As chilly weather continues to linger in Indiana, there’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth that a crackling fireplace can give. However, before you light that fire, there’s an essential step that should never be overlooked: a thorough fireplace inspection.
While the allure of a roaring fire may be irresistible, the safety of your home and loved ones should always come first. If you haven’t yet had your fireplace inspected, don’t panic. Let’s delve into why regular fireplace inspections are paramount for both safety and peace of mind.
The Importance of Regular Fireplace Inspections
Fireplaces are undoubtedly one of the most sought-after features in a home. They are not only a focal point of beauty and ambience in a home, but they are also a source of warmth and comfort.
However, like any other appliance in your house, fireplaces require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure they operate with optimal performance and safety. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association recommends that your chimney, fireplace, and vents undergo inspection yearly.
An estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the United States in 2021. These fires caused about 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss. It’s important to pay close attention to your fireplace to ensure it’s working correctly and being used properly.
If your fireplace isn’t working correctly, or you’re having trouble figuring out how to use it, call your local HVAC heating and cooling repair company, like Supreme Fireplace and Hearth, for a fireplace inspection or repair.
What to Expect from a Fireplace Inspection
There are a few different types and levels of fireplace inspections. Understanding the differences will help you decide which type of inspection is right for you. Inspections come down to three levels.
Level One:
The most basic type of inspection, a Level One inspection, is ideal if your chimney is in good condition, there are no concerns or issues, and there have been no changes since your last inspection.
Your inspector will examine and check the accessible components, such as the fireplace, firebox, damper, flue opening, and exterior parts sticking out from the roof, to ensure the structure is intact and each part is functioning properly. The inspector will also confirm that there are no obstructions or combustion deposits.
Level Two:
If you’ve made changes to your chimney, such as a change in fuel type, a change to the shape of or material of flue, or a new liner, a Level Two inspection would likely suffice. Your inspector will check the same accessible parts of your chimney as in level one, with the addition of examining the attic, roof, crawl space, and basement to ensure nothing is damaged.
You may be required to have a level two inspection if you’re selling your home, or have recently experienced an accident or malfunction to the chimney, such as a hurricane, bad storm, building fire, or chimney fire.
Level Three:
A Level Three inspection is ideal if you have a suspected hazard, and your inspector can’t access concealed components, such as the chimney crown and interior chimney wall.
Special tools to access these hidden parts are required in order to ensure manufacturing is sound. Depending on the complexity of the issue and structure, this can require rebuilding or removing certain parts.
Preparing for a Chimney Inspection
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your chimney inspection to ensure it goes smoothly.
Prepare Your Home:
- If there are pieces of furniture close to the fireplace, be sure to move them at least six feet away and/or cover them with a plastic drop cloth.
- Due to potential dirt and debris that can pose safety risks, move or cover your rug if it’s close to the fireplace.
- Remove any delicate items from the mantle.
- Do not make a fire for at least 24 hours prior to the inspection to ensure it is cool enough to inspect.
- Contain any pets for the safety of both them and the fireplace inspector.
It doesn’t take much to prepare for your fireplace inspection, but by doing these things, you can ensure that your belongings are kept out of harm’s way during your inspection.
Why Choose Supreme for Fireplace Installation and Maintenance?
Supreme is proud to offer premium services for all of your home’s comfort systems, including HVAC, plumbing, fireplaces and stoves. We can promise professionalism and transparency in inspecting your fireplace from start to finish.
Call us today to schedule your inspection to keep your fireplace performing at its highest level, keeping your home warm and your family safe.
