Most homeowners know the importance of having their fireplace chimneys and furnaces inspected, but many homeowners forget the cleaning and inspection of another vital chimney system: their oil flue. Just like fireplaces and furnaces, oil flues require regular cleaning and inspection to keep them running safely. Many homeowners with chimney flues assume that their annual furnace maintenance will include a cleaning of the chimney flue, but the reality is that it rarely does. While furnace technicians will often shovel out the base of the chimney and brush the furnace’s connector pipes, the furnace technician usually will not clean and inspect the chimney from top to bottom. A full oil flue cleaning and inspection requires the services of a certified chimney sweep.
Many homeowners with chimney flues assume that their annual furnace maintenance will include a cleaning of the chimney flue, but the reality is that it rarely does. While furnace technicians will often shovel out the base of the chimney and brush the furnace’s connector pipes, the furnace technician usually will not clean and inspect the chimney from top to bottom. A full oil flue cleaning and inspection requires the services of a certified chimney sweep.
The Importance of Oil Flue Cleaning
Just like the chimney flue that vents your fireplace, your oil furnace’s flue should be swept and inspected at least once a year, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. That’s because the oil combustion within your furnace leads to a buildup of soot within the chimney flue. Over time that soot can build-up and prevent your oil furnace from running safely and effectively. A buildup of soot can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home, or to a chimney a fire. At the very least, the soot that builds up in your oil furnace flue is highly corrosive. It can cause the chimney flue liner to break down. Flakes from the liner can fall onto the furnace and cause it to malfunction, or the liner can break down to the point where it’s no longer safe. Signs your oil flue needs to be cleaned.
Signs Your Oil Flue Needs Cleaned
One of the worst-case scenarios we see is neglected oil flues causing furnaces to malfunction in the middle of winter. This leaves homeowners to deal with emergency repairs to keep their homes warm. An oil flue cleaning can help to prevent mid-winter furnace breakdowns. Even if you have your oil flue cleaned, you should be on the lookout for these signs of a dirty flue:
- Black smoke billowing from the combustion chamber
- Excessive heat coming from the combustion chamber
- Strange odors coming from the furnace
- Burning through more fuel than usual
If you notice any signs that your furnace flue could be clogged — even if you had your flue cleaned for the fall — call to have your flue inspected and cleaned, if needed.
Call Now!
Don’t wait until you have a problem; schedule your oil flue cleaning today!
The biggest mistake you can make is to wait to have your oil flue cleaned and inspected after a clogged chimney causes a malfunction with your furnace, or worse, a chimney fire. To ensure your oil furnace is ready to safely heat your home this winter, call Total Chimney Care to schedule your oil flue cleaning today!