Buying a home with a fireplace has become a popular trend over recent years and seems to be appealing to more buyers. Curling up next to a fire is a great way to relax and warm up, whether you’re alone or with your loved ones. However, if you’re considering buying a house with a fireplace, it’s important that you know how to care for your chimney. At Watson Brothers Chimneys and Vents, we have a team of highly qualified individuals who provide the best chimney services to keep you and your home safe. There are many elements to consider when looking at houses with chimneys, so we are here to share some of the most important ones.

Know What Type of Fireplace You Have

If you’ve never had a home with a fireplace or are new to them, it can be hard to understand the key differences between each type, but these are important if you’ll be using one. Each type of fireplace has differing fuel requirements and unique functions that make them safe for your home. These differences can also determine how much maintenance your chimney will require.

Wood Burning: These fireplaces are more than likely the first you think of when you imagine a fireplace. They are the most common and traditional option of the three and are relatively easy to maintain. Using seasoned wood to burn the fire, they also tend to come with a small screen or door that separates you from the flames.

Electric: Although they don’t look as convincing as a real wood-burning or gas fireplace, electric ones are low maintenance and can be installed if you have the extra space. At a more affordable price, these options function with fake flames and a lower amount of heat.

Gas: Gas fireplaces are known for being efficient and fitting a more modern style. The fake flames they produce give your home a sense of coziness without having to burn any wood. While these have increased in popularity over the years, they usually require more maintenance than others and can sometimes have special instructions regarding their usage.

Getting It Inspected

Chances are if you’re moving to a new house you’ve already scheduled a home inspection, but that actually doesn’t include one for your chimney. While some inspectors can take a look at it and tell you whether or not it’s functional, you should hire a professional chimney service, like the Watson Brothers, to have a more in-depth look. On average, if you use your chimney regularly, it should be inspected at least once or twice a year to ensure it remains in good condition. This process should take place for all types of fireplaces, from gas to electric to wood-burning. A chimney inspector will be able to tell you if there is any need for repairs before you get fully settled.

Cleaning

Along with getting your chimney inspected annually, you should also make sure it’s getting cleaned. Normally, you can schedule an inspection and cleaning to be done in one visit by a professional. It’s crucial to understand that this commitment is necessary before you buy your home so you aren’t bombarded with new responsibilities later on. During your chimney sweep, an inspector will examine the inside of your chimney for any blockages that may be caused by creosote or soot build-up. These barriers can cause the smoke produced by the fireplace to have trouble getting through the vent, leading to health problems if ingested or a potential fire hazard. The team at Watson Brothers provides chimney sweeps and repairs to make your home the safest it can be.

Be Prepared for Fire Safety

As enjoyable as life can be when you have a fireplace in your home, it can also be the source of possible hazards. You should educate yourself and your family on what ways you can protect yourself in case of an uncontrolled fire and always have an escape plan for emergencies. It’s recommended that you keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible and know when and how to properly use it. Also, make sure you install several smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near your fireplace and on each floor of your home. Every now and then, check the batteries on these detectors to make certain they still work. When you do make a fire, you may want to purchase a set of fireplace cleaning tools so you can tidy up once you’re done and maintain good care.

The Cost

Of course, when you buy a home with a chimney and fireplace, the cost of these extra additions may pile up over time. You should discuss your budget with a professional and determine if this investment is a good choice for you. The price of having a chimney will vary depending on where you’re moving and who you ask, but there are several factors that could impact it. Make sure to consider repairs that may be required with damage and routine inspections with sweeping. While the overall cost of a chimney may be a talking point, if or when you decide to sell your house, it will make an attractive selling point and statement piece.

How We Can Help

Now that you’ve considered the responsibilities that come with having a chimney, it’s time for you to schedule an inspection or cleaning! At Watson Brothers Chimney and Vent services, we look forward to helping our clients in any way we can, whether that includes a full inspection or simple cleanup. With our services, your chimney will be in tip-top shape at all times and have a fireplace that’s ready to be used. We put the safety of our customers first and want to give you the best experience possible. Contact us to learn more about how we can help and take your first steps to take care of your chimney.