Chimney Inspection

[jlow]

Installed a Hearthstone Equinox last January and burned through April. Yesterday, I took the chimney cap off and took a look at the 8" pipe. All I had were some black spots that I flicked off with my finger. The spots were the size of a nickel. Do you think I need to get the chimney cleaned or will my first burns be suffucient? My pipe runs 20' straight up.

Thanks, Jeff

 

[summit]

Installed a Hearthstone Equinox last January and burned through April. Yesterday, I took the chimney cap off and took a look at the 8" pipe. All I had were some black spots that I flicked off with my finger. The spots were the size of a nickel. Do you think I need to get the chimney cleaned or will my first burns be suffucient? My pipe runs 20' straight up.

Thanks, Jeff

little flakes are no big deal as far as a chimney fire goes, but enough of them could tinkle down the pipe and make a mound of ash buildup on top of the baffle, leading to backpuffing, smoke in house, etc... if you clean the chimney, be carefull when you get to the bottom w/ the brush... you don't want to smash it thru the lightweight fiber baffle.

 

[cmonSTART]

I would probably clean it this year whether you need it or not. It's a new install so it would probably be good to see what comes out and get a good look at it after it's first season of burning.