Unfortunately, a chimney sweep scam happens everyday. There are 2 types of scams working now. One is obvious, the other is not obvious. Let’s go over the way less than honest companies rip you off will seeming to be reputable.
First, there is the telephone call or email detailing a chimney sweep “special” with today only or limited time deadlines to create a sense of urgency. Yes, most companies offer an early bird or preseason discount. Most will offer holiday discounts. But, to force a “today only” or this week only is simply a tactic from these folks.
The second type of scam is the overcharge or multiple levels of service and divide and conquer. This tactic breaks up the various tasks of chimney sweeping into multiple “levels” and charges a different price for each one. Inspecting the firebox is a basic level of service. Analyzing the chimney is the “next level of service” for an additional fee. Inspecting the chimney cap and flashing is a top level of service for even more money.
We have seen these fees range from $300 to over $1,000 for EACH SERVICE. The same strategy is used for repairs and fixes. To fix or repair a cap is $800, flashing $400, putting some sealant on the chimney (needed or not) $1,100. The list goes on and on. The bottom line is a quote for $8,000 to $12,000 or the chimney will be condemned and told a risk of fire is almost certain if you continue to use the fireplace.
Here is how to avoid getting ripped off with a chimney sweep scam
What should you look for in a chimney sweep company? Manners and honesty. Remember that “gut” feel we all have about a situation? Trust it. Also, we will give you a fair price for the work and go over each area of concern. We do not have a “level of service” of different parts of the chimney. The chimney works as a whole system. Therefore, we tackle it as a whole system. If not, why bother doing only part of it?
Finally, ask about our 30 point inspection service we include in the Platinum Chimney Sweep. All in one, nothing to hide and we do not force a price increase after a period of time.
We respond to many service calls about their gas fireplace logs keep going out. Often times, the logs are not that old. There are a few reasons why the heating source is not working properly.
The installation is typically the problem in logs less than a year old. Too many rocks or artificial ash and embers will clog up the orifice. Also, the CO2 sensor will trip as a safety.
In business since 2016, gas logs are our specialty. Check out the log store at the top of this page for all types of products for your home. We have great reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook (and no we do not pay for the reviews).
We also offer coupons at the top of the page. Referrals are always important and we will give you a gift card for each job completed by your friends or family.
Don’t scream and yell at your gas logs. It will hurt their feelings. Call us and we will zip right out to get the gas logs back in tip top shape the way they are suppose to work.
There isn’t a simple rule of thumb when it’s time for a chimney cleaning. It depends a lot on how often you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be done if necessary.
When it’s time for a chimney cleaning, call a professional that knows exactly how to clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney.
According to The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), “The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.”
The problem is that creosote (the tar deposited on
chimney walls by wood smoke) can form when unseasoned wood is burned, the air
supply is restricted, or/and the chimney temperatures are cooler than
normal. Burning unseasoned wood keeps
the smoke cooler than seasoned wood because much more energy is used to drive
off the water trapped in the logs. A
smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors that can
condense inside the fireplace flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a
chimney fire. You can reduce creosote
buildup in your fireplace flue by providing adequate combustion air, which will
encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.
When using a wood stove, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote build-up. We recommend filling the firebox to around 75% if possible.
Check for creosote build up…
To check for creosote yourself, first, make sure there’s no downdraft from the chimney. If you feel an airflow, open a door or window on the same floor as the fireplace until the downdraft stops or reverses and air flows up (tape tissue to the fireplace opening and watch its movement). Then, while wearing goggles and a basic disposable dust mask, take a strong flashlight and shine the light near the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber and around the damper. And check the fireplace flue too, especially on exterior chimneys, where creosote builds up faster than on interior chimneys because of lower outside temperatures.
Take your fireplace poker and scratch the black surface above the damper (smoke chamber). If the groove you scratch in the creosote is paper thin, no cleaning is needed. However, if it’s 1/8 in. thick, schedule a cleaning soon. If you have 1/4 in. of creosote, do not use the fireplace again until it is cleaned – a chimney fire could occur at any time.
Can I do this when it is time for a chimney cleaning?
You could try to remove the creosote yourself, but why not save on materials and get a thorough job, call us. We are knowledgeable, and trained to recognize deterioration or venting problems, and able to advise you regarding the chimney’s condition. Proper care and maintenance of your chimneys, woodstoves and fireplaces can help protect you and your family from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Finally, when it is time for a chimney cleaning, do not try to do this yourself. It is a dangerous job with unique tools. Call us and let our pros do it right, safe and cost effective.
