Guide to a Clean Furnace Chimney

Oil soot is the incomplete by product of the combustion of fuel. It is the unburned carbon and sulfur which accumulates on the walls and at the base of the chimney. This oil soot is why your chimney should be inspected and cleaned annually by a chimney professional.

The best time to clean an oil chimney should be done after the heating season such as spring time or right before the heating season begins. Alot of homeowners are unaware of chimney problems. Most find out after the chimney clogs or the interior of the clay liner or brick has cracked or collapsed. It is usually too late for routine cleaning. One of the biggest misconceptions by a homeowner is the belief that the oil service company takes care of the chimney. They may clean out the venting system such as the connector pipes, or even clean out the base of the chimney, but will not clean the chimney itself or inspect it.What if I have a gas furnace?

The chimney should be inspected by qualified technicians and a thorough examination of the external structure should also be done to look for signs of deterioration and weaknesses. Staining due to flue gas seeping through the chimney walls may be visable. Broken bricks or crumbling mortar joints are signs for repair. Internal inspections should be done by a video inspection device to check for cracks in clay liner or chimney walls. The video equipment will show problems that can't be seen from the top of the chimney.

The chimney should be cleaned to remove any soot or creosote that might be present. Check to be sure a chimney cap is there and in good condition. The condition of the appliance pipes by a visual check should also be done. chimney liners for a clean furnace chimney