Even though you do not use your chimney and fireplace in the summer, you should still take care of a few maintenance 
tasks to be sure the system will be ready to use in the fall. Making sure your fireplace and chimney are kept clean during the summer is important for the system to work safely and efficiently. To help you maintain your chimney and fireplace during the summer, Ace Chimney Sweeps would like to share a few tips with you that will ensure your fireplace will be ready to enjoy in the fall.
Schedule an appointment for your annual chimney sweeping and inspection.
The summer is the best time to have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. You will easily be able to schedule the visit on the date and time that is most convenient for you, and your fireplace will be ready to use in the fall. National fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend having your chimney swept and inspected before lighting the first fire of the fall. Ace Chimney Sweeps promises to remove all of the soot and creosote from your chimney and to find any damage that could make your chimney unsafe to use.
Clean your fireplace.
Start by removing all of the ashes from the firebox. Be sure the ashes are completely cool before you begin. You can use either a vacuum or a shovel and bucket to get the ashes out of the firebox. After you have removed the ashes, you can clean the fireplace with an even mixture of cleaning solution and water. You need to be sure that the cleaning solution you use is not flammable because there is the potential of remnants of the solution to remain inside the fireplace and cause issues when you use the fireplace again in the fall. Don’t forget to clean the glass fireplace doors as well to remove any buildup of soot and creosote.
Make sure the damper is closed.
You want the air conditioned air to stay inside your house and not escape out through the chimney, so be sure the damper is completely closed. This will also help prevent any chimney draft issues causing unpleasant odors from the chimney entering your home.
Have your gas fireplace serviced.
If you have a gas fireplace, summer is a great time to have it serviced to be sure there are no loose connections that could cause gas leaks. Ace Chimney Sweeps can service and inspect your gas appliance to ensure it is working safely.
Take care of your chimney and fireplace this summer. Contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps for all of your chimney maintenance needs.