Never Start Start a Fire Without an Annual Chimney Cleaning!
Dec 3, 2018 5:00 AM
As the temperature drops and the holidays loom, what better time is there for a roaring fire? But before you light up a fresh pile of logs, you absolutely must have your chimney cleaned. We may think of a chimney sweep as a quaint profession more closely associated with Mary Poppins than modern home maintenance, but hiring a reliable chimney sweep could save you from disaster. That’s why TrustDALE is proud to welcome Old Hat Chimney Service to the TrustDALE Circle of Excellence, just in time for fire-building season.
Why Do I Need My Chimney Cleaned?
The job of a chimney sweep is to remove soot, built up creosote, and blockages from your chimney. While any buildup in your chimney will reduce your fireplace’s efficiency, removing creosote is especially important.
Creosote is a byproduct created by burning wood, and it is highly flammable. Even a small amount of creosote buildup can easily catch fire, posing a threat to your chimney and your home. Some types of wood give off more creosote than others. For instance, burning pine creates a relatively large amount of creosote, so pine should never be used in your fireplace on a regular basis. Removing creosote from your chimney before starting your first fire of the season is vitally important.
In addition to removing creosote, a chimney sweep will check your chimney for blockages. Blockages may be the result of leaves or other debris that fell into your chimney over the summer and fall. If you don’t use your fireplace very often, animals can take up residence there, as well. Animals like spiders and even squirrels can clog up your chimney as they make their homes. That’s why it’s so important that you get your chimney inspected and cleaned before you try to light a fire.
When Should I Clean My Chimney?
Ideally, you should clean your chimney each year before the start of the wood-burning season. That will ensure maximum safety as you and your family enjoy your fireplace. However, if you haven’t had your chimney cleaned, it’s never too late. Chimney sweeps work year-round, so if you didn’t get your cleaning in before your first fire, make sure to get it done before the next one.
If you don’t use your fireplace much, you still need to get your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year. But if you make heavy use of your fireplace, you may want to get it cleaned or at least inspected even more often.
How Do I Select a Chimney Sweep?
Not all chimney sweeps are created equal. There are a number of national organizations that certify chimney sweeps and set standards for the industry. When you choose Old Hat Chimney Service, you are getting some of the most qualified chimney sweeps in the industry. Their chimney sweeps are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) and are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA).
Unlike the quaint chimney sweeps you find in classic films, Old Hat Chimney Service chimney sweeps are outfitted with the latest technology. Each chimney cleaning is accompanied by a complimentary remote video inspection and a full written report. This is not your grandma’s chimney sweep company!
The TrustDALE Circle of Excellence
Any time you choose a business form the TrustDALE Circle of Excellence, you can rest assured that you are getting the best service, prices, and guarantee out there. All of our businesses, including Old Hat Chimney Service, have undergone Dale’s seven-point investigative review process and signed on to Dale’s trademark Make-it-Right Guarantee™.
