Homeowners looking to improve the condition of their chimney before the cold weather begins should look at any issues with their flue.
This is according to S E Jones of Helium, who notes that summer can be an ideal time to look over the chimney, especially the flue.
"If it's letting cold air come in when it's closed, you really need to either clean it, fix it or get a new one in there before it gets cold again," the expert suggests.
Mel Kahn, owner of Early Times Chimney Sweeps, recently told the GateHouse News Service that homeowners should look out for any build-up of creosote, which is a by-product of the combustion process that occurs in fireplaces.
Accumulating creosote can result in the inside of the chimney being more prone to catch on fire due to a single spark.
Getting a certified chimney sweep to inspect the chimney every year can help to reduce the risk of such fires occurring in the home.