Summer has arrived and you are not going to use your fireplaces until the fall. Thus, this is the perfect time to close your fireplace for the season. Rather than leaving your chimney and fireplace unhandled, you can hire a chimney contractor to adequately clean and close your fireplace. This will make it really very convenient for you to use your fireplace next year.

Closing fireplace and chimney

Chimney and fireplace are one of those devices that require your attention throughout the year. If you have no intention of inviting chimney and fireplace troubles, then you should close these devices in the correct manner. Follow these steps to make sure you close your fireplace properly:

Clean the fireplace

Cleaning the fireplace is the most obvious step of closing the fireplace for the season. Fireplace cleaning is not difficult like chimney cleaning. Simply remove soot and leftover ash from firebox. Clean your fireplace manually. Avoid using vacuum cleaners. The fine ash particulates may go airborne and pollute the interior furnishings of your house. So, be very careful while cleaning your fireplace.

Get your chimney inspected

Annual chimney inspection is highly recommended after spring. Your chimney works hard during spring and winters. A lot of soot and dust get accumulated inside it. If you get your chimney inspected and cleaned before closing it, you will get cleaner chimney when you start using it again. So, hire a licensed chimney contractor and get your chimney inspected.

Tightly close the damper

Whenever fireplace is not in use, damper should be closed. If you leave damper open, it would result a significant amount of energy loss, as it will leak cool air out and let warm air enter in. Thus, your air conditioning units have to work harder to keep your home cooler and this will accentuate your energy bills.

Turn off the pilot light

If you are using gas fireplace, then you should turn off the pilot light when you are closing your fireplace for the season. Most fireplace contractors recommend this because it helps in energy saving. So, don’t forget to turn off the pilot light.