HOUSTON – It's Christmas Eve, there's a chill in the air and perhaps some chestnuts roasting on an open fire. For many families, gathering around a crackling fireplace is a holiday tradition. If you haven't done it already, schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning.
Angie Hicks from Angie's List said an inspection can help identify issues before they become major.
"If you live in an older home, they are very important because you might find that your foundation has settled and can pull the liner away and it can start to separate. So, you want to be sure it's in good condition each year," Hicks said.
Hicks said inspectors should be looking for cracks in the masonry big enough to fit a nickel inside. Those gaps can let fire pass through. They should also be looking for water damage and evidence of birds or other animals.
"When talking with your inspector, be sure they are using the pictures in a way that you can actually see things that identify your house in particular. Unfortunately, the most common scam that we hear about is when a chimney inspector uses pictures from another house," Hicks said.
Certified chimney technician Dennie Lamb said another common mistake homeowners make is failing to use firewood that's seasoned and dry.
"The wood needs to be split because the bark on a tree actually holds moisture in, so once the wood is split and stacked and then it needs to dry for six months to a year and be covered," Lamb said.
If you try to burn wood that hasn't been aged and dried, it can smoke up your house. So what about gas fireplaces? They require less maintenance, but don't skimp.
"If you're burning gas inside your fireplace and you have a problem, you might not know it because it's carbon monoxide and it's deadly," Lamb said.
Chimney cleaning typically costs about $150 to $200 and based on Houston winters, you should have it done once every two years. If someone knocks on your door and offers a super low rate to clean or inspect your chimney, you should probably pass on the deal.