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.
The best location for a carbon monoxide detector is to go low. A dual smoke detector / carbon monoxide detector is NOT what you may think.
Many people do not understand that carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas. It is also very dense. Carbon monoxide gas actually settles in low places as it is denser than air.
Buying a smoke detector / carbon monoxide detector combination may seem like a good idea (and more cost effective) but it is the opposite.
A smoke detector alarms when smoke rises from a fire or smoldering object. A carbon monoxide detector alarms when the gas settles in a low area. Therefore, the 2 different alarms must be in different locations.
The location for a carbon monoxide detector is beside the gas log fireplace or the lowest point in the common room. We suggest a carbon monoxide detector location outside of sleeping areas mounted low. Refer to the instructions of the alarm you buy.
We carry carbon monoxide sensors in our vehicles. We are happy to install these for you for a nominal fee.
This sensor is really important with gas logs. When the professional chimney company installs the logs, they can also mount and test the sensor.
If there is a chimney or fireplace in your basement, bedroom or other places, install a detector in EACH room. Some alarm companies will monitor the detectors also.
A little known home insurance discount opportunity:
Ask your home insurance or renter’s insurance company about any discounts that may be available for smoke and carbon monoxide detector installations.
We found our insurance company reduced the premiums enough to pay for the yearly monitoring of our alarm / smoke system. It never hurts to ask. Call them after you install the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If possible, tie them into your alarm system.
Now you can sleep at ease knowing your family is safe from deadly gases and smoke.
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It is very important to perform a chimney cleaning prior to the sell of your home. This is one of the most overlooked systems in a home inspection. The home inspector told us “we don’t have the expertise to check out the fireplace or chimney.” We have followed up on many recent home sales to find issues in the chimney or fireplaces.
Chimney cleaning (sweeping) is a dangerous but valuable service that prevents creosote build up. This is a highly flammable material and can start chimney fires.
If you are a home buyer, it is mandatory to inspect the chimney, the chimney cap and the chimney flue for defects and build up. The home inspection probably will not cover this in detail.
Below are the levels of chimney inspection and cleaning before you sell the home.
Level 1 inspection – a visual chimney and fireplace inspection. A chimney sweep uses a headlamp to look for damage, obstructions (bird nests, debris), creosote build up and soot. They are looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure, support and flue. Also, if a chimney liner is in place, is the connection sound. Finally, the chimney inspector will provide a report of the findings for the seller.
Level 2 inspection – required when major changes were made to the original system. Changes include: fuel type, the shape or material of the chimney flue and changes to the efficiency or chimney rating. This chimney inspection includes all level 1 steps. A level 2 inspection is required in some areas upon the sale or transfer of a home. Any event that caused damage to the chimney, its foundation or flue must be inspected.
Level 3 – includes both level 1 and level 2 chimney inspection items. Level 3 chimney inspection removes parts of the chimney wall, chimney crown and interior fire blocks. It also inspects the foundation (crawl spaces, supports), required limits from combustible materials and roof openings.
What is the cost for a chimney inspection?
Chimney cleaning cost to sell your home range from $250 to $1,800. The total price depends on the number of fireplaces and the levels of chimney inspection.
Realtors will update their skill training to advise home sellers of this vital inspection. It is an additional cost. The peace of mind in the buyer’s eyes is so worth the expense.
Finally, call your home insurance agent. Insurance companies lower the cost of house insurance if the chimney is inspected. Also, a monitored fire and smoke system lowers most insurance premiums.
