Your fireplace is probably the last thing on your mind during the hot months of summer. However, practicing proper chimney maintenance is essential to ensure this part of your home will be safe and functional once the cold weather arrives. Following are some helpful tips for taking care of your chimney during the off-season.

Top Chimney Maintenance Tips for Summer

1. Make Sure the Damper Is Closed  

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to close the damper as soon as possible. In addition to keeping unwanted critters from entering your home, closing the damper seals off air flow. This also means you won’t have sky-high utility bills due to air-conditioned air escaping from the chimney.

2. Book Inspection & Cleaning

If there are any issues with your chimney that may cause problems once you start using it again, such as blockages, cracks, or other types of damage, this is the time to find out. Having a professional chimney sweep perform an inspection this summer will give you plenty of time to arrange for any necessary services or repairs. It’s also likely that the chimney sweep will recommend you have it cleaned after your inspection. Book your appointment for chimney maintenance as soon as possible, as most chimney sweeps start getting busy in the fall.

3. Clean Ashes Out of the Fireplace

If your family has experienced respiratory problems or allergy symptoms this summer, your fireplace may be partially to blame. Letting ash, dust, and soot sit in your fireplace over the summer can negatively affect the air quality inside your home. Cleaning out your fireplace can make it easier to breathe at home, and it will also improve the cleanliness of your home.

4. Install a Chimney Flue Cap

If you don’t already have one, now’s a great time to install a chimney flue cap, which will protect your chimney from wet weather, animals, and damaging debris.

When you need chimney inspection or cleaning services, the professionals at Absolute Chimney Service in Kennebunkport, ME, are ready to help. Since 1979, these licensed, bonded, and insured chimney sweeps have been providing clients with a wide range of chimney maintenance services, as well as fireplace repair. Check out their website for more information, and call (207) 967-2274 to book your appointment today.