Annual Chimney Inspection CAN prevent CO poisoning

Storks nesting in chimneys were once believed to bring good luck, according to European folklore. But, in fact, nests in chimneys - or blockages of any kind - are nothing short of bad news. They can cause smoking problems, chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

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.

Virtually all of these fires were preventable according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a non-profit institution dedicated to public and chimney professional education. Both CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent these hazards.

Many American homeowners think their chimneys only need to be cleaned and inspected if they burn wood in their fireplaces or wood stoves. But almost all heating appliances, whether they burn gas, oil, wood or coal, rely on the chimney to safely carry toxic gases produced by the heating system of the house.

A carbon monoxide detector can warn homeowners of potential poisoning after the deadly gas has already entered the living area, but an annual chimney check can help prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home in the first place.

Each fall, homeowners shift into home-improvement mode. They clean gutters, garages and basements -- preparing homes for winter. But they usually don't inspect, repair or clean their chimneys, despite the potential for damage to their property or even to their lives.

An annual chimney inspection by a is a modest investment that can reduce the danger of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. The CSIA, established in 1983, is a non-profit, educational institution, dedicated to educating the public about the prevention of chimney safety hazards.

For more information about chimney safety, please visit the CSIA web site at www.csia.org. The CSIA is located at 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Please call Spring Hill Chimney Service today, to schedule your inspection--

570-842-1998

As posted on ANGIES LIST Feb. 28th, 2011

More helpful chimney tips:

• Get your chimney flashing inspected (the seal between the chimney and the roof). Flashing prevents rain water and snow melt from entering your home and causing costly water damage to your walls and ceilings.
• Have a sealing damper installed in your wood-burning chimney to save energy dollars and eliminate unpleasant off-season odors.
• Install a high quality, long lasting chimney cap to keep out debris and prevent birds, animals and insects from nesting in your chimney.
• Make sure you have an appropriate chimney liner. This is something your service company can check for you. Chimney liners are required in new construction to separate hot heating system emissions from the structure of your home.