What does a wood heater service and clean include?
A standard service and clean includes the following:
* Inspect cowl and flue or chimney for damages and blockages, then clean and remove creosote and debris.
* If you have a wood heater, we will inspect the baffle, firebox, rope seal, glass door and latch for wear and damage. Parts, like rope seals, will be replaced as needed.
* Clean glass door.
* Inspect and clean electric fan and surround.
* Inspect and clean liners and bricks.
What are signs my chimney or flue need cleaning?
There are a few obvious signs your chimney or flue need cleaning:
* Your fire is difficult to start or burning poorly, usually due to an insufficient supply of oxygen.
* Smoke is entering your living area instead of rising up your chimney or flue.
* There are odours coming from your fireplace – this is often a sign of a creosote buildup.
* Bits of soot or creosote are falling from your chimney into your fireplace, indicating there is a buildup that needs removing.
* Your chimney damper is black, indicating a creosote buildup.
* Your fireplace surround is getting black, oily spots.
* There’s evidence that birds or possums are inside your chimney.
How often should I have my chimney or flue cleaned?
It is important to have the cleaning of your chimney or flue on your annual to-do list. A professional sweeper will inspect your chimney or flue for safety as well as sweep it clean of creosote, soot and debris. While you can have your chimney or flue cleaned any time of the year, it’s a wise idea to have it cleaned before the chilly season commences. That way, when you’re snuggled up on your couch enjoying your toasty warm fire on a cold Winter’s Day, you can rest assured that your fireplace is safe and functioning to its optimum capacity.
What do I need to do before you arrive?
Before our technician arrives, we request you make sure your wood heater or fireplace hasn’t been used for the last 24 hours. Any furnishings you are concerned about should be moved further back from your fireplace and covered. Our technician will also cover furnishings and clean up on completion of his job, so you won’t need to bring out your broom or vacuum afterwards.
What are your payment methods?
We accept cash, credit and debit card on the day.
What are the benefits of having a service and clean performed?
There are a few very good reasons to have your fireplace serviced and cleaned:
* Reduced risk of chimney fires: soot and creosote are a byproduct of the fire you burn in your fireplace. As they build up, they can create blockages in your chimney or flue. In particular, creosote is a highly flammable substance and the main cause of chimney fires.
* Blockages removed: soot and creosote aren’t the only cause of blockages; sometimes animals like possums or birds find their way into your chimney or flue.
* Oxygen flow: a clean chimney or flue also allows for more oxygen flow, resulting in a more efficient burn and a toasty, warm living space.
* No toxic fumes in your living space: rather than permeating your living area, toxic fumes from your fireplace are easily expelled outside your house via a clean, unblocked chimney or flue.
* If you have a wood heater, a regular service will ensure your unit is safe to use and ensure you get optimum performance from it, as well as greater longevity. Common issues such as noisy fans and worn door seals are usually fixed during a standard service and clean as well.
