Call for diligence as U.S. arctic blast makes fireplace use more likely
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – INDIANAPOLIS – With the coldest air in years blanketing much of the country this week, homeowners may increasingly be putting their fireplaces to use.
An increase in fireplace use could increase the risk of chimney fires and other dangers, but it may also present an opportunity for homeowners to identify potential problems with the operations of these appliances.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America says there is no substitute for an annual chimney inspection by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®, but homeowners can put some of their five senses to work to recognize indicators of possible chimney issues.
Get more details on sensing chimney dangers at the CSIA blog.
Sight: Take a look at the top of your fireplace opening, which could indicate your chimney is not venting properly if it is discolored or stained a shade of black.
Smell: A fireplace fire should not give off the scent of smoke, and you may be sniffing a backed up chimney if a smoke-like odor fills your home when you use your fireplace.
Touch: When your fireplace is cooled, run your hands along the light yellow firebricks that make up the inside of your fireplace, and any cracks, chips or other abnormalities could signal bigger problems.
Should homeowner senses reveal any of the issues above, it’s recommended they should schedule an inspection by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Local sweeps can be easily located atwww.csia.org/search.About CSIA
About CSIA The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to chimney and venting system safety. CSIA is committed to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other chimney-related hazards that result in the loss of lives and property. To achieve these goals, CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public, chimney and venting professionals and other fire prevention specialists about the prevention and correction of chimney and venting system hazards. ###For advertising and promotion on www.HealthNewsDigest.com contact Mike McCurdy at: [email protected] or call 877-634-9180. We are syndicated worldwide and read in 164 countries. We also have over 7,000 journalists as subscribers who may use our content for their own media!
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For advertising and promotion on www.HealthNewsDigest.com contact Mike McCurdy at: [email protected] or call 877-634-9180. We are syndicated worldwide and read in 164 countries. We also have over 7,000 journalists as subscribers who may use our content for their own media!