Annual Service of Your
Oil-Fired Appliance Chimney

An oil-fired appliance chimney is a crucial component of your chimney and venting system. The National Fire Protection Association’s 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances (NFPA 211) recommends an annual evaluation of all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents. NFPA 211 also defines three levels of inspections. For safe and efficient operation, your chimneys should receive at least a level one inspection annually by a Certified Chimney Sweep and be maintained as needed. Each year improperly maintained chimneys cause significant numbers of injuries and deaths, and account for millions of dollars in property losses. Make chimney inspections a regular part of your home maintenance schedule.

Oil-Fired Appliance Chimney Info

During the winter, oil-fired appliances are subject to long running cycles. These long run times produce oil soot that may adhere to the sides of the chimney. Eventually, this soot falls to the base of a masonry chimney or directly into the top of the oil-fired appliance. As a result, the accumulation of this fallen soot may block the flow of flue gases, primarily composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

The combustion process also produces carbon monoxide (a tasteless, odorless, poisonous gas). Carbon monoxide can enter the house if appliances are not properly vented or if the chimney base is not swept.

Annual Oil-Fired Appliance Services

A common misconception is that your oil service technician takes care of the chimney. The reality is that the oil burner company may shovel out the base of a brick chimney. They may also brush out the connector pipes, but likely will not clean the chimney system.

Additionally, some oil burner technicians may tell the homeowner that the system is okay without even inspecting the entire chimney. This includes going to the roof and inspecting the interior as well as the exterior masonry (if applicable), flashing, chimney cap, etc.

The Importance of Annual Servicing of Oil-Fired Appliance Chimneys

The National Fire Protection Association 211 states that chimneys should be “inspected annually and cleaned and repaired if needed.” Just as the oil furnace is serviced annually, your chimney system should also be serviced annually by a Certified Chimney Sweep.

Many homeowners are not aware that the chimney’s interior, when not properly maintained, will decay and break down. Failing to have an annual chimney inspection allows such deterioration to remain undetected. What would happen if you didn’t change the motor oil in your car for 50,000 miles? Regular maintenance always pays off in the long run. The same applies to your chimney.

Soot, a byproduct of combustion, is comprised of carbon and sulfur. This sulfur, when mixed with rain water or moisture from the flue gases is absorbed into the flue tile and starts a deteriorating process called flaking or spalling. Just like regular visits to the dentist to remove tartar on your teeth, annual chimney service will remove these soot deposits and keep deterioration to a minimum.

Oil-Fired Appliance Chimney Liners

In metal chimneys, the chimney lining is typically made of stainless steel. The metal lining does not rust but can corrode due to the sulfuric acid reaction from oil soot. This corrosion can lead to the formation of small pinholes, which compromise the integrity of the liner. When these pinholes form, the liner becomes unable to effectively contain the byproducts of combustion. If a clay lining in a masonry chimney flakes or if a metal chimney or lining system corrodes, they becomes unable to contain the heat and flue gases, posing a potential hazard.

When your Certified Chimney Sweep arrives at your home to perform the annual inspection and sweeping of the oil-fired appliance chimney, you can typically expect:

  1. Equipment will be set up.
  2. Areas that may otherwise allow soot to enter your home will be sealed.
  3. The pipe connecting the oil appliance to the chimney will be disconnected, swept, and reconnected.
  4. The exterior of the chimney will be inspected.
  5. If needed, the chimney/flue will be swept.
  6. The interior of the chimney will be inspected to determine its soundness.
  7. Loosened soot deposits will be removed.
  8. When the service has been completed, the appliance will be restarted for you.

When your chimney professional has completed the evaluation, they will recommend any corrective actions that might be required.

An annual inspection and sweeping by a Certified Chimney Sweep is your first line of defense to detect and correct potential problems.

A Word of Advice

Your chimney is an important part of your home heating system. For safe and efficient operation, your chimney should be inspected annually by a Certified Chimney Sweep and serviced as needed. Each year, unmaintained chimneys cause significant numbers of deaths and injuries and account for more than $200 million in property losses. Make chimney inspections a regular part of your home maintenance schedule.

Schedule Chimney Inspection and Repair

At Adams Chimney Specialist, LLC, we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and efficient chimney. That’s why we also offer comprehensive chimney sweep, inspections, and repair services to help keep your home safe and comfortable. Our team of experts dedicates itself to delivering high-quality chimney services tailored to your specific needs and budget. Whether you need a routine chimney sweep or a full inspection and repair, we have you covered.

We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with our team. Don’t wait until it’s too late – let us help you keep your chimney in top condition and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained home.