Get that chimney brushed and cleaned…

THIS is currently the coldest time of year which means there are plenty of weeks left yet before we say farewell to lighting fires. Nothing beats the warmth of an open fire or stove which is a uniquely Irish way of bypassing all that winter throws at us.

But you also need to be conscious of proper maintenance when it comes to chimney care. The more you burn, the more you need to consider having your chimney cleaned. According to the Department of Environment’s Fire Service, over 65 percent of all domestic fires in a calendar year are chimney fires. Moreover, roughly 110 chimney fires are attended to every week by the Irish fire Service making Ireland, per capita, the worst country in the world for chimney fires.

Burning different fuel means different requirements when it comes to cleaning. It’s recommended that your chimney is swept once a year if using oil/gas/smokeless fuels; and twice a year if using coal, and four times if using wood.

Nothing is more worrying on a dark winter’s evening than realising your chimney is on fire, which is why it’s necessary to have it cleaned often. A chimney fire can cause serious structural damage to your chimney and, even worse, to the adjoining walls which will crack under severe heat caused by the fire.

It’s also a waste of the fire department’s precious time, so be sure to make a clean sweep of it.