LESLIE: Greg in Utah needs some help finding about chimney cleaning and which fuel is more efficient. What can we do for you?
GREG: I’m kind of out in the middle of nowhere …
TOM: OK.
GREG: … and we use coal and wood to heat our house and I was wondering which one is the worst on creosote.
TOM: Oh, interesting question. I would think wood because there’s more moisture inside the wood when it burns and, hence, there’s going to be more condensation as a result of that and that’s what deposits the combustion materials on the outside of the chimney – or on the inside of the chimney, I should say. So I would think wood is going to burn dirtier than coal.
GREG: OK, and then …
TOM: In any event, Greg, you need to clean the chimney at least once a year if you’re going to make heavy use of it.
GREG: Yeah, we use it everyday during the winter, so …
TOM: Yeah, I think you definitely need to be looking at a chimney cleaning at least once a year. Probably at the start of the season is the best time to get it done and then maybe at least inspect it another month or two later.
GREG: OK. Alright, appreciate it.
TOM: Alright, Greg. Good luck with that problem. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.
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