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OCTOBER 2023
6
Dear Jim: I use my efficient fireplace to
supplement my heat pump. The chimney
has never been cleaned and the exterior is
weathered. Is it really important to have it
cleaned and what things can I do myself ?
— Willie B.
Dear Willie: If you plan to use your fire-
place for heating, it must be an efficient
design. The typical open masonry fireplace
loses much more heat than it provides. It
may feel comfortable directly in front of
the fireplace, but heated air is being drawn
up the flue from the rest of the house.
There are some maintenance items you
can do yourself, but cleaning the inside of
the chimney is not one of them. Definitely
have it professionally inspected and
cleaned. Many house fires and deaths are
caused from creosote buildup and poor
chimney maintenance.
The exterior weathered spots do need to
be fixed for both aesthetics and integrity of
The do's and don'ts of chimney maintenance
JAMES
DULLEY
Photo by ChimneyRX
Clean off the interior of the fireplace opening to keep the mortar and brick looking new.
Photo by ChimneyRX
This synthetic mortar repair material is easy to
apply, durable and dries to the same color as
real cement-based mortar.
See FIREPLACE/PAGE 7
