Why do I need to get my chimney swept?
The most common problem with chimneys is the build up of soot, tar and creosote. After a while without intervention, these deposits decrease the diameter of your chimney and become a hazard. If the smoke backs up inside the chimney you will become exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide which is a poisonous gas. A blocked chimney is also susceptible to chimney fires.
How often should a chimney be swept?At least once a year is the recommended minimum. You may require more frequent sweeping depending on what you burn and how often. If you burn a lot of wood then it is recommended to have your chimney swept twice a year: once around August/September before burning season and again half way through the winter, around December/January time.
Can I sweep my own chimney?It is always a preferable option to hire a professional, qualified chimney sweep to do this job. They not only clean, but inspect your chimney and appliance, undertaking a series of checks to ensure they are safe to use. Many household insurance policies insist that a certificate of sweeping for homes with working chimneys are needed to keep them valid.
What is a chimney sweep certificate?
A chimney sweep certificate, better known as a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping, is issued by a chimney sweep to a homeowner or landlord after a chimney has been swept. It outlines what tests were carried out during the sweep and if any defects or dangers were observed.
Will my home insurance be valid if I don’t have my chimney swept?
It is likely that your home insurance policy requires that your chimney is swept regularly. It is worth checking with your insurer the exact expectations they have regarding sweeping your chimney.
Do I need my chimney swept if I don't use it?If you do not use your chimney, you may not have to clean it as often. However, chimney damage can occur, even if you do not use it. It will be wise, therefore, to have a professional inspect and sweep your chimney to make sure it is safe.
Should I have a Carbon Monoxide alarm?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell. That makes it impossible to detect without an alarm. It is a therefore a good idea to fit a CO alarm in any room with appliances which can produce the gas. These include boilers, gas cookers and solid fuel appliances like fireplaces.
In rented accommodation, fire safety regulations now state that landlords must provide a CO alarm where there is a used fireplace. Where should I place a CO alarm?
They are best placed in the same room as a possible source of Carbon Monoxide, ie between 1m and 3m in front of the appliance. They are better being fixed on the wall—ideally, at least 15cm away from the ceiling. However, it is possible to fix them to the ceiling too. But you will need to make sure it’s at least 30cm away from walls or other obstructions, like light fittings.
The alarm needs to remain in the open air so it’s monitoring the same air that everyone is inhaling, so make sure it is not blocked by furniture. Remember: CO alarms need to be tested regularly! What happens if my CO alarm sounds?
Should your CO alarm sound, it must be taken seriously. The first course of action is to open all doors and windows for ventilation and get everyone out to safety.
Turn off any possible appliances which may be causing the leak and get someone out immediately to check they are safe to use. You may want to call the Gas Emergency Service 24-hour line on 0800 111 999. And if anyone is showing any possible signs of poisoning, or generally feeling unwell, seek medical advice immediately. Can I burn logs and smokeless coal at the same time?
Many people now have modern multi-fuel stoves installed in their homes. The name ‘Multi-fuel’ suggests that these types of appliances can burn many different fuels including wood, coal or smokeless fuel. This is true, but you should never burn more than one type of fuel at a time.
Regular House Coal, Smokeless fuel and Firewood burn in very different ways. Wood requires air from above to aid combustion, whereas Coal and Smokeless fuel require air from below. You may have noticed your multi-fuel has a grate allowing air to circulate below your fuel and to allow ash to drop to the bottom of course. Allowing your stove to burn both wood and solid fuels means you have two fuels competing for the air available in your stove. The real danger with mixing wood and coal is that the moisture in your wood mixes with the sulphurs in your solid fuel to create a highly acidic residue that corrodes your stainless steel flue liner. This is quite dangerous over a longer period, but at its’ worst, a liner can be rendered inoperable within 12 months of installation. |
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