Have you used your fireplace yet this season? Do you know what? Even if you have, it’s never too late to have your fireplace and chimney cleaned, especially if it’s been a year or longer since the last cleaning and inspection.

After repeated use, creosote forms – and adheres to the chimney walls – from wood, paper, and cardboard that don’t burn very well. That’s typically caused by not enough air circulation in the fireplace and chimney. Plus, creosote is combustible and can emit unpleasant odors which will invade your living spaces anytime a down draft occurs.

Understanding the Risks: Identifying Creosote Build-Up in Your Chimney

Creosote also can spawn mold and mildew after coming in contact with rain and snow. And that spells the possibility of respiratory issues for you and other family members.

Not ready to contact a professional chimney cleaner just yet? At the very least, grab a flashlight and look up inside your chimney to see if you have a build-up of creosote. If your chimney has been cleaned recently, there may only be some grey or black dust. If it’s gone past the dust stage, it will be black and flaky. And then there’s the most flammable type of creosote: thick and crusty.

Or let’s say you’ve had it up to “here” with fireplace cleaning and maintenance, but you don’t want to lose the glow, added warmth, or ambience. In that case, this could be the perfect time for a gas fireplace insert – a specialty service of PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling.

Here are a few additional benefits of opting for a gas fireplace insert:

  • More efficient than open fireplaces. Unlike the latter, gas insert models have a sealed, air-tight door system which generates more heat because the heat isn’t wasted.
  • Wood-burning emission reduced to nearly zero.
  • Helps lower your heating costs.
  • Saves money on remodeling, too.
  • Multiple styles and designs to choose from for the perfect complement to your indoor or outdoor décor.

At PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling, we maintain and repair gas fireplace inserts too. For more information and a free new fireplace proposal, contact us today.