by Mark Hudson | Feb 6, 2018 | Ash Disposal
Every day that you burn wood in your fireplace, you are creating ash. Over the course of an entire winter, you may have to remove ashes from your fireplace countless times. It’s a headache, but it’s necessary. Leaving them in the firebox can crowd your fire, make it difficult to light and maintain, and even cause wood and hot ashes to fall out of the fire! Don’t risk it, remove the ashes regularly, and remove them safely.
Use Appropriate Tools
You can find fireplace accessories at a home improvement store. Make sure they work for you, because not everyone is the same. Be sure the shovel is long enough that your face and hands are away from the hot fire. Homeowners who have asthma or chronic respiratory illnesses may choose to wear a face mask while cleaning ashes from the fireplace. Make sure that your clothes are not loose and that hair does not drop close to the fire. It is best to remove ashes when the fire is out or very low. Removing red hot coals is dangerous, even if you have an appropriate metal bucket to store ashes in. Scoop the ashes into your metal bucket, and carry them outside to cool at least 5 feet from your house. If you save ashes for various uses, you may have a metal trashcan with a lid to dump them into. Keep this container away from flammables.
Reasons to Save Your Ashes
Your ashes are going to continue to build up throughout burning season, with you removing them regularly. Leave ¼ inch each time in order to insulate the bottom of the firebox. The rest can be useful for many purposes.
Cleaners: Add water to a small amount of ashes and polish silver, doorknobs, and chrome. Larger amounts mixed with water can clean stoves, ovens, and pots and pans.
Deodorizer: Dust a handful of cool, dry ashes into your pet’s fur to neutralize odors and deter mites and ticks.
For the Garage: Toss ashes onto slick sidewalks and driveways to prevent slips and falls. Pour onto oil spills on the driveway and in the garage.
For the Garden: Sprinkle ashes over soil to change the alkaline levels for certain plants to thrive. Putting along the edge and in between rows also deter bugs and slugs.
Get Creative: You can use your ashes to make lye, which you can use to make homemade soap products.
If you think your fire is producing too much ash, there may be a reason. Avoid extra ashes by building the best fire possible.
Have you been avoiding your ashes, only emptying it when it’s absolutely necessary? Like so many other things, a routine will help you stay on top of the problem. Have your chimney system swept regularly to in addition to emptying the ash so that the flue will be clear of soot, creosote, and debris as well. Even if you use an ash dump for your ashes, it should be cleaned out regularly by a professional. You really can’t go wrong with professional services. Call the chimney and fireplace experts to learn more about your fireplace and chimney system, and for valuable services that keep it working for you.
Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159 today.
by Mark Hudson | Jan 23, 2018 | Dryer Vent Cleaning
Even if your Christmas list didn’t include home maintenance, there is time to start on the right foot. You can save money this year, and improve your household safety, when you start the year off with a clean dryer vent.
Why Clean the Dryer Vent?
- Prevent Fires
There are 2,900 home clothes dryer fires reported each year, causing around 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. In fact, failing to clean the clothes dryer is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires. These fires happen more in January than any other month, and when they happen during the night, the family is less likely to escape unscathed. The best way to prevent devastating fires is to keep the dryer vent clean.
- Raise Efficiency
The average homeowner doesn’t realize that a clothes dryer is designed to last 10 years, and designed to dry a load in ONE CYCLE. If your dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a normal-sized unit, there is a problem with the appliance. The most common problem is a dirty/clogged dryer vent. Not only is it a fire hazard, but it wastes electricity and shortens the life of the appliance!
- Save Money
If your dryer takes 2 or 3 cycles to completely dry a load of clothes, your dryer will only last 3-5 years when it should last ten. It will use 2-3 times more electricity and will cause other issues with your home year-round.
- Damage to Home Interior
When the dryer vent is clogged and efficiency drops, heat and moisture can push into your house. Many homeowners assume it is normal for your dryer to produce heat, and it does—but it should escape by way of the vent! There is a problem with the dryer vent if your dryer feels hot to the touch, heats the room where it’s installed, or causes condensation in the home. Condensation and heat inside your house can cause wallpaper and paint to buckle.
Call a Professional Today
Most homeowners buy a large appliance like a clothes dryer and has it delivered. This is not a professional installation and does not mean it’s ready to use. Only a professional knows there are the manufacturer and local codes that affect the way your dryer is installed. In some cases, these specifications will determine whether or not your appliance is covered by its warranty.
- The dryer duct should be 4 inches or more
- The dryer vent should be less than 25 feet
- Dryer vents should be independent systems and terminate outside
- The dryer vent termination hood should prevent backdrafts
- Metal transition ducts should be used between the dryer and the exhaust duct
- Flexible transition ducts are not safe for use in attics, crawlspaces, or inside walls
These safety standards are for safety and efficiency. Taking care of your dryer vent now, starts the year off right. Make sure your family is safe from a dryer vent fire, and save money in 2018.
Contact Us
Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159, and ask an expert about dryer vent services today.
by Mark Hudson | Jan 9, 2018 | CSIA Certified
When it comes to owning your own home, most homeowners not only take pride in it, but also take care of it. A person doesn’t buy a sports car and then forget to change the oil, rotate the tires, and wash it regularly. The same is true of your house. In order for your home to last a lifetime, it needs certain things. The plumbing may need to be repaired, the electrical box upgraded, and the chimney system cleaned. You wouldn’t hire any old amateur to repair your plumbing or rewire your breaker box, so why hire one to service your chimney?
The Chimney System
The chimney has an important job to do. It vents harmful gases and particulate pollution out of the home, and in doing so helps your fire to burn properly and keeps your family safe. It is one of the biggest most important systems in your home, and just like the rest of your house or your car, it will go quickly downhill if neglected. The best way to ensure your chimney lasts a lifetime is to schedule maintenance, repairs, installations, and construction with a certified chimney sweep only.
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps (CCS)
The nationally recognized standard for the chimney industry is and has been the CSIA certification. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has been the industry standard since its inception in the 1980s. The chimney industry is still widely under-regulated, so it’s important to avoid scams and amateur work. Hire the best every time when choosing CSIA certified sweeps.
Field and Classroom Trained – Your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) has invested time and money into this certification. He or she must:
- purchase study materials,
- attend an in-person review session,
- take the review online,
- or attend a National Chimney Sweep Training School.
Tested – After completing the classroom training, each student must pass a one-hour exam based on chimney sweeping followed by a 90-minute open-book review based on International Residential Code. This standardized method of testing means that every certified sweep has the knowledge required to get the job done.
Code of Ethics – Each CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) must sign a Code of Ethics designed to protect homeowners from scams in the industry. If a sweep is found to be in violation of this code, he can have membership revoked.
Continuing Education – Because the chimney industry changes along with safety codes, technology, and even trends, there is a need for chimney sweeps to stay ahead of the changes. Each CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) must re-certify every three years through examination or education credits.
Hiring the Best
You may find there are several CSIA certified chimney sweep companies in your area. It’s up to you to choose the best one for your home. Hudson Chimney is not only CSIA certified, but also holds membership in the National Chimney Sweep Guild, the Georgia Chimney Sweep Guild, and the Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps. We don’t just say we’re the best; we are the best, serving the Jacksonville, Florida area for over 30 years. Call Hudson Chimney today to find out what our certified chimney sweeps can do for you. Dial 904-282-4159 today.
by Mark Hudson | Dec 29, 2017 | Chimney Damper
Chimneys are made of many parts, some hidden completely and some right in the open. All the chimney’s parts are vital to its function and should be assessed annually, repaired as needed, and professionally serviced. The damper is one part of the chimney that is completely hidden from the homeowner’s view, and it may be the oldest part—in most need of repair or replacement.
The Problem with Throat Dampers
Traditional masonry chimneys were equipped with throat dampers, commonly made of cast iron or another sort of metal. These dampers can become rusted over time, especially when the chimney hasn’t been properly maintained. Throat dampers can become rusted, become stuck in open or closed position, or even break. A homeowner may go days or weeks without even realizing the damper has malfunctioned. A faulty damper can cause a loss of heated or conditioned air, can raise the risk of flue fire, and can expose your family to toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Top Mount Dampers
At Hudson Chimney, we have been servicing chimneys in the Jacksonville, Florida area for over 30 years. When it’s time to replace a damaged throat damper, we recommend top mount dampers. Top mount dampers, also called energy top or energy saving dampers, have many benefits that you don’t see with a traditional throat damper.
- Protect the chimney from top to bottom. The top mount damper functions as a chimney cap, keeping animals, precipitation, and wind out of the chimney opening. Unlike a cap, the top mount damper closes with an airtight seal. You don’t have to worry about water leaking into your flue from the chimney cap or debris falling into it. Your chimney will be closed at the top, protecting the whole flue from top to bottom.
- Save energy with a top mount damper. The top mount damper closes with a tight seal so that drafts do not affect your home’s temperature. Not only does the damper prevent cold drafts from blowing in throughout winter, but it also prevents the loss of conditioned air in the summer. In fact, homeowners that chose to install a top mount damper save 8 percent on annual utility costs and up to 30 percent on heating costs!
- Easy to install, replace, maintain, and use. Instead of installing a throat damper inside your masonry, you can choose to have a Hudson Chimney expert install a top mount damper on the top of your chimney. The installation will be completed in one appointment, and you’ll be ready to use your new damper. The damper is engaged and disengaged by way of a cord that reaches from the damper to the hearth opening. Using your new damper is as easy as pulling the cord. Just don’t close the damper when a fire is burning, because the seal will prevent proper ventilation.
Contact Us Today
Not convinced the top mount damper is the way to go? You can talk with a Hudson Chimney expert at your convenience when you call 904-282-4159. Ask about top mount damper installation and other ways we can help you stay safe and save money this year.
by Mark Hudson | Dec 7, 2017 | Fire Safety Tips
The holiday season is your fireplace’s time to shine. A fireplace can help you keep your crowd warm, but it is also the focal point of many holiday decorations—even serving as a backdrop for family photos. While you’re making it look its best for the holidays, remember that the fireplace is dangerous if precautions aren’t taken while decorating and operating.
Decorating the Mantel
If your chimney system and hearth are properly-constructed, there shouldn’t be any risk in decorating your mantel.
- If your flue lining system is in good shape, you can hang a wreath or decorations onto the face of your chimney without fear of it getting heated. Just make sure that you get professional advice about how to add fasteners to your masonry.
- When decorating the top of your mantel, make sure that items are secure. Branches and flowers should be in an appropriately-sized vase that holds them securely and will not tip over. Loose items like pine cones or nuts should be in a dish so they do not roll. Any garland or lights should be secured with hooks.
- Traditionally, stockings are hung over the fire because socks were once hung at the hearth to dry or warm. If your fireplace can dry wet socks, imagine what can happen if store bought stockings are left to hang over the fireplace. Most stockings sold in the US are made of highly-flammable synthetic materials. If you choose to hang your stockings from your mantel, make sure they are easily removable so that you can remove them before lighting a fire. Designate a place for the stockings, away from the fireplace until it’s time to hang them again.
Decorating the Hearth
Your hearth may very well be your favorite part of your fireplace system. Many homeowners put their own personal touch into the design of the hearth itself, and decorating it is no different. If you choose to place freestanding decorations near your hearth, keep them a safe distance away, or to the side of the fireplace, on the outside of the fireplace screen. Items that are flammable or in danger of falling into the fire should be moved away before lighting it. Never decorate your fireplace door, screen, or opening.
Decorating the Tree
As long as you purchase appropriate lights for your tree, water it regularly, and place it away from the fire, you shouldn’t have a problem with your Christmas tree. Avoid vintage lights that are not tested for safe use by today’s standards. Bubble lights and early electric lights (typically big-bulb) can get too hot for a natural cut-tree. Do not place candles near your tree, or on your tree, and stand your tree far enough away from the fireplace opening so that it won’t reach it if it tips over.
Fire Safety
Christmastime is a good time to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make a fire escape plan with your family, including two ways out, and practice it. Discuss fireplace safety with family and guests, and oversee decorating and fireplace operation to avoid accidental injuries and fire.
Click here to learn more about safe holiday decorating. Hudson Chimney’s first concern is the safety of our customers. Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159 if you have questions or concerns.
