Schedule Your Chimney, Fireplace, and Dryer Vent Cleanings For 2024
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The Mad Hatter is a home service company in Atlanta, Georgia, that focuses on Chimney sweeps, fireplace cleanings, and dryer vent cleanings. We have been in business since 1978 and have grown to become one of the largest family-owned chimney and dryer vent service companies in the United States. We are proud to be members of The Better Business Bureau and have been chosen ‘Best Pick’ by Home Reports Consumer Survey for 25 consecutive years. Our company is state-licensed, and we are proud members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. With a knowledgeable staff to serve all your needs, we are confident we can meet and exceed your expectations.
Chimneys and Fireplaces Should Be Inspected and Cleaned At Least Once Per Year
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an annual chimney inspection to check for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. These inspections are crucial even if cleaning, maintenance, or repairs aren’t immediately necessary. Having a professional chimney service company, like The Mad Hatter, will give you a yearly check-in on the health of your fireplace and chimney.
Annual inspections are still necessary even if you rarely use your chimney and fireplace. Structural issues could develop over time due to various factors, such as weather conditions and aging. Regular inspections can identify these problems early on and allow our team to make repairs. Scheduling an inspection in the summer will enable us to make repairs before using your chimney in colder months.
Why Do Chimneys and Fireplaces Need Annual Inspections?
The primary purpose of a chimney sweep is to clear away soot, blockages, and buildup of creosote and other materials from the different areas of your chimney. These areas include the liner, smoke chamber, damper, and firebox.
Creosote is a dark, sticky residue that clings to the interior of your chimney. It is highly flammable and dangerous. Creosote forms when unburned gases are released into the chimney as wood burns. The type of wood burned can influence the amount of creosote produced. For instance, softwoods such as pine generate more creosote than hardwoods like oak due to their higher sap and resin content.
Creosote is not just a byproduct of using your fireplace. It’s a significant fire hazard due to its high flammability. The risk of a chimney fire increases dramatically as creosote levels rise. A chimney fire is destructive and can lead to a full-blown building fire. Scheduling regular chimney inspections and sweeps helps to remove creosote from your chimney.
Benefits of Annual Chimney and Fireplace Cleanings
Here are five reasons and benefits for scheduling chimney and fireplace cleanings with a professional service company like The Mad Hatter.
- Schedule In The Spring So Your Chimney Is Ready For Use In Colder Months
- Remove Creosote and Soot Buildup
- Extend the Life of Your Fireplace Liner
- Identify Any Structural Issues
- Remove Pests and Wildlife Nests
Dryer Vents Should Also Be Inspected At Least Once Per Year
Dryer vent cleaning is an often overlooked aspect of home maintenance, and understandably so. However, its importance cannot be understated. Regular dryer vent cleaning can prevent many issues, from minor inconveniences to severe threats.
The National Fire Protection Association‘s general recommendation is that homeowners clean their dryer vents at least once a year. However, this frequency can be influenced by many factors that might necessitate more frequent cleanings.
- Large Family Size: Large families inevitably use the laundry room more. More laundry equates to more lint produced, leading to quicker vent blockages. If your family is large or you do loads of laundry regularly, your dryer vent may require more frequent cleanings than the recommended annual one.
- Presence of Pets: Pets, especially those that shed, can cause a significant increase in the lint build-up in your dryer vent. Pet hair and the usual lint from clothes can clog up the vent system faster, warranting more regular cleanings. It’s particularly crucial for pet owners to keep an eye on their dryer efficiency and to consider professional cleaning more frequently.
- Purchase of New Clothes: New clothing often sheds more fibers during the first few washes and dries. These extra fibers contribute to the speed at which lint accumulates within the vent, possibly calling for more frequent cleanings. If you often purchase new clothing, consider regularly inspecting and cleaning your dryer vent.
- Type of Laundry: Different fabrics produce different amounts of lint. Towels and bedding usually shed more lint than synthetic materials, increasing the rate of vent blockage. If your laundry often includes high-lint items, consider having your dryer vent inspected more often.
- Other Relevant Factors: Other considerations, such as the age and model of your dryer, can also influence cleaning frequency. Older models may not be as efficient in lint trapping, while certain models may have specific cleaning recommendations from the manufacturer.
Benefits of Annual Dryer Vent Cleanings
- Reduce The Risk of a Dryer Fire
- Reduces Energy Use and Lowers Monthly Utility Bills
- Reduces Wear and Tear On Your Dryer
- Allows For Faster Drying Times
- Reduces the Amount of Lint Left On Clothes
- Increases the Life Of Your Clothes
- Reduces Moisture In The Dryer and Prevents Damage To Your Property
Schedule Your Chimney, Fireplace, and Dryer Vent Service Cleanings for 2024
Don’t delay. Schedule your chimney and fireplace service cleanings now so that you can confidently enjoy your fireplace and chimney when colder months roll around later in the year. While cleaning your chimney and fireplace, our service technicians can also perform a dryer vent inspection and cleaning service for your home.
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