Looking to contact a frugal Knoxville chimney sweep now? Look no further. Clear Chimney is your one stop solution for everything fireplace and chimney.
When cold weather sets in, the fireplace is an essential heating source for many people. Furthermore, electric heat or natural gas prices are rising rapidly, many homeowners are going back to the tried and true method of wood burning fireplaces or stoves.
Unfortunately, some chimneys are too far gone to repair. This could be a $10,000 project to repair or replace a chimney that is clogged up. It doesn’t have to be expensive really.
The are steps a Knoxville chimney sweep company takes for each project.
The first step to cleaning a chimney removes any furniture and articles from the hearth area. Many customers have rugs and valuable items on the mantle. The cleaning process is messy. There is no reason to not take the proper steps in setting up a proper chimney sweep.
The second step is enclosing the opening with plastic sheeting. The vacuum system will pull any debris out of the chimney. For example, no soot will enter the house if this is done correctly. Our vacuums contain HEPA filters for high efficiency particle trapping.
The chimney sweeping pushes soot, clogs and debris down from the chimney cap. The vacuum system pulls the particles into the HEPA filters. Therefore, the soot is contained and trapped.
The bottom of the fireplace is cleaned once the chimney cap and flue are swept. The plastic is removed. Also, any furniture, rugs or items are relocated into their former place.
We teach each homeowner how to maintain their fireplace. Most people do not understand the need to clean a chimney every year.
How much wood do you burn a year?
The average fireplace uses 1 to 2 cords of wood a year. Burning wood regularly creates exhaust that can deposit creosote. Many homeowners hire a Knoxville chimney sweep to clean AFTER the winter season. The smell of burnt wood can creep into the house over the summer.
Also, be sure to only buy dried wood. Wet wood increases residue in the chimney flue. Above all, dried wood is the only way to go for creating a fire.
Finally, when choosing a Knoxville chimney sweep, quality, reputation and reliability win over “cheapest price” every time. Also, Clear Chimney is proud to serve east Tennessee. Locally owned. Clear Chimney never leaves you hanging for your fireplace and chimney needs.
The real truth behind gas fireplace logs will surprise you. Gone are the days of cheap looking gas log inserts. Vent free is here.
Gas fireplace logs offer the ease of use in turning them on and off with a switch. Also, the better quality gas logs operate with a remote control for setting room temperatures.
Many times, old chimneys and flues become a maintenance headache for burning firewood. A professional chimney company can convert a wood burning fireplace into gas logs.
What is a vent free fireplace?
Simply put, a vent free fireplace is a self contained unit. It contains a metal shell called a firebox. It also has a burner (served by natural gas or propane) and the log set. The real truth behind gas fireplace logs is they do not require venting or a chimney.
We have another post on our site: How to Install Fireplace Inserts. This will help you understand more about conversions from wood to gas.
The installers mount vent free gas log fireplaces a wall. They also install logs in existing chimneys. Don’t forget the outside deck, hot tub area or barbecue pit area.
Is there preparation needed before you convert to a vent free gas log system?
The benefits are numerous for converting an existing wood burning fireplace to gas logs. Here are several benefits you will enjoy:
The top benefit of gas logs is no ash and soot to clean.
Remote control of the space temperature.
On and off times based on temperatures or time.
No chimney or fireplace to maintain.
Efficient burning of the natural gas or propane saves money.
Real fire look every time. No poking or moving logs around.
How about the cost of installing vent free gas logs?
Most vent free gas log installations and conversions are very affordable. As with any purchase, you get what you pay for in looks, convenience and energy use.
Most installations range from $1,800 to around $4,500. Of course, the very high end units and large units can cost over $8,000. Remember, this is a one time cost. Factor in the cost of wood, cleaning, maintenance and safety to see the value of gas logs installed. All prices are going higher now due to the supply and demand of goods. Ask up about used gas log sets or other alternatives to lower the install cost.
What secrets we use to make the gas log conversion look real?
Real fires produce ash and embers that glow as they burn. For instance, the smoldering embers on the bottom of the logs look real. Therefore, we use a man made ember that glows but does not burn up.
Volcanic rock and heat sand add additional “real fire” look to any gas log set. The key is proper placement in the log set.
What to watch out for – too many rocks or ash will clog the orifices. Also, the logs will scorch if done incorrectly.
Every homeowner (both owners and renters) should buy several fire extinguishers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a fire breaks out every 90 seconds or so. It is too late AFTER a fire starts.
Fires will begin if embers pop out on a rug or carpet. Burning loose papers or other materials in a fireplace are dangerous to the room. We recommend every home buy several fire extinguishers. Hopefully, they are never needed.
Our trucks are stocked with fire extinguishers as a service to our customers. We are happy to provide them (and mount them if needed) for a nominal fee.
Obviously, the kitchen is where everyone thinks fire extinguishers belong. That is true, but every wood-burning stove and fireplace in your home should have an extinguisher close. They can mount on a wall beside the fireplace. They can be stored in cabinets.
Locations to buy several fire extinguishers
Kitchen for the stove
Wood-burning stoves (each one)
Fireplace (bedrooms, basement and bonus rooms)
Outdoor fireplace or fire pit
Garage for cars or rechargeable tools
Near gas or propane water heaters (if in a different area from above)
Additionally, if you have a golf cart or ATV, the charging stations will require an extinguisher as the batteries off gas at times. Don’t forget the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in these areas, also.
At ClearChimney, our main focus is keeping your family safe. Young children and grandchildren must be protected.
At the very least, have several fire extinguishers in the house. Have them in the garage. Have extinguishers in the trunk of your car.
Remember, when a fire breaks out, it is too late. Do not let others grieve because a fire extinguisher was missing.
