Whether it’s the start of the year, the end, or any time at all, an annual fireplace inspection is an important maintenance practice for any fireplaces or woodstoves in GTA homes. An annual inspection by certified technicians, like those at our showrooms in Whitby, Ajax, Scarborough, and Toronto, ensure your fireplace continues to work efficiently throughout the rest of the year. We’ll explain some of the specific reasons why an annual fireplace inspection is important, especially in the GTA.
Fireplace Longevity
Anything valuable or important in our GTA homes demands regular maintenance. Our fireplaces and woodstoves are no exception. While responsible fireplace owners know how to correctly operate and clean their fireplaces, it takes a licensed professional to fully inspect one. That inspection ensures the fireplace is in optimal condition. That means it will operate correctly and have a long life, protecting the investment you’ve made in your home.
Working Efficiently
Some might let the time for an inspection lapse because the fireplace seems to be operating well. That might be the case, but without an inspection from a licensed technician, you might be unaware that something is impacting your fireplace’s performance or operation. That could lead to less effective heat production or using more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. An annual inspection ensures that the fireplace or woodstove will continue to heat your home efficiently whether it’s in Scarborough, Whitby, Ajax, or anywhere in the GTA.
Spotting Damage and Ensuring Repairs
Fireplaces are durable centers, but like any device they can be subject to wear after extended use. That’s especially true in the case of fireplaces in Ontario and around Toronto, where the winter is long and cold. We use our fireplaces for a good portion of the year to warm our homes. If a minor issue or concern develops, it will be quickly caught in an annual inspection by a certified technician. That means it can be addressed and repaired before something more serious happens to the fireplace or your home.
An Annual Inspection Maintains a Warranty
Some fireplaces come with a multi-year warranty, protecting you from any defects or malfunctions. However, those warranties often require an annual inspection by a certified technician to stay valid. Thus, an inspection is not merely good for your fireplace, but it might also be good for your wallet should something be wrong with your fireplace.
Annual Inspections are Required
Along with the actual benefits of an annual inspection, the Ontario fire code, which naturally applies to the GTA including Toronto, Whitby, Scarborough, and Ajax, requires fireplace chimneys, flues, dampers, and fire stops to be inspected at least every 12 months. This is because these areas are prone to fires if not properly maintained. Wood burning fireplaces create creosote buildups, while gas burning fireplaces with ceramic logs can also create their own debris. As a result, both can be flammable and affect the proper ventilation of a fire’s heat. Inspections verify these problems don’t exist or ensure they are properly addressed before there is an emergency for the Toronto Fire Department.
It’s Always a Good Time to Book an Inspection
If you’re trying to think back on the last time you had your fireplace or woodstove inspected or you know it’s been a while, that just means it’s the perfect time to book your next annual fire inspection. It’s never a bad time for maintenance and ensuring your fireplace is working efficiently and safely. If you think it’s time, book a fireplace inspection and service with Classic Fireplace.