Does a chimney need to be cleaned if just using candles?

Question

Hi. We recently purchased a condo a few months ago. It comes with a fireplace which we have yet to clean. We do not plan on ever using the fireplace for fires as we have mounted an LCD television above the fireplace. We DO however plan on using a candelabra with candles. Do I need to fork out some dough to have it cleaned? I would rather not, since I can do the actual fireplace myself, but was wondering if the chimney needs to be cleaned at all. Thanks!

Answer 1

The chimney won't need to be cleaned....candles require no ventilation at all...I have to kind of agree that fires, although pretty, are certainly messy. I actually purchased a fireplace candelabra for my sister in law and brother last year for Christmas for the simple reason that they didn't want to have to clean the fireplace in their new home. Good idea of yours, in my opinion.

Answer 2

Depends on how long it has been since it has been cleaned, and also on how long you plan to use it this way. Candles can also build up in it, it's the wax vapor that will build up in it.Why not just have it cleaned out, that way if the power ever goes out, or you can pay your heating bill, you still will have some heat.

Answer 3

no you should be fine. The cleaners will tell you should just to get money. What they are doing is removing the creosote that is left behind from burning wood. It builds up after burning fires for a while that aren't hot enough. Just burning candles is fine.

Answer 4

Not at all, you are safe not cleaning the chimney as long as you aren't going to have a real fire.

Sounds beautiful, good luck in your new home!

Answer 5

No. But maintaining it periodically to make sure the floo doesn't rust shut and animals don't nest would be advisable. Maybe every 4 years?