Under the regulation on chimney sweeping services, chimneys in residential buildings and the gas appliances connected to them must be inspected at regular intervals, typically annually. The purpose is to establish whether the flue system works properly and whether there is any leak that could cause carbon monoxide to flow back into the living space.
Skipping the inspection carries risk on two levels. It can lead to an official fine if a check reveals the mandatory inspection was missed. More seriously, an uninspected, faulty chimney system can pose a genuine danger to life for residents.
In practice the inspection is carried out by the chimney sweeping service provider, and the condominium must provide access to every affected flat and to the common areas. If an owner repeatedly refuses access, repeated written notice from the representative is justified, and in serious cases the involvement of the authorities.
It is worth scheduling the inspection in the same month each year, before the heating season starts, and notifying residents in advance with a specific date.
If an inspection reveals a defect, for example an aged, leaking chimney lining, the repair should not be postponed to the next season: such a fault intensifies significantly at the start of the heating period.
Merbo keeps a calendar of chimney and gas appliance inspection due dates for every managed building and notifies residents in advance by circular with exact times.