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.
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.
Looking to contact a frugal Knoxville chimney sweep now? Look no further. Clear Chimney is your one stop solution for everything fireplace and chimney.
When cold weather sets in, the fireplace is an essential heating source for many people. Furthermore, electric heat or natural gas prices are rising rapidly, many homeowners are going back to the tried and true method of wood burning fireplaces or stoves.
Unfortunately, some chimneys are too far gone to repair. This could be a $10,000 project to repair or replace a chimney that is clogged up. It doesn’t have to be expensive really.
The are steps a Knoxville chimney sweep company takes for each project.
The first step to cleaning a chimney removes any furniture and articles from the hearth area. Many customers have rugs and valuable items on the mantle. The cleaning process is messy. There is no reason to not take the proper steps in setting up a proper chimney sweep.
The second step is enclosing the opening with plastic sheeting. The vacuum system will pull any debris out of the chimney. For example, no soot will enter the house if this is done correctly. Our vacuums contain HEPA filters for high efficiency particle trapping.
The chimney sweeping pushes soot, clogs and debris down from the chimney cap. The vacuum system pulls the particles into the HEPA filters. Therefore, the soot is contained and trapped.
The bottom of the fireplace is cleaned once the chimney cap and flue are swept. The plastic is removed. Also, any furniture, rugs or items are relocated into their former place.
We teach each homeowner how to maintain their fireplace. Most people do not understand the need to clean a chimney every year.
How much wood do you burn a year?
The average fireplace uses 1 to 2 cords of wood a year. Burning wood regularly creates exhaust that can deposit creosote. Many homeowners hire a Knoxville chimney sweep to clean AFTER the winter season. The smell of burnt wood can creep into the house over the summer.
Also, be sure to only buy dried wood. Wet wood increases residue in the chimney flue. Above all, dried wood is the only way to go for creating a fire.
Finally, when choosing a Knoxville chimney sweep, quality, reputation and reliability win over “cheapest price” every time. Also, Clear Chimney is proud to serve east Tennessee. Locally owned. Clear Chimney never leaves you hanging for your fireplace and chimney needs.
