How do I know if my wood burning fireplace is safe to use?

5 Easy Steps to Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Safe

1. #1 Examine the Firebox. Look for any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear in the lining of the firebox (the interior of the fireplace).
2. #2 Look for Telltale Smoke Stains.
3. #3 Make Sure Your Grate Is the Right Size.
4. #4 Check the Chimney.
5. #5 Double-Check Your Fire Extinguisher.

Can you check your own chimney?

Only a professional chimney sweep is qualified to inspect and clean a chimney so that it remains safe for use. Not only do they know to look for things that a layperson might miss, but the average homeowner probably isn’t properly equipped to thoroughly inspect their chimney in the first place.

How do you check a chimney is safe UK?

The way to check whether a flue still has sufficient integrity is to have the chimney swept and then have your professional chimney sweep conduct a Chimney Integrity Pressure Test. This means putting the chimney under a certain amount of pressure and checking the leakage rate.

How do you check a chimney draft?

Turn on your appliance and place your smoke stick near the vent hood. If the smoke goes up the hood, your vent passes. If the smoke appears to be being blown into the house, the you have a down draft, and should repair it (especially if the down draft persists after your device has been on for several minutes).

Can wood burning fireplace cause carbon monoxide?

Fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances are the leading sources for exposure to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as wood, gas, charcoal, kerosene, and oil are burned.

What do chimney inspectors look for?

Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits. A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system.

How do you inspect a chimney for creosote?

How to Tell You Have Creosote

1. Gather your supplies. You should wear a face mask and goggles, and grab a flashlight and your fireplace poker.
2. Check that it’s safe. Make sure there is a downdraft first.
3. Use your fireplace poker. Scratch the smoke chamber above your damper to see if there is any creosote.
4. Shine the light.

How do I know if my wood stove chimney needs cleaning?

Here are seven tell-tale signs that indicate your chimney or fireplace needs cleaning:

1. Your fireplace smells like a campfire.
2. Fires burn oddly.
3. It takes more effort to get a fire going and keep it going.
4. Smoke fills the room.
5. The fireplace damper is black.
6. Fireplace walls have oily marks.
7. There’s evidence of animals.

How do I know if I need my chimney cleaned?

Here are our top 9 Signs that Your Chimney Needs to Be Cleaned:

1. Oily Spots on the Walls of Your Fireplace.
2. Poorly Burning Fires.
3. Odors Coming from the Fireplace.
4. Animals are Inside Your Chimney.
5. Smoke Doesn’t Rise Up the Chimney.
6. Fires are Difficult to Get Started.
7. Chimney Soot is Falling from the Chimney.

How do I get my fireplace checked?

Arrange a Yearly Inspection All chimneys should be inspected and cleaned by a chimney cleaning professional at least once a year, or about once every 80 fires. A thorough cleaning will remove any buildup of creosote, an oily and highly flammable byproduct of burning wood, giving you a safer fireplace.