With the variety of types of fireplaces available now, many homes have one. It is no wonder why they are desirable. For many people, a fireplace evokes warm, cozy memories. For others, it can give a home a very luxurious feel. Regardless of why you love your fireplace, having one in your home increases your home’s value. This has been evident for years in real estate sales. In addition to all these positive aspects, having a fireplace can help lower your heating costs. With all these beneficial attributes, it’s hard to imagine the down side of having a fireplace. The only thing we can mention is that owning and using a fireplace does require routine chimney service in Forked River by an experienced team. Not only does regular maintenance help keep your fireplace and chimney working effectively, but it is also a safety issue.
Why are Fireplaces Desirable
Fireplaces are desirable for a variety of reasons. Homes for sale always list a fireplace as a positive amenity.
Style
Depending on the style of the home and the interior design, a fireplace can evoke both a cozy and a luxurious feel. Restaurants add fireplaces to give their dining rooms a homey feel. While stone and brick fireplaces can conjure those warm and fuzzy feelings, a modern style fireplace boosts a rooms extravagance. Clean lines, modern tiles, or ornate mantels easily transforms a room. A fireplace is a very versatile item and improves any room, no matter what your style is.
Home Value
In a comparison of two homes where only one of them has a fireplace, the home with the fireplace will be worth more. Fireplaces increase your home’s value because they are so sought after. All the positive facets of fireplaces are what make them so attractive for home buyers.
Energy Bills
Aside from the visual aspects of fireplaces, the functionality of them makes them so alluring. When maintained properly and used correctly, a fireplace can add a great degree of physical warmth to a home. All that warmth given off from the fireplace is heat that does not need to be produced by your heating system. Using a fireplace is less expensive than running your heat.
Dangers of Fireplace are Result of Neglect
While there are many good things about fireplaces, they also come with inherent danger. The best way to avoid the dangers of a fireplace is with chimney service in Forked River. Having an annual inspection by a knowledgeable technician can greatly decrease the risks associated with fireplace use.
Creosote
This is a substance that can easily and quickly build up on the inside of your chimney. A fireplace that does not get cleaned each year prior to use is an accident waiting to happen. The danger of creosote is that it is highly flammable. Allowing this tarry substance to accumulate could lead to a chimney fire which is extremely dangerous. There are a few conditions that allow creosote to build-up faster according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
“Conditions that encourage the buildup of creosote:
- restricted air supply
- unseasoned wood
- cooler than normal chimney temperatures”
A very easy way to avoid these conditions and protect your home is to schedule a Forked River chimney service team to inspect both the interior and exterior of your fireplace and chimney every year.
Chimney Obstruction
Obviously, a chimney is open to the outside. This makes it easy for animals to crawl in there to make a nest. It can also be easy for debris to cause a full obstruction of your chimney. The purpose of the chimney is to allow gases and smoke to escape. If your chimney gets blocked for any reason and you build a fire, those gases and smoke have nowhere else to go but back inside your home. A chimney cap is a great addition that greatly decreases the access for debris and critters. An annual inspection is also an important step in keeping your chimney safe.
Flue Damage
This can include anything from gaps in between the tiles, cracked flue tiles, and flaking flue tiles, also called spalling. The main danger of damage in the flue is the inability of your chimney to get rid of carbon monoxide. Breakage of the tiles in the flue can cause carbon monoxide to be trapped inside your house. According to the CDC, “Every year, at least 430 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning. Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.” The best and easiest way to avoid this immensely dangerous event is to schedule an inspection and chimney service in Forked River each year prior to using your fireplace.
Enjoy Your Fireplace Safely with Regular Chimney Service in Forked River
Fireplaces are beautiful additions to a home. They are almost purely positive. The only requirement that comes along with having and using a fireplace is to do so safely and responsibly. Step one in maintaining the safety of your fireplace is an annual inspection by a chimney service in Forked River team. When kept well cleaned, owning a fireplace can provide warmth for you and your family in more ways than one. From giving a room a cozy ambience to raising the actual temperature of the room, fireplaces are sought after for many reasons.
The Importance of Off-Season Chimney Care
Many homeowners assume chimney maintenance is something to think about only when the weather turns cold. However, the off-season is actually one of the best times to schedule a professional chimney service in Forked River. Once winter ends, months of use can leave behind creosote buildup, moisture damage, and wear that often go unnoticed. Taking care of your chimney in spring or summer helps prevent small problems from turning into expensive repairs later on.
During the warmer months, chimney professionals can easily access and inspect the full system without dealing with snow or ice. They can identify issues like cracks in the flue, deteriorated mortar, or a damaged chimney cap. These might not cause immediate problems but can lead to leaks or structural weakening if ignored. Early maintenance also means your fireplace will be ready to use the moment temperatures drop again, without the rush of peak-season appointments.
Off-season care also helps prevent unpleasant odors. When humidity rises, any soot or creosote left behind can produce a strong smell that spreads through your home. A thorough cleaning eliminates that buildup, keeping your indoor air fresh all summer long. It is also an ideal time to install a chimney cap or repair flashing to keep out animals, rain, and debris.
By handling maintenance during the off-season, homeowners gain peace of mind knowing their chimney is protected year-round. It is a simple way to extend the life of the structure, improve efficiency, and ensure safety.
