How Florida Weather Wears Down Your Chimney (And Why Maintenance Matters)

October 1, 2025 | Chimney Basics

Florida’s climate is uniquely tough on chimneys and fireplaces — whether you have a traditional masonry chimney or a factory-built (prefabricated) system. Even if you rarely use your fireplace, the environment alone can cause wear and tear that leads to costly problems if not addressed.Think of your chimney like your car: even if it spends most of its time parked, it still needs routine maintenance. You wouldn’t skip oil changes and expect your car to last forever, right? The same goes for your chimney or fireplace system.Below, we’ll explore how Florida weather impacts both masonry and factory-built chimneys — and the steps that help protect them for the long run.High Humidity = Hidden DamageMasonry Chimneys: Florida’s constant humidity seeps into bricks and mortar. Over time, this weakens the structure, causes cracks, and can create musty odors.Factory-Built Fireplaces: Excess moisture encourages rust and corrosion on metal fireboxes, dampers, and liners, shortening … Continued

The Best and Worst Types of Wood to Burn in Your Fireplace — And Why It Matters

August 18, 2025 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

There’s nothing like the warmth and crackle of a real wood-burning fire. Whether it’s for ambiance or home heating, your fireplace can be a cozy focal point — but only if you’re burning the right kind of wood.Using the wrong firewood can result in excess smoke, poor heat output, creosote buildup, and even dangerous chimney fires. Below, we break down the best and worst types of wood to burn — and why choosing the right firewood is so important for your safety and comfort.Best Types of Firewood for a FireplaceThe best wood for burning is seasoned, dry hardwood. These woods burn longer, cleaner, and produce more heat with less smoke.1. OakOak is one of the most popular firewood choices. It burns slowly and produces steady, high heat. However, it must be properly seasoned — usually 12 to 24 months — for best performance.2. MapleMaple burns cleanly and gives off good … Continued

Why Your Chimney Needs Swept this Winter

December 21, 2024 | Chimney Basics

If you’re a homeowner in Jacksonville, FL, you know that winters can be surprisingly chilly, with cooler days and even cooler nights. And what’s better than snuggling up by the fireplace on a cold winter night? But before you light that first fire of the season, have you thought about when was the last time your chimney was swept? As much as we love cozy nights by the fire, it’s important to make sure our chimneys are well-maintained and safe. That’s why we at Chimney Champions are here to help you determine when to get your chimney swept.

3 Ways to Improve Chimney Airflow

November 21, 2024 | Chimney Basics

Ensuring your chimney is in top-notch condition is a high priority for every homeowner. A well-performing chimney not only keeps your home warm but also guarantees safety by efficiently directing smoke and gases out. At Chimney Champions, we understand the significance of optimal chimney airflow. So, we’re here with some tips on how you can improve chimney airflow in your home.

How to Get the Smell of Smoke Out of Your Home

September 29, 2024 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

There’s nothing like cozying up to a crackling fire on a chilly evening. But your evening plans can quickly go awry when you first light that fire, and smoke fills the room. What do you do when this happens? Chimney Champions is coming to the rescue! This happens more often than you might think, so we’ve got some pretty good solutions to get the smell of smoke out of your home.

3 Ways to Tell if Your Chimney Is Leaking

June 19, 2024 | Chimney Basics

As a homeowner in Jacksonville, FL, staying on top of home maintenance tasks is no small feat. One crucial area to watch is your chimney. Unfortunately, chimney leaks can cause serious damage if left unchecked. But how do you tell if your chimney is leaking? Chimney Champions has some thoughts on the matter, including the repairs process. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Gas Fireplaces Come with Carbon Monoxide Detectors

2 Reasons Gas Fireplaces Come with Carbon Monoxide Detectors

May 12, 2024 | Chimney Basics

Gas fireplaces have become popular in Jacksonville, FL, for homeowners looking to add a little warmth and ambiance to their living spaces. However, burning gas in your home comes with some risks, which is why gas fireplaces come with carbon monoxide detectors. Here at Chimney Champions, our NFI Certified chimney specialists replace these often, yet many homeowners still ask why they have to have one in the first place. Keep reading to learn the top two reasons why gas fireplaces come with carbon monoxide detectors.

Why You Should Never Cook Over Your Fireplace

3 Reasons You Should Never Cook Over Your Fireplace

March 14, 2024 | Chimney Basics

Cooking over an open flame can be a fun and rustic way to prepare meals. However, there are several reasons why it’s best to avoid using your fireplace as a cooking source. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can also result in more extensive sweeps. Below, Chimney Champions explains three additional reasons why you should never cook over your fireplace.

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Burn Charcoal in Your Fireplace

January 11, 2024 | Chimney Basics

Your home’s fireplace is the perfect place to cozy up at night, especially when there’s cooler weather in the forecast. However, there are some things you need to understand when it comes to choosing the right material to burn. Unfortunately, not everything is meant to be burnt in your fireplace, including charcoal. However, some people do, and it’s obvious during sweeps. So Chimney Champions feels it necessary to revisit four reasons why you shouldn’t burn charcoal in your fireplace.

Is a Gas Fireplace Safer Than a Traditional Fireplace?

October 11, 2023 | Chimney Basics

Choosing the right fireplace for your home can be a difficult task, especially when there are so many options available. If you’re deciding between a gas and a traditional fireplace, you might be wondering which one is the safer choice. To help you make the perfect decision for your family, Chimney Champions is here to explain some key differences and to remind you to schedule your yearly inspection.