As the holiday season approaches, many Virginians look forward to celebrating with family and friends in the comfort of a beautifully decorated home. While festive lights and seasonal wreaths create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, our experience at NNINS reminds us that true peace of mind requires more than holiday décor. To ensure a safe and joyful winter, it’s essential that your fireplace or wood stove is properly maintained and fully reliable for both holiday gatherings and the colder months ahead.
The danger of home chimney fires
Cooking equipment may be the leading cause of home fire injuries and deaths but is followed closely by home heating equipment. But did you know chimney fires account for 75% of home heating fires?
The best way to prevent a home fire from a chimney or wood stove is to have an annual inspection and cleaning performed by a certified chimney sweep (opens in a new window). It's not as fun as ready your home decorated to welcome friends and family but it's really important. Here's an example of the increased fire risks that come with these valuable home heating heroes.
Five reasons to have your fireplace professionally inspected
Even if you rarely use your fireplace, scheduling regular inspections is essential since it can serve as an entry point for animals. Here are five important reasons to have your fireplace evaluated by a professional:
1. It’s an exceptionally demanding and messy task.
2. Professional chimney sweeps can reach and remove hazardous creosote buildup that isn’t accessible with routine cleaning.
3. They bring specialized knowledge and industry-grade equipment to the job.
4. The process often requires accessing your chimney from the roof—work that is both complicated and potentially dangerous.
5. Experts will inspect key components, such as your chimney’s flue liner and flashing, and ensure your chimney is free of critters and debris, with a properly installed spark arrestor cap.
How much does it cost to have your fireplace cleaned and inspected in Virginia?
The average cost of professional chimney cleaning and inspection is between $80-$150. Don’t skimp here. It’s peace of mind and basic maintenance. Even gas fireplaces need to be cleaned (opens in a new window) and inspected.
A maintained fireplace is peace of mind
The bright side? Once you’ve had things professionally inspected and cleaned, you’re ready for the holidays. It’s that simple. We’ll cover season-long maintenance later, as well as how to keep your home's winter air comfortable for the whole family.
Learn more about homeowners insurance in Virginia >
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
