If you’ve lived in Nashville for a while, then you know how humid it can get during the summer months. And if you’ve been out and about on those especially humid days, you know how they can take a toll on your body and brain! By evening time, we’re guessing you’re more than ready to sit in the A/C, put your feet up, and relax.
But what if you’re finally able to settle in after a long, hot day only to discover that humidity has now invaded your life in a new and different way – in the form of chimney odors.
That’s right. Humidity in the air makes it more likely that those strong, unpleasant odors stuck in your chimney end up released into your home.
Fortunately for folks in the area, the professional technicians at Ashbusters can resolve these issues for you, ensuring you stay as comfortable as possible all summer long.
But first… what exactly is it that causes your chimney to smell bad when it is hot and humid outside?
Creosote in the Summertime
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, there is a good chance that there are creosote deposits in your flue. Creosote develops from the smoke, tar, gas, and other byproducts of combustion and clings to the inside of your flue. As you can imagine, it’s not the best-smelling material, and in the summertime months, those odors often get aggravated when humidity goes up and your A/C is on full blast.
The best way to get rid of this chimney odor is to have us professionally sweep your chimney to remove all of the creosote. And as an added bonus, come fall, your fireplace will be ready to enjoy safe fires whenever you want to use it!
Now, if your house is newer and tighter, this will increase those creosote-related odors, too. Your Neutral Pressure Plane will be affected since make-up air can’t get in, and, as a result, downdrafts will swoop through your flue and into your living room, bringing those bad smells right along with it.
A quick fix to this is to crack a window, but further care will be needed for longer-term solutions. But no worries because we can help! Call now to discuss your options.
Water-Related Issues
Another common cause of odor problems in your fireplace is water leaking into your chimney, and in a time when humidity is high, this is a common problem many face. The water mixes with other materials in your chimney (like creosote), and produces a bad smell. Unfortunately this isn’t the worst of it. Moisture in your flue can also cause deterioration, rot, rusting, clogs, and all kinds of other problems.
Having a chimney cap on your appliance can help with this, as can a top-sealing damper. These devices can also help keep out animals, as well as any leaves, twigs, or outdoor garbage flying around.
In the end, moisture and humidity should not be in your chimney, so doing everything you can to prevent this issue is a must.
Mold & Mildew Accumulation
With increased humidity is a higher risk for mold and mildew growth throughout your home and chimney. This leads to musty odors, can be harmful to your health if you breathe in mold spores, and it’s especially dangerous for those who already have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
Needless to say, you should contact Ashbusters to take care of this problem right away!
Uninvited Guests (Birds & Wild Animals)
Due to the number of trees being cut down for real estate development purposes, birds, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals are having a difficult time finding nesting spots. Fortunately for them (but not so much for you), chimneys offer an ideal solution, ensuring they’re protected from both bad weather and threatening predators.
These critters can be quite a nuisance because of the noise, but the smell from their waste can be unbearable at times. Even worse is the possibility of a bird or wild animal becoming trapped and dying inside the chimney.
Due to the number of trees being cut down for real estate development purposes, birds, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals are having a difficult time finding nesting spots. Fortunately for them (but not so much for you), chimneys offer an ideal solution, ensuring they’re protected from both bad weather and threatening predators.
These critters can be quite a nuisance because of the noise, but the smell from their waste can be unbearable at times. Even worse is the possibility of a bird or wild animal becoming trapped and dying inside the chimney.
And some animals can’t legally be removed once they’re in! If the critter is endangered (like the chimney swift), you’ll have to wait until they leave on their own, which can make for a long and stressful summer.
As we said above, a chimney cap can play a big role in keeping animals out. If yours is missing or damaged, call us in right away!
Take Action Today
During the winter, the warmth coming from the fireplace can add a lot to the ambiance of your space. Because of this, fireplace maintenance is something that no homeowner should neglect. Having fireplace odor problems is not a problem properly functioning fireplaces face, so if you are experiencing this, it’s time to have it checked over by a professional.
Every summer during the past 35 years that we have been in business, Ashbusters gets calls about stinky chimneys more than almost any other issue. Discovering the source of your chimney odor can be a challenge, but you can trust our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney professionals to find the issue fast! And once we spot it, we’ll give you a fair and honest written estimate with the most appropriate action steps.
So, don’t wait. Call today at 615-833-0349 to book an appointment with our team. With help from us, your chimney will be all set and ready for fall in no time!