How To Prepare Your Fireplace And Chimney For The Summer
If you have a fireplace in your home, you probably love to use it when it's cold outside. However, now that the weather is getting ready to warm up, you probably won't be using it nearly as frequently. Many people just ignore their chimneys during the spring and summer months, but properly preparing your chimney and fireplace for the warm weather will save you money and help you keep them in good condition. Follow these tips if you want to retire your fireplace until it turns cold again.
Have Your Chimney Cleaned
After using your fireplace all winter long, there's a chance that your chimney is really dirty. There is no reason to wait until next year to have it cleaned; otherwise, the dirt and soot could get into your home, your home's indoor air quality could be affected, and you won't be able to use your chimney right away when the weather turns cold. A good chimney sweep service will get rid of all of the year's dirt and soot, so you'll be ready to start fresh next year. Before calling and making an appointment, make sure that you move any furniture or items that could be easily damaged out of the room and that you cover and protect the rest of your belongings with plastic sheeting or another protective covering. Contact Early Times Home Solutions to have your chimney cleaned.
Think About Pest Control
Now that the springtime weather is here, more and more birds, squirrels and other wildlife are out and about. Unfortunately, birds and other creatures could think that your chimney is the perfect home for a nest. To help prevent any potential problems from birds' nests or other types of nests, consider calling a pest control company. It's a lot easier to prevent pests now rather than once they make a home inside your chimney.
Turn the Pilot Light Off
If you have gas logs in your fireplace, then you will probably want to turn your pilot light off during the summer months. Then, you won't have to worry about wasting gas. Since you probably already have to spend enough on electricity to keep your home cool during the summer, this little bit of savings can make a big difference.
As the weather is heating up, the last thing that you are probably thinking about is using your fireplace. Luckily, if you follow these tips, you can put your fireplace and chimney to rest until next year.