PLAINFIELD, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As the weather gets cooler, trails of woodsmoke will soon become more prevalent in the sky throughout most of the United States. That smoke is the result of incomplete combustion, a tell-tale sign that the fireplace or stove can be operated more efficiently. The Chimney Safety Institute of America reminds homeowners that they can get more out of their home heating budgets this year by learning to operate their systems more efficiently and by maintaining them on an annual basis. Learn how to reduce emissions from your fireplace by building from the top down.

"Learning how to operate your home heating appliances and then taking care of them through routine maintenance are two of the best things a homeowner can do to save money on heating this season," states Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Factory-built fireplaces and stoves come with an operator's manual just like an automotive operations manual. Since most homeowners operate their heating appliances for only a season or two and their cars or trucks year-round, it is even more important to dust off that installation and operation manual and review the basics. If you are unsure about how to operate your home heating appliance and the owner's manual cannot be found or does not make sense, call a qualified chimney professional.

A qualified chimney professional, like a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep^(R), can show you how your heating and venting systems work and can help you do your part to save the environment by burning cleaner and help you save money by heating more efficiently.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association recommend annual chimney inspections by a qualified chimney professional and sweeping when necessary. (A good rule of thumb is that your chimney needs to be swept when there is 1/8" of accumulated creosote in the system. Learn more about chimney sweeping at www.CSIA.org.)

Annual inspections by a qualified chimney professional can also help you identify potential issues with your chimney which may need to be addressed, including creosote buildup, obstructions like bird nests or cracks which may cause heat and noxious gases to be released inside the home. (Learn more about the three levels of chimney inspections at www.CSIA.org.)

For further information on chimney and venting safety, chimney inspections, what to expect when you hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and to locate a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, homeowners are encouraged to visit www.CSIA.org.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, established in 1983, is a non-profit, educational institution, dedicated to educating the public about the prevention of chimney and venting safety hazards. The CSIA recommends annual inspections be performed by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. These chimney professionals have earned the industry's most respected credential by passing an intensive examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimney and venting systems.

Chimney Safety Institute of America

Melissa Heeke, Director of Communications, 317-837-5362

mheeke@csia.org

Source: Chimney Safety Institute of America

<<Business Wire -- 10/13/2009>>