Winter is only a couple weeks away now, and colder weather is sure to come along with it. That makes right now the perfect time to address any deficiencies in your home when it comes to keeping it nice and cozy. If you have any drafty windows or are in need of HVAC service, make sure to address it as soon as possible. But what if you’re dealing with a drafty fireplace? Don’t let the issue linger! In addition to making your home noticeably colder, a drafty fireplace is sure to increase your energy bill once you crank up the heat this winter. Instead, check out our advice for fixing the problem.

Cleaning the Fireplace: A Place to Start

Have you had your chimney cleaned yet this year? A chimney sweeping and inspection is a great place to start when it comes to fixing a drafty fireplace. It essentially creates a clean slate to allow you to move forward with more serious troubleshooting. On the other hand, a cleaning could even solve the issue altogether. That is often the case when a chimney is coated with creosote from previous fires. In these cases, the flue is usually unable to open and close as designed, directly resulting in the drafty fireplace. Regular sweepings of your chimney will prevent and eliminate creosote build-up, which reduces the chances of issues with your flue and drafts.

Ensuring the Chimney is Properly Configured

Many draft issues can be traced back to someone who is unfamiliar with the proper way to operate the fireplace. Here are a few steps to follow if you are noticing cold air coming through the chimney:

• Make sure that the damper is always closed when the fireplace is not in use.
• When it is very cold outside, prime the flue by holding lit newspaper underneath the damper to help warm it up before lighting the fire.

Protecting Against Downdrafting with a Chimney Cap

Another common reason why many people deal with drafty chimneys is called downdrafting. Downdrafting takes place when wind travels down a chimney and through the fireplace. In addition to keeping unwelcome pests from making their way into the chimney, chimney caps are a great way to keep cold air outside of the home. Once a chimney cap is properly installed, it will keep warm air in the home and the chimney from fighting against the cold air outside and creating strong drafts. If you do not have a chimney cap installed, or are in need of a replacement, our team is happy to help!

Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning Inspection for a Safe, Warm Winter!

Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep, slate roofing and duct cleaning services designed to keep all of your listed properties clean and safe for sellers and buyers. If you have a prospective home buyer or home seller in need of a chimney inspection or repairs, we are here to help!