Is it obligatory to sweep your chimney every year?
Obligation to sweep ovens, stoves and chimneys once a year
Article 2213-26 of the General Code of Local Authorities relating to the maintenance of fireplaces and heating, cooking and hot water production appliances and the sweeping of smoke ducts provides that the sweeping of ovens, stoves and chimneys of houses must be carried out at least once a year.
This obligation is prescribed by the mayor of the competent municipality. Please note, some departments may require chimney sweeping to take place twice a year. You should contact the municipal and/or departmental services where the accommodation is located in order to find out the obligations in force.
Recommendation for cleaning ducts before and after the heating period
Professionals also recommend sweeping your chimney, wood or pellet stove twice a year, before and after the heating period. Gas boiler owners only need to do this once a year.
Why should you sweep your chimney and wood stove?
During combustion, soot and ash are deposited in the ducts. If the fireplace or wood stove is not maintained regularly, the following risks can be expected:
- fire ;
- emanation of toxic gases and asphyxiating fumes with possible carbon monoxide poisoning
- excessive fuel consumption due to clogging of the installation.
Thus, sweeping your installation allows both gain security and save money of energy.
How to insure your home with a fireplace or wood stove?
Home insurance fire guarantee
Any home insurance contract includes fire coverage, which financially protects against damage caused by fire, including from a chimney fire. The goods and valuables covered are those mentioned in the home insurance contract. It is advisable to check the general conditions of the contract. If the fire spreads to neighbors, the civil liability of the insured will be incurred. Certain guarantees may also include coverage of rehousing costs.
Mandatory chimney sweeping certificate for wood or pellet stoves and chimneys
This protection is, however, conditional on the capacity of the insured to prove to the insurer that he complies with the regulations relating to the maintenance of stoves (wood or wood pellet) and fireplaces. Insurers require the submission of a chimney sweep certificate carried out by a certified professional. Otherwise, the guarantee covering a loss linked to the chimney or stove will not be maintained.
Can I sweep my chimney myself?
Yes, it is possible to sweep your chimney alone. On the other hand, it is impossible to issue a chimney sweep certificate to yourself: this one must be issued by an authorized company. Also, the installation can be well maintained, but the accommodation will not be covered by home insurance in the event of a disaster involving the use of the fireplace or stove.
How do I find an approved chimney sweep near me?
Check the company’s APE or NAF code
Sweeping the heating system must be carried out by a certified chimney sweep. Finding an approved chimney sweep near you is simple: just check the APE or NAF code of the professionals listed in the municipality or department. If these are listed 81.22Z.27these are indeed certified professionals. How to check this information? Simply enter the name of the company or manager on the Infogreffe website.
To note : the sweeping of a gas boiler must be carried out by a certified professional Recognized as guarantor of the environment (RGE).
Require Qualibat 5421 certification
Another possibility to verify the certification of the chimney sweep: require the professional to provide a certificate. Among others, a Qualibat 5421 certificationcorresponding to the activity of professional chimney sweeping.
How does chimney sweeping take place?
There are two types of so-called “mechanical” chimney sweeping, top and bottom.
Chimney sweeping from above
The chimney sweep climbs onto the roof and cleans the chimney with a brush fitted with a metal ball up to the chimney cap. Chimney sweeping from above is the most common method.
Sweeping from below
The chimney sweep cleans from bottom to top with a flexible brush which must be able to reach the top of the chimney. Chimney sweeping from below is the method usedwhen the roof is difficult to access.
Chemical chimney sweeping
There is also chemical chimney sweeping. This method involves burning a specific stick or powder to loosen the soot. It generally complements the mechanical method.
How much does it cost to sweep a chimney?
Prices depending on the chimney sweeping method
The price of a chimney sweep varies depending on the type carried out, its difficulty and the dirt on the chimney flues:
- For mechanical chimney sweeping: allow between 55 and 150 euros,
- For chemical chimney sweeping: allow between 30 and 100 euros.
A variable cost depending on the type of chimney
The type of chimney also takes into account:
- Open fireplace: between 30 and 95 euros
- Gas fireplace: between 40 and 80 euros
- Oil fireplace: between 50 and 85 euros
- Closed fireplace (wood stove): between 50 to 140 euros.
Do not hesitate to ask for a quote before any intervention: the professional is required to provide it to you.
Who, the owner or the tenant, must pay for the chimney sweeping?
The rule is simple: whoever uses the chimney or stove does the chimney sweeping. Thus, the sweeping of the smoke/gas evacuation ducts is a rental charge incumbent on the tenant. On the other hand, when the tenant enters, the owner must ensure that the chimney flues are in good condition. Indeed, he has the obligation to deliver to the tenant the accommodation in good condition of use and repair, as well as the equipment mentioned in the rental contract, such as the fireplace, in good working order.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the chimney sweeping obligation?
In the event of non-compliance with the chimney sweeping obligation, the tenant or owner risks a third-class fixed fine which can go up to up to 400 euros. If a disaster involving the chimney or stove occurs, the insurance will not cover the resulting damage. Remember that the chimney sweep certificate is in fact required by the insurance company for the guarantee to be effective in the event of an accident.
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