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

How to Guarantee Fireplace Efficiency

December 12, 2022 | Chimney Basics

Do you have a traditional fireplace in your home? If so, you may be wondering how to guarantee fireplace efficiency. A traditional fireplace can be a major source of heat loss in your home, costing you money on your heating bill. But, with the right chimney repairs, it can be a great source of heat, as well. So, Chimney Champions discusses some tips on how to make your traditional fireplace more efficient!

3 Fireplace Mistakes You’re Probably Making

September 9, 2022 | Chimney Basics

Many people enjoy the cozy ambiance and warmth a fireplace provides during the winter or even on those cooler summer evenings. However, if you’re not using or caring for your fireplace correctly, you may be costing yourself money and causing damage to your home. So, Chimney Champions is here to help you avoid these three common fireplace mistakes so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

3 Benefits of a Wood-Burning Fireplace

June 15, 2022 | Chimney Inspections

When you think about the wood-burning fireplace in your home, do you ever consider all the benefits? In addition to keeping your home warm or creating a cozy ambiance, there are several other benefits that you might not even consider. Just as long as Chimney Champions inspects your chimney and fireplace regularly, you’ll go on to enjoy all of these great benefits for years to come.

5 Tips for a Great Fire

December 13, 2021 | Chimney Cleaning

If your home has a fireplace or two, then you have the luxury of keeping your home warm and creating a cozy ambiance. Yet, none of that happens without a great fire. So, here are five great tips from the professional chimney sweeps at Chimney Champions on how you can start and maintain a great fire!

How to Prepare Your Home for a Chimney Sweep

October 10, 2021 | Chimney Basics

Your fireplace is a relaxing feature in your home. Whether you have one in the living room or a bedroom, it’s an enjoyable part of your homeownership experience. However, fireplaces do come with a fair amount of responsibility, including regular sweeps from Chimney Champions. However, this process isn’t always the tidiest, so we thought we’d help you prepare for our visit.

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