Beat the Autumn Rush: Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Now

As the fall season approaches, families get busy with the upcoming school year and end-of-season vacations. While this season can be exciting, it’s important to remember your seasonal maintenance schedule. One task you shouldn’t put off is scheduling your chimney inspection. While it may not seem urgent, a chimney inspection will keep your home safe from fires and ensure efficient heating. Waiting until autumn could mean longer wait times, higher costs, and potential fire hazards. 

Why a Chimney Inspection Matters

Thousands of chimney fires occur every year in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), failure to maintain and clean heating utilities, like chimneys, is the leading cause of house fires. Over time, chimneys accumulate creosote, a highly flammable material. Although you may not have used your fireplace much, animals, weather, and structural wear can create blockages that then increase the risk of a fire occurring. 

This is why scheduling a professional chimney inspection is so crucial, especially before the colder seasons start. A professional chimney sweep will make sure your fireplace is free of creosote, blockages, or any other potential fire hazards. A certified chimney sweep checks for: 

• Creosote buildup
• Obstructions
• Cracks or damage
• Leaks or water damage
• Structural issues
• Proper operation

What Is Involved in a Professional Chimney Inspection?

The NFPA has three levels of chimney inspections:

Level 1: Basic Maintenance

A level 1 inspection is the most common type. This inspection will ensure all accessible parts of your chimney are in order and working properly. 

Level 2: Real Estate or After-Change Inspection

If you have bought a new home, changed your heating system, or experienced a fire or earthquake, a level 2 chimney inspection is recommended. It will include everything from a level 1 inspection, while including a more detailed examination of the chimney flue. 

Level 3: Investigate

A level 3 inspection is the most extensive inspection available and is only required when a serious hazard is suspected or present. This process may involve removing parts of the home or chimney to get to the problem area. 

No matter the level of care your chimney needs, it’s important to hire a certified professional to conduct a chimney inspection. These professionals know what to look for and are trained with the proper tools to detect signs of a fire hazard or danger. 

Why You Should Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Now

Fall is the busiest time of the year for chimney sweeps. By scheduling your chimney inspection now you: 

1. Avoid wait times: Since this is the busy season, appointments book quickly. Booking your appointment later in the summer or early fall means you can choose a time that works best for you, without fighting for an appointment slot. 
2. Beat the cold: Once the cold weather hits, most people immediately light a fire for the warmth and atmosphere it creates. Nothing is worse than lighting your first fire of the season, only to discover your chimney is unsafe or not working. 
3. Allow times for repairs: If your chimney needs repairs, booking the appointment early will get the problem solved before the cold weather hits. 
4. Ensure peace of mind: Having an inspection done and knowing your chimney is safe to use will ease your mind when lighting that first fire of the season. 

The Cost of Waiting to Schedule

By avoiding scheduling your chimney inspection, hazards can increase, and bigger problems can occur. Small leaks or cracks can worsen, and creosote buildup will increase, especially if you are using the fireplace. 

An uninspected chimney puts your home and family at serious risk for fire or health hazards. Chimney fires spread rapidly to other areas of your home, and a blocked chimney can cause carbon monoxide to back up into your living space. 

Along with the hazards, expenses build up the longer you wait. Damages can worsen and require a more costly repair down the road. Many insurance companies may also deny any claims for chimney fires if you have not maintained your chimney and performed regular inspections. 

Signs You Should Schedule a Chimney Inspection

Here are some common signs you are due to schedule a professional chimney inspection: 

1. You haven’t had your chimney inspected in over a year. 
2. There is a strong odor coming from the fireplace into the living area.
3. Smoke enters your home through the fireplace.
4. Creosote buildup (a black, tar-like substance) 
5. You changed your heating system or bought a new home.

Even if you see no signs, an annual inspection is still recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to maintain a safe chimney. 

Choosing the Right Chimney Sweep

When researching and booking your chimney inspection, always make sure the company is certified. The CSIA and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) keep and maintain directories of trained, credentialed chimney sweeps. A reputable technician should: 

• Be CSIA-certified.
• Have references or reviews.
• Give a detailed report after the inspection is completed.
• Use proper cameras and tools to examine areas.

Including Chimney Inspections in Your Annual Schedule 

Just like any other vital system in your home, a chimney needs regular care. By scheduling a yearly chimney inspection, you avoid last-minute appointments, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Along with the yearly inspection, you should have a seasonal schedule: 

• Spring: Clean the chimney after the colder season ends to remove creosote and moisture before summer sets in. 
• Summer: This is an ideal time for inspections and repairs. More appointment times will be available, and you will have months before you will need to use the fireplace and chimney. 
• Fall and Winter: Emergency inspection may be needed if issues arise from constant use. Avoid scheduling your annual maintenance or inspection during this time because of higher costs and lower availability. 

Looking for a Professional? Contact Valley Chimney For Your Chimney Inspection

Our team at Valley Chimney is trained and certified to perform proper chimney inspections and sweeps. Contact us today to schedule your chimney inspection before the fall season begins!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How often should I schedule a chimney inspection? 

A: The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends an annual chimney inspection, regardless of how frequently the fireplace is used. 

Q: Can I inspect my chimney myself?

A: A visual check is helpful, but only a certified chimney sweep can properly inspect the internal flue damage, creosote levels, and blockages using professional tools. 

Q: What are the signs that my chimney needs immediate inspection? 

A: If you notice strong odors from the fireplace, visible creosote buildup, smoke entering your home, or hear animal noises inside the chimney, these are urgent signs that a chimney inspection is needed right away to prevent fire or health hazards.