Do You Need Wood-Burning Appliance Repair Services? Count on Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney Inc. To Get the Job Done
If you’re a homeowner with a wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert, you’re likely well aware of why these units are still the pinnacle among home hearth appliances. They bring an undeniable traditional charm and warm ambiance to any home. As comforting as a wood-burning appliance may be, they are prone to problems that homeowners with gas or pellet-burning units don’t experience.
Whether your wood-burning appliance is having issues like excessive creosote buildup or poor draft, Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney Inc. is here to help. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 303-679-1601 or request one online.
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What Is Creosote? Is It Dangerous?
Creosote is a naturally occurring byproduct of burning firewood. It’s a tar-like substance that builds up in your chimney and adheres to the interior surfaces as time goes on. A small amount is unavoidable and can be removed by a certified chimney sweep during your cleaning.
However, creosote buildup is dangerous for two big reasons – it’s highly flammable and can easily ignite which can lead to a damaging chimney fire. The other reason is that as creosote continues to build up and get thicker, it can block the flue which can potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
It’s important to keep up with annual chimney inspections and sweeping to monitor creosote buildup and keep it at safe levels to protect your family and your property.
What Are Signs That My Wood-Burning Appliance Needs Repair?
Ideally, wood-burning appliances wouldn’t need much more than an annual chimney inspection and sweeping. Unfortunately, all hearth appliances may need repairs every once in a while.
These are a few things to watch out for in between your annual inspections:
- Smoke backs up into your living area. If smoke fills your home when you try to light a fire, it’s a surefire sign that something is wrong within the chimney system. Smoke may be caused by a chimney blockage, a malfunctioning damper, negative pressure in your house, and several other factors. It’s important to schedule a chimney inspection quickly to get to the bottom of the problem.
- It’s difficult to start and/or maintain a fire. Is your fire struggling to get going or stay lit? A poorly burning fire could be due to airflow limitations, a clogged chimney, or a damper that’s not working correctly.
- Something smells foul. A new odor can indicate all sorts of problems. A musty odor can usually be attributed to water damage or a chimney leak, an acidic scent could be a sign of creosote buildup and a burning smell could be caused by a malfunctioning part.
- You can see that there is damage. Some problems are surface-level and easy to see. Chipping or flaking bricks and mortar could present a structural issue, while rust and discoloration can signal long-term water exposure.
- Your hearth appliance isn’t warming your home as well as it once did. A noticeable change in heating efficiency could be due to a variety of factors, including air leaks around the fireplace door or damaged firebricks that aren’t retaining heat properly.
- Evidence of animal activity. Is your chimney echoing with squeaks or chirps? Animals love chimneys as hidden-away nesting spots, but their presence can mean big trouble. Not only can they leave behind unpleasant messes, but wildlife can also damage your chimney and greatly increase the risk of a fire.
Can I Fix My Fireplace, Stove, or Insert Myself?
Although we understand how tempting it is to take on appliance repairs yourself – especially if the issue seems relatively minor – safety and effectiveness should be your top priorities. These appliances deal with fire and combustion gases, and improper repairs can lead to dangerous situations like chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks.
Hiring certified professional chimney sweeps ensures that the work is done correctly and safely. Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and have the expertise to diagnose the problem accurately, fix it safely, and ensure your fireplace operates efficiently. This can save you money in the long run by preventing future problems and potential damage.
Schedule an Appointment With Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney Today
If your wood-burning hearth appliance is experiencing problems or it isn’t working as well as you know it should, reach out to Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney. We’ll work with you to figure out what’s going on with your unit and formulate a plan to get it back in working condition. Click here to request an appointment or give us a call at 303-679-1601.
It shouldn’t happen often, but there may come a time when you need a pellet stove repair. That’s the time to call on our repair services technicians to apply their expertise to the task.