If you can imagine the aspects of your property which need maintenance, despite the fact you don’t directly use or influence them, then you start to see why the answer to the question “does my gas fire chimney need sweeping?” is an obvious one. You wouldn’t be the only person to ask this question however, it is often assumed that only a solid fuel burning fire requires a chimney sweep because of the ash and soot it produces.
Modern Day Necessity?
In 2013 we don’t produce nearly as much smoke and soot from our homes as the Victorians did, if you have a chimney then it needs to be able to draw up and out of your home. A gas fire doesn’t produce the same kind of harmful substances but it is a fire nonetheless. The flames you see do not burn up completely leaving nasty substances in the air, if your chimney is blocked then these harmful substances will linger in your home posing a danger to you and your family.
The Fumes
While the main concern with a gas fire is the fumes, every chimney is susceptible to damage over time. Any manner of things can fall into your chimney giving you a build-up of rubble – even the bricks from within your own chimney can crumble and fall inwards. If you live in a building which has different tenants on different floors then it is in the interest of everyone to have the chimney checked out before a fire is installed.
Safety Checks
A good test will not only involve the ability of your chimney to draw out harmful substances in the air but will also investigate the structure and integrity of the chimney to ensure it is not in need of construction work. These checks will also establish whether the chimney is drawing up and out of the property, or whether it is leaking back into the home elsewhere.
Best Practice
The best suppliers of fireplaces won’t begin installing an appliance until a full sweep of your chimney has been performed. If this isn’t recommended to you then bring the issue up yourself, it is your own safety which is at risk after all. For greater insurance when you choose a fireplace supplier, check whether they are Gas Safe registered, if they are then you will gain extra assurance that they know what they are doing.
Regularity
When addressing how often you need to have your chimney swept for a gas fire you need to think about how often you use it. Most people only use their fireplace in the winter, which means a sweeping once a year (preferably around August) will suffice to cover the few months of use. If you use your fireplace more regularly – or we have a long winter – then it is worth having the chimney swept twice a year at intervals.
Having this service carried out is relatively cheap in comparison to the work you might need carried out if a problem goes unidentified, and in the end is for the benefit of your health. To make sure you get peace of mind with your gas fireplace then call in a professional, experienced chimney sweep.
