Archives for 2026

May 21, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

How to Safely Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas

Converting a wood fireplace to gas is a legitimate upgrade, but it's not a DIY project. You need to choose the right insert type, confirm your chimney can handle a gas appliance, run a proper gas line, and pass a final inspection. Done right, you get heat, convenience, and a [...]

May 2, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Chimney Odors

That smell coming from your fireplace isn't just unpleasant. It's a diagnostic. What You'll Learn Why chimney odors get worse in summer, even when you haven't used the fireplace in months How negative air pressure turns your home into a bellows that pulls odors indoors Why does creosote smell like [...]

April 14, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

Why Spring Is the Best Time to Schedule a Chimney Inspection

Most people think about their chimney exactly twice a year: when they want to light the first fire of the season and when something goes wrong. That's understandable. Chimneys tend to fade into the background when they're not actively in use. But if you want to get ahead of problems [...]

April 3, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

The Proper Way to Start a Wood Fire in Your Fireplace

There's something magical about a crackling wood fire on a cool Birmingham evening. The warm glow, the comforting sounds, the cozy atmosphere… it all adds up to the perfect ambiance for your home. But if you've ever struggled with a fire that won't catch or produces too much smoke, you [...]

March 18, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

How to Keep Smoke from Filling Your Room: The Science Behind Chimney Draft

There's nothing cozier than a crackling fire on a cool Alabama evening. But that comfort vanishes quickly when, instead of smoke rising neatly up the chimney, it starts pouring into your living room. It’s frustrating, it’s messy, and it can be a health hazard. If you’ve faced this, you’ve experienced [...]

March 4, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

How Your Chimney and Roof Work Together to Protect Your Montgomery Home

When we think about protecting our homes, we often consider the roof as a single, mighty shield against Alabama’s weather. And we think of the chimney as the vent for our cozy fires. But did you know these two structures are actually a dynamic duo? They work in close partnership, [...]

February 20, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

Why Chimney Care Matters Even if You Don’t Use Your Fireplace

Over the years, a common question we hear from homeowners is, "Do I really need to service my chimney if I never light a fire?" It’s a great question, and the answer might surprise you. Many of us here in Alabama enjoy mild winters, and with modern heating systems, that [...]

February 4, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

When Lightning Strikes: How to Protect Your Chimney During Storm Season

Here in Montgomery, we’re no strangers to dramatic storm seasons. The skies darken, the wind picks up, and the brilliant flashes of lightning remind us of nature’s raw power. As homeowners, we secure patio furniture and check our gutters, but there’s one towering structure on your home that faces the [...]

January 24, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

How Tree Overhang Can Affect Your Chimney

When you think about chimney maintenance, you probably consider scheduling regular cleanings, checking for cracks, or ensuring your chimney cap is secure. But have you ever looked up at the trees surrounding your home and wondered how they might be affecting your chimney? If you have trees with branches extending [...]

January 14, 2026

Batts' Chimney Services

Why You Should Never Block Your Chimney Flue

Our neighbors in the Birmingham area are always looking for ways to improve energy efficiency and cut down on rising utility costs. One idea that occasionally surfaces is blocking the chimney flue when the fireplace is not in use. But… while this may seem like a quick way to stop [...]

Get Your Chimney Quote Today

Our goal is to make sure your chimney looks and functions the way you want it to. Our people only consider the job complete when you are satisfied. To get a quote for your inspections or dryer vent cleaning, fill out our contact form or call Batts' Chimney Services at (256) 660-1338.