Spring is Right Around the Corner: Chimney Checklist

Although it is still freezing in February in Buffalo and the surrounding upstate communities, spring is right around the corner. That means warm, sunny weather, singing Sparrows, and maybe even a trip to the botanical garden to see the blooming daffodils. It’s also the time of year when many New Yorkers start their spring cleaning ritual. When you are planning your spring chores, don’t forget to include chimney maintenance on your checklist.

Why Spring Is the Best Time for Chimney Sweeping in New York

Most homeowners wait until the first cold snap in October to think about their chimney. However, chimney sweeps are busiest in the fall when the leaves change. Booking now lets you beat the fall rush and secure more convenient appointment times.

• Prevent Foul Odors: Creosote mixed with humid spring air creates a foul, “campfire” odor that can permeate your home. There may also be leaves, twigs, and even small animals that produce a pungent odor as they decay. Cleaning your chimney in the spring keeps your house smelling fresh all summer.
• More Time for Repairs: If an inspection reveals winter damage, such as cracked flue tiles, flaking bricks, or eroding mortar, which are common chimney problems in our area, you have more time to get it fixed before you need heat again.

Chimney Checklist for Wood-Burning Fireplaces

While wood-burning appliances are an affordable, reliable heat source, chimneys require particular attention from the byproducts of combustion:

• Remove Ash: After the coals are cool, use a fireplace shovel and scoop the ash into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container away from combustible materials. 
• Clean Debris: Sweep out the firebox to remove dust and debris, like burnt wood particles.
• Check the Damper: Ensure the damper opens and closes smoothly. A damper that is rusting, warped, or has a broken gasket can let your air conditioning escape all summer, increasing energy bills.
• Inspect the Cap and Screen: Winter storms in WNY can blow off chimney caps. Squirrels and raccoons have razor-sharp teeth that can chisel away the mesh screen. Immediately replace damaged or missing caps to keep critters and the elements out.
• Scrub the Hearth: Use a stiff brush and a specialized masonry and glass cleaner to remove soot stains from the face of your fireplace and the glass doors. Visit our Buffalo showroom to shop for all your hearth and chimney needs.

Spring Cleaning Checklist for Gas Fireplaces

While gas units are a convenient, cleaner-burning, low-maintenance option, they still require maintenance. Use this handy spring checklist:

• Clean the Glass: While burning winter fires, residue from burning fossil fuels can form on glass doors. Use a non-abrasive gas fireplace glass cleaner to restore a clear view.
• Inspect the Pilot Assembly: Dust mites, pet dander, and even spider webs can clog the pilot light and burners, leading to ignition issues when you try to light the fireplace in the fall.
• Check the Gas Logs: They must be free of cracks for your fireplace to burn safely. To prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, replace damaged gas logs with a new set. 

Annual Inspections and Professional Cleaning Are a Must

Whether you have a wood-burning or gas appliance, annual chimney inspections and professional cleaning by a certified chimney sweep are essential. In Buffalo and Rochester, the heavy snow and ice can cause spalling (where bricks flake or pop off). Our CSIA-certified chimney sweep can catch these and other “hidden” hazards before they escalate into costly repairs or require a chimney rebuild.

Call Felgemacher for Your Spring Chimney Cleaning

Don’t wait for a smelly fireplace. As one of the oldest and most trusted chimney companies in Amherst, Niagara Falls, and Rochester, Felgemacher has over seven decades of experience in sweeping chimneys across western New York. Call Felgemacher today to schedule an appointment with a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.