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We Clean & Inspect Furnace/Boiler Flues, Too!

As chimney professionals with a commitment to creating safer, more efficient homes for our customers, we don’t just clean and inspect the chimneys attached to fireplaces and stoves — we clean and inspect furnace/boiler flues, too!

These flues have an important job and are responsible for effectively and safely venting the byproducts produced by the furnace/boiler so you and your family can enjoy the convenience and comfort these appliances bring, without worrying about hazards like carbon monoxide.

But unfortunately, furnace/boiler flues aren’t always lined properly, and in many cases, we find that the liner is either too big for the attached appliance or isn’t made of a material that’s suitable for venting modern and efficient furnaces and boilers.

In other instances, we find that corrosive condensate has caused damage to the liner, soot buildup has reached a level that requires cleaning, or blockages are present and preventing safe function. And because you can’t easily see the interior of your furnace/boiler flue, without professional assistance, these problems and concerns can go unnoticed and unaddressed for quite some time.

Annual Inspections Are Recommended

While we may not think of it, boiler and furnace chimneys and exhaust vents should be checked annually for any blockage, deterioration, or accumulation of soot.

  • Why soot buildup is a problem — A thin layer of soot on the chimney flue will affect heat transfer substantially. The resultant loss in efficiency will have a direct bearing on increased fuel consumption and speed up further sooting as a result.
  • Why flue blockages are a problem — The blockage of boiler and furnace flues is hazardous. If severe, carbon monoxide could spill out of the unit and into the home, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning, or death. Flames could also roll outside the metal jacket of the boiler creating a fire hazard. The heat concentration could severely damage the base, warp the burners, or melt the pilot tubing and wire insulation.
  • Why liner insulation is crucial — Additionally, good liner insulation is crucial to reducing condensation in the chimney. The primary concern should be keeping the liner warm to reduce condensation, not the danger resulting from high temperatures. The building up of condensation can be another source of soot accumulation and vent deterioration. 

Will My Furnace/Boiler Service Company Inspect The Liner & Let Me Know When It’s Time For A Cleaning Or Relining?

Many homeowners naturally assume that the company that services their furnace or boiler regularly checks the attached chimney as well. Unfortunately, that’s not true. These companies are responsible for making sure the appliance itself is free of damage, but the attached chimney is outside their scope of work. So don’t assume that your liner is properly sized and in great condition just because a furnace/boiler service tech has never said anything to you.

When we’re in the home, we’ll carefully inspect the furnace/boiler flue and look for signs of a problem, like:

  • Signs of condensation — These can include things like wet spots and discoloration on walls/ceilings, spalling/flaking brick/masonry on the chimney, blistering paint and peeling wallpaper, mildew/mold/moss growth, water stains, and white efflorescence stains on masonry.
  • Corrosion in the liner — If the liner is improperly sized or made of an inadequate material, wet spots and corrosion will be present throughout the liner. Condensation can occur at any point in the chimney, so we’ll look at the entire accessible portion, from the basement up through the attic.
  • Buildup — Soot can build up inside of the flue as well and nesting materials or other debris can cause blockages in the liner. We’ll carefully inspect the interior and check for any dangerous buildup or blockages.
  • Health complaints — Some seemingly common health complaints can actually be the result of carbon monoxide exposure. If you or your family members have experienced headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or heart palpitations that don’t seem to have an explanation, there could be an issue with the flue — like holes in the liner or buildup and blockages within — that’s causing carbon monoxide to seep into your home.

Should we find any damage or cause of concern, we’ll let you know our findings and make sure you have all the information you need to confidently make a decision about next steps.

If soot buildup or blockages are present, we’ll get to work cleaning your flue so you can put those worries to rest. We’ll get the attached chimney up to par quickly and without making a mess in your home — guaranteed.

Greater Furnace/Boiler Efficiency & Safety Is Possible With The Chimney Doctor

How long has it been since you’ve had your furnace/boiler flue inspected and cleaned? Put safety concerns behind you and enjoy better performance and greater efficiency from your furnace or boiler by scheduling your inspection and cleaning today.

Don’t trust the complexities of boiler/furnace regulations and functions to just anyone. If you can’t remember the last time your boiler/furnace was inspected, let one of our CSIA certified technicians come out and take a look.

Keep your home and family safe by scheduling a boiler/furnace flue inspection today. We stand behind our work and guarantee fast, effective results. Call 970-234-3330 or reach out to us here on our website to get started.

2944 I-70 Business Loop #210

Grand Junction, CO 81504

info@chimney.doctor

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