Most homes in Cumberland and Providence County rely on gas or oil furnaces or boilers for their central heating systems. These systems heat the space either through forced air distributed via ducts or through forced water circulating in baseboards or radiators. These heating appliances are attached to a flue that vents exhaust through the chimney, which may also serve additional flues, such as those for fireplaces and stoves.
It is essential to clean and inspect the flues of both furnaces and boilers, just as you would with any other flue. This maintenance involves a visual inspection of the flue to look for any blockages or damage, followed by a professional cleaning to remove any debris or buildup. This not only extends the life of your heating appliances but also minimizes the risk of fire and reduces exposure to harmful carbon monoxide fumes.
Why It’s Important to Get Furnace & Boiler Flues Inspected and Cleaned in Providence County
Just like a fireplace or stove, the flues connected to your furnace and boiler in your Cumberland home are responsible for venting harmful combustion byproducts, including smoke and deadly carbon monoxide, out of the residence. Neglecting these flue vents can have serious consequences, impacting both your family’s safety and the efficiency of your heating system.
Health & Safety Benefits of Flue Maintenance
- Prevents Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion. A blocked or damaged flue can cause this potentially deadly gas to back up into your home, leading to severe illness or even death. Regular inspections ensure proper ventilation, safeguarding your family’s health.
- Reduces Fire Risk: Soot and creosote buildup in flues, particularly from oil furnaces, can ignite, leading to dangerous chimney fires. Cleaning removes these flammable deposits, significantly reducing the risk of a house fire.
- Extends Appliance Lifespan: A clean and properly functioning flue allows your furnace or boiler to operate more efficiently, reducing strain on the appliance and potentially extending its lifespan.
- Improves Heating Efficiency: Blockages, such as creosote buildup, debris, and nests in the flue can hinder the proper exhaust of combustion gases, forcing your heating system to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. It not only wastes energy but also drives up your heating costs.
What to Do If Your Gas Appliance Is Red-Tagged
Receiving a “red tag” on your gas appliance, such as a furnace or boiler, indicates that your local gas company has identified a serious safety issue that requires immediate attention. This tag means the appliance is deemed unsafe to operate and has been shut off to prevent a gas leak. If you receive a red tag, don’t be alarmed. Contact Horizon Chimney Services, and we will dispatch a certified technician to correct the issue and restore your gas service as quickly as possible. To prevent injury and property damage, do not attempt to operate a red-tagged appliance until a qualified technician has inspected it.
How Neglecting Flue Cleaning Is Costing You Money
Failure to routinely inspect and clean your furnace and boiler flues is not only a safety hazard, but it is also costing you money. The accumulation of debris, creosote, and corrosive combustion residue reduces the efficiency of your heating appliances. When efficiency decreases, your furnace or boiler must consume more fuel to maintain the desired temperature. By scheduling annual furnace and boiler flue inspections and cleanings, you can save on heating costs, minimize the risk of breakdowns and repairs, and extend the lifespan of your heating appliances. It is an investment that will ultimately pay for itself.
Cumberland’s Best Furnace & Boiler Flue Cleaning and Inspection Service
As Northeastern Rhode Island’s premier furnace and boiler flue cleaning and inspection service, Horizon’s CSIA-certified chimney sweeps ensure your heating systems operate reliably and efficiently. Our expert team proudly serves homeowners in Cumberland and the surrounding Providence Triangle and MetroWest communities, including Arnold Mills, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Seekonk, MA. Don’t compromise on safety this heating season—reach out to us today to schedule your furnace and boiler flue cleaning and inspection appointment!
