The cleaning of the flue is not exactly at the top of the list of things to do, right? Yet, with the arrival of spring, a perfect window opens to really think about it, after months when the fireplace has made its duty, often relentlessly.
As soon as the days begin to stretch and stoves and fireplaces They take a break, you enter that strange phase in which the house seems to ask for a sort of reset. Vetri, wardrobes, rugs … and then he, hidden and silent: the conduit of smoke. Not exactly the star of the house, but a precious ally during the winter, which now deserves some attention.
The point is that, while the latest geli are melted outside, inside the caned fumric Traces of what has been: soot, ash and that annoying and dangerous creoso, a substance that we never wish to see caught fire. It is right there, where you don’t look at, that a concrete risk can be hidden.
E Attention: a fast controllatin or a fucking shot pulled at random are not enough. What really is needed is an intervention made with criterion, and possibly with expert hands. Sometimes, you need someone who knows where to look and, above all, how to get there.
Because cleaning of the chimney is fundamental
It is often believed that the fireplace is a part of the house that lives only in winter. Still, it is precisely when it is not used that the ideal time is revealed to deal with it. There maintenance of the chimney It is much more than a technical operation: it is a gesture of prevention, an investment on the duration of the system and domestic safety.
Clean the duct regularly allows:
- Avoid fires caused by the accumulation of soot and creosoto;
- Keep the pull efficientthus improving the performance of the fireplace;
- Extend the useful life of stoves and boilers;
- Reduce the risk of intoxications from carbon monoxide;
- Prevent obstructions caused by nests or foreign bodies.
And obstructed fireplaceIn fact, it can become dangerous even if off. Think, for example, of the possibility that insects or birds make their home: a more common situation than you imagine.
In addition, letting it spend too much time between one cleaning and the other makes the job more complicated (and often more expensive). For plants powered a biomass – as a pellet stoves or wood fireplaces – there is even a double annual maintenance.
How to clean the chimney (and to whom to rely)
The temptation to resort to DIY, especially after seeing some online videos, can be strong. But it is useful to remember that one cleaning of the chimney performed badly It can do more damage than benefit. It is not enough to remove the visible soot: the real work lies in reaching the curves of the duct, the joints, the most hidden areas where the dirt lurks.
I professionals of the sector, like the Certificate Chremacamsthey use specific tools: rotating brushes, industrial aspirators, probes with video tie for inspections. Thanks to these technologies you can detect cracks, obstinate incrustations or structural problems before they become serious.
The control does not stop at the conduit. Also the chimneythe terminals on the roof, and the stove itself must be inspected and clean. Sometimes you forget how even a simple sleeve or a 90 degree curve can make the difference in the functioning of the shooting.
Another interesting thing: in some Italian regions the maintenance of the chimney is mandatory by lawespecially if connected to boilers or biomass systems. One more reason not to underestimate it.
When to do it and with what frequency
Spring is, without a doubt, the Best time to clean the flue. It takes advantage of the moment when the plant is no longer in operation and you have all the time to intervene without haste, thus avoiding being unprepared at the arrival of the first colds.
There is no fixed rule, but it is recommended:
- At least a cleaning the year for gas or methane fireplaces;
- Twice a year for wood or pellet systems, especially in case of frequent use;
- Extra control In case of strange smells, smoke that returns to the house or decrease in shooting.
Planned maintenance is a good habit, but sometimes it neglects because “so much has always worked”. Then, however, a particularly rigid spark or winter is enough to repent bitterly.
Better prevent than having to run for cover
Who has already experienced a sudden block of the fireplace during winter He knows how complicated it can be to find a technician available in a short time. That’s why relying on an out of season control can really make a difference.
After all, the cleaning of the flue in spring It is a simple, but powerful gesture: it protects the house, improves system performance and free from thoughts when winter arrives. Might as well put it on the list together with the other seasonal affairs, perhaps before you end up forgetting about it.
And then, let’s face it: who does not like the idea of turning on the fireplace knowing that everything is ready and safe, without surprises?
Photo © Stock.adobe
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