Chimney care in the 843 area
Chimneys around Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Summerville may sit unused for most of the year, which gives creosote, leaves and nests time to collect, and heavy summer storms test caps, crowns and flashing. Humidity speeds up rust on dampers and chase covers. A fall inspection before the first fire, and a cap with mesh, keep animals and water out. Dryer vents run year-round here, so lint builds up quickly.
The Census Bureau counts about 906,900 homes and apartments in the 843 territory. 28.5% were built before 1980 and 2.9% before 1940, lower than the South Carolina figure of 34.6% built before 1980. The median home here dates from the 1990s, and 58.9% of homes are single-family detached houses.
81.7% of occupied homes heat mainly with electricity and 13.8% with utility gas. Wood is the main heating fuel in 0.2% of homes, lower than the national rate of 1.5%.
36.8% of homes here were built in 2000 or later, so many fireplaces are factory-built or gas units. These still need their vents and manufacturer-listed parts checked, and the dryer vent runs in newer homes are often long.
Under the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 88% of residents live in climate zone 3A (warm, humid), and the rest mostly in 2A (hot, humid).
The 843 territory (with overlay 854) is home to roughly 1,915,000 people across 181 ZIP codes in Charleston County, Horry County, Berkeley County, Beaufort County and 14 more counties.
Services in Charleston
The 843 territory at a glance
| Population | 1,915,000 |
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| ZIP codes | 181 |
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| Counties | 18 |
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| Homes and apartments | 906,900 |
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| Built before 1980 | 28.5% |
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| Median home built | 1990s |
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| Heat mainly with wood | 0.2% |
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| IECC climate zone | 3A, 2A |
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2018–2022 5-year estimates (tables B25034, B25040, B25024) for the ZIP codes in this territory; climate zones from PNNL, Guide to Determining Climate Zone by County (2022). Population from our ZIP code data.
Selling a home in Charleston? NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 chimney inspection, including a video scan of the flue, when a property is sold or transferred.
Source: NFPA 211
