxide back into the house. One of the first signs of that is carbon on the glass,” says Luke, who emphasizes the importance of having an experienced professional regularly inspect any gas appliance, including gas fireplaces, every year.