"Answers To Frequently Asked Questions"

Table Of Contents

American Chimney Sweeps

Providing Quality Products And Accessories For Fireplaces!

How do I ... ?
Where can I find ... ?
Why doesn't ... ?
How often should I have ?
What is ... ?
When is ... ?

How do I know if my chimney needs to be cleaned?

[Your chimney should be cleaned if you have burned a cord or cord and a half of wood, or if you have never had your chimney cleaned. If you are using soft wood, (pine, avocado,) have your chimney checked every year for creosote buildup and have cleaned if necessary. Depending on what type of wood you burn and how often you have a fire, determines how often you should have your chimney cleaned. It also matters how cold a winter you are having, hot fires with hard wood, build up less creosote in the chimney than soft wood and small smoldering fires.]

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Where can I find accessories for my fireplace ?

[We carry several accessories for your fireplace like Gas Logs, Cast Iron Firebacks, Chimney Deodorant, Kettles, Fatwood Fire Starter, Tool Sets etc. If you need something for your fireplace that is not on our web site, please contact us by email or call us, or send us a fax of the product you would like to order. We would be happy to complete your order for you.]

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Why doesn't my fireplace put out more heat ?

[This question depends on what type of fireplace you have, (masonry, pre-fabricated, or woodstove)
If you have a masonry fireplace, most of the heat is probably going up the chimney. It all depends on how your fireplace was originally built with a deep firebox opening, the heat goes up the chimney, with a more shallower firebox, the heat comes out into the room more.
Generally woodstoves put out more heat than masonry fireplaces, due to the radiancy output of the stove.
Pre-fab fireplaces will put out heat depending on how they were built. There are ways to increase heat in your fireplace, for example, install a cast iron fireback, or a stainless steel heat shield, or have a woodstove installed in your fireplace,
If you decide to go this route make sure you have a liner attached to the stove and have the pipe installed all of the way to the top of the chimney, as it is safer to have that done, and in most states it is required upon purchasing a stove. Also make sure you have the stove installed by a Licensed Chimney Professional.]

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How often should I have my chimney cleaned

Your chimney should be checked and cleaned after every cord, or cord and a half of wood burned. Or if you have an 1/8" inch or more of soot buildup on the inside of your chimney. Some chimney's need cleaning every 6 months due to constant burning of wood. Woodstoves should be cleaned at least every year depending on usage.

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What is a flue ?

[A lot of people mistake the flue for the damper. The flue is the area of the chimney where the smoke goes out to the outside of the chimney, not to be mistaken with the damper, which opens and closes access to the flue. ( See Diagram) On some fireplaces, you can actually close the damper down a little to get more heat from the fireplace, not recommended for fireplaces that burn gas and are not the vent free type gas logs, as the damper must remain open at all times.]

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When is when is the best time to have my chimney cleaned?

[ Spring and summer are always the best time to have your chimney cleaned, because the sweep generally has more time to spend with you and the rates are a little cheaper. Also if you need to have repairs done, you can have them done before the next burning season. ]

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