Why A Furnace Flue Inspection Is Important

As with any other part of your chimney or furnace, you can experience damage or just regular wear and tear. 

This is why the furnace flue should indeed be inspected regularly. If a furnace flue is not venting properly, it can leak carbon monoxide gas into your home. This can be a deadly situation and should be taken seriously. This can also be detected by an inspection.

Your furnace flue is not maintained by your utility company. Many homeowners are unaware of this. A lack of maintenance or neglect can be life-threatening.

Potential Issues:

• A by-product of gas and oil furnaces can cause the flue lining to deteriorate or be eaten away. This acidic condensate can cause damaging effects to the flue furnace. 
• Broken pieces of the deteriorated furnace can cause a blockage that would allow poisonous gas to enter the home. These fumes are odorless, tasteless, and invisible. 
• Other blockages. If there is no chimney cap to prevent debris and animals from getting into the furnace, this can cause a blockage, also causing carbon monoxide poisoning.

When Should I Schedule A Flue Furnace Inspection?

Whenever you get a new flue installed, have a professional chimney specialist verify that the flue is in good working condition. Annual maintenance is important to the overall health of the flue. Call Northeastern Chimney for your appointment today.

What Problems Can Be Experienced?

• Backdraft. Exhaust being pulled into the home is a sure sign that backdraft is an issue. 
• Liner Damage. Especially in older homes, liners are made of terra-cotta clay tiles. Over time, the heat from the furnace starts to deteriorate the clay tiles.  
• Moisture/Condensation. If condensation or moisture is noted on the windows, especially when the furnace is just turned on, this may indicate that the furnace is not venting properly. This is caused by fumes leaking into the home from the furnace. 
• Incorrect Slope. Furnaces have high levels of condensation. If the slope of the furnace is not draining this condensation, it may trigger a shutdown. This can cause venting problems. 

As A Homeowner, What Can I Do?

• Book an annual furnace flue inspection. Maintenance and keeping up is important to the overall function and efficiency of your furnace. 
• Install and check your CO2 detector. Every home should have a CO2 detector. Have one installed or do it yourself. 

Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Our technicians are trained and qualified to complete a quality job. We stand by our reputation. You can trust that we will take care of you in a timely and courteous manner.