Chimney Safety Tips
Ways to Prevent Home Heating Hazards
and Save Hard-earned Dollars
- Have your chimney checked every year (no matter how you heat your home) to make sure the chimney can do it's job to properly vent hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide from the heating system to the outdoors.
- To help reduce creosote build-up in your wood-burning chimney system, burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. If you don't know how to build a hot, safe fire, ask your CSIA or OCSA Certified Chimney Sweep™ for tips on proper wood-burning techniques.
- If you own or are planning to install a high efficiency gas furnace, ask your CSIA or OCSA Certified Chimney Sweep to check that the furnace is vented in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code.
- Have a high quality, long-lasting chimney cap installed to keep out debris and prevent birds, animals and insects from nesting in your chimney.
- Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood or lightning strike, have your chimney inspected for damage -- inside and out. This includes checking for cracks and fallen bricks. For safety's sake, DO NOT USE YOUR CHIMNEY until it is checked by a CSIA or OCSA Certified Chimney Sweep.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn of harmful gases that may be entering your home because of a blocked or damaged chimney.
- Have your chimney waterproofed to prevent long-term corrosion and masonry damage.
- Have your chimney flashing (the seal between the chimney and the roof) inspected and maintained. Flashing prevents rain water and snow melt from entering your home and causing costly damage to your walls and ceilings.
- Save energy dollars and eliminate unpleasant off-season odors. Have a sealing damper installed in your wood-burning chimney system.
- Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner. Chimney liners are required in new construction to separate hot heating system emissions from the structure of your home.
Spring is a good time to schedule an annual chimney check by a CSIA or OCSA Certified Chimney Sweep.
For more information on chimney and venting safety or how to contact a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in your area, contact: