Allowing oxygen in the wood stack is why it’s critical to remove fireplace ash quickly. Days or weeks of burning wood will produce a lot of ash in the fireplace.
We remove fireplace ash quickly to allow the most efficient burning possible. The more efficient a burn, the less a Knoxville chimney sweep company will have to remove creosote.
One of the best gifts we received recently was an ash bucket shown in the picture. This is a great way of scooping out ash. It has a lid and a large scoop made for the fireplace. Even our wood stove cleaned up nicely.
Remove ash for your garden use
What do you do with the fireplace ash removed?
The best use of chimney ash removed from stoves or the chimney is in the garden. The left over nutrients from burned wood is a great source of phosphorus. Vegetable gardens as well as ornamental gardens will LOVE the added ash. You do not need a large amount. Mix it up in the soil or compost you use for the landscaping.
There is no need to dump the ash into a trash can and fill up the landfill. This is a naturally occurring compound that trees, plants and vegetables love. Spread the ash far and wide in your yard.
We often ask ourselves is my gas log ignitor working when we try to turn on the fireplace logs. There are several critical areas to check if the gas log ignitor is not working correctly.
There are 2 different ways gas ignitors work. The first way is a standing pilot. Gas is constantly burning a tiny flame that on the side of the burner. When you want to turn on the gas logs, this pilot light keeps the thermocouple (safety for the gas valve) energized. If the flame is working, the gas valve will open. The gas will go across the flame and ignite.
The second type of ignitor uses an ignition voltage spark that will light the gas and provide the safety when you call for heating in the logs. This is a more modern way and uses less gas as there is no standing pilot light burning 24/7.
Don't forget the simple cleaning part of gas logs
Another often overlooked issue with gas logs not working is sand, dirt or debris clogging up the orifice or smothering the flame area. We have said this many times, do not burn other materials in the gas log fireplace. They put off ashes and soot that will clog up the small hole for the pilot light.
This is the main reason gas log manufacturers design in oxygen sensors (O2) for the safety side. If the right amount of oxygen is not available for the blue combustion flame, the system will not operate. It might light for a few moments but the safety will trip it off shortly.
If you are not completely comfortable with working on gas lines and ignitors, stop and call a honest reliable chimney services company. They know exactly what to look for and will most likely have the parts in their vehicles. You can be back up to working gas logs within an hour or so.
When a winter storm warning is issued, it is too late to clean and inspect the fireplace and chimney for safety issues. Your family relies on the heat and safety of your fire place and chimney. Don’t wait until the harsh winter weather is here.
We get a lot of service calls in the coldest weather. Snow, ice and freezing rain create an urgency in folks to prep for an upcoming storm. Unfortunately, even the best chimney service requests struggle to fill the needs of their customers during a winter storm warning.
Chimney sweep company in action
If a winter storm warning is issued, what do I do?
If you have concerns about your fireplace and chimney, call your chimney company anyway. They want to help people even in the most trying times. We have worked customers into an appointment after dinner to keep their heating working. Don’t be shy but also be respectful. Demanding and shouting about service when the temperatures are in the teens is not going to get you fast service.
A safety tip – if smoke or fumes are entering your room or home, put out the fire immediately. Carbon monoxide can build up and it is extremely toxic. Call us for service. Even if it is after hours, our system will take your message and forward it. Just do not use the fireplace until we have checked it out.
