The Importance of Owning a Chimney

As great as it is to have a fireplace in your home, you do need to make sure that your chimney is in good working order. This is something that is often overlooked by homeowners, but it is very important to have your home’s chimney inspected at least once a year, preferably before you start using your fireplace in the winter. Here are just a few reasons why.

Creosote

Creosote is a substance that is produced whenever wood is burned. It can take the form of soft feathery ash or a sticky tar-like substance, but it will build up in your chimney over time. It is highly flammable, so having too much of it in your flue and chimney can be a problem. An annual inspection can help determine how much creosote has built up in your chimney, and a good chimney sweep can have the offending substance removed.

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Creating a Welcome Home Atmosphere

The welcome mat at your door shouldn’t be just for visitors. It should also apply to you. When you enter your door, you should experience an emotion that feels like you’ve reconnected with an old friend or just arrived at your favorite hide-away. There are a variety of things you can do to generate that feeling.

An Uncluttered Home

Clutter can cause stress and stress hinders relaxation. Walking into an organized home can make you feel in control of your environment rather than feeling overwhelmed with unfinished projects and an accumulation of stuff.

A Clean House

Coming home to dirty dishes and unmade beds doesn’t feel welcoming. Taking a few minutes before leaving home to clean the kitchen and make the beds can make arriving at home much more pleasant. If you’re always pinched for time, you can do a quick pick up of toys, newspapers, magazines or other small …