There are three main reasons why maintaining your home fireplace is is important, they are:
1. Elimination of Residential Chimney Fires
2. Preventing Carbon Monoxide Intrusion
3. Improving home heating efficiency
1. Elimination of Residential Chimney Fires: Chimney Institute of America stated “In 2005, there were 24,500 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. These fires resulted in 20 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage…..and virtually all of these fires were preventable by annual maintenance.”
2. Preventing Carbon Monoxide Intrusion: What exactly is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous to people? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, flammable and highly toxic gas. It is the by product of Carbon monoxide is one of the leading causes of poisoning deaths in America.
It is so dangerous because it is attracted to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, when it is breathed in it replaces oxygen which cells need to function, which then causes symptoms such as the flu, headache, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion, irritability and can lead to brain damage, loss of consciousness, and death.
3. Improving home heating efficiency: A chimney inspection will show if there is proper ventilation within the chimney structure, if there is blockage repairs can be done which will improve the heating efficiency.
