Warm weather means putting away the sweaters, ski equipment, and heavy coats—and shutting down your chimney. Closing your chimney and fireplace for spring and summer prepares it for winter use and prevents hot air and odors from entering your home. Use the following tips from Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry in New Richmond, OH, to keep your heating unit in excellent condition. The chimney sweep company provides the full suite of services your house component needs.

Avoid costly chimney repairs by following these three steps:

Clean

Sweep as much ash from your fireplace as possible, and wear a dust mask and goggles to prevent eye, nose, and throat irritations. Next, schedule a chimney cleaning appointment to remove soot and creosote from the chimney, which will prevent foul odors from developing during warm weather. If left unchecked, your chimneys may clog and become a fire hazard. Your local chimney sweep will remove residue and perform any other cleaning procedures.

Inspect

Ask the chimney sweep to provide a thorough inspection. They’ll check for signs of damage, such as cracks and leaks in the chimney body, as well as any issues with the flashing and rain cap. This is key in preventing water from entering your chimney, which is especially important during the rainy spring and summer seasons. Additionally, the chimney sweep will check the unit’s piping for corrosion.

Shut

Keep hot air, odors, and animals out of your home by closing the damper. The sweep will shut it during chimney cleaning and inspection if you have a wood-burning fireplace. However, if you have a gas fireplace, the damper must remain open at all times. The pilot light must be turned off during warm weather as well. Consider adding a glass door to your fireplace to prevent warm air and pollution from spreading.

Developing a cleaning and inspection schedule with the friendly team at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry will ensure you keep your unit in great condition for years. Call (513) 553-0229 to get started or visit the website for more information about services. Keep up with the company on Facebook.