Ask the Right Questions, Get Peace of Mind

Like many things done only once a year, many homeowners struggle with knowing the right questions to ask when vetting a chimney cleaning service. And that often includes homeowners in Gansvoort, Glens Falls, Ballston Spa and the surrounding areas.

But knowing what to ask of a chimney cleaning expert is critical to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.

Homeowners should question any chimney cleaning service to make sure you get the best result — a clean, safe and efficient chimney. You also should make sure your home is as clean as it was before a chimney cleaning expert starts his or her work.

By asking the right questions, you will put your mind at ease, knowing you did your homework and found the right chimney service for you. Here are some questions that should be asked when contemplating a chimney cleaning service:

  • How often should my chimney be swept? Your chimney and flue should be inspected annually and cleaned as needed, regardless of whether you use it regularly, or just occasionally. A thorough cleaning will remove any creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires with intense heat, as well as cleaning out any animals calling your chimney home.

  • Are the chimney sweeps certified? Chimneys and fireplaces are complex systems and you should be mindful if your sweep has gone through the proper training and knows the NFPA 211 and IRC building codes for chimneys. Learning the best methods to clean and inspect chimneys and fireplaces doesn’t occur overnight. Chimney companies who have invested their money and time into proper training shows you that they take their work seriously and will follow proper procedures and adhere to the proper codes.

  • Do you inspect my chimney as part of the cleaning? While cleaning is an important step in keeping your chimney in good working order, it’s only part of the process. Chimneys change like children grow, a detailed inspection preferably with a chimney camera can ensure your home is not at risk. A thorough inspection is absolutely necessary and will help identify any problems before they get out of hand, and should always be part of the cleaning process.

  • Do you have references? A professional chimney cleaning expert should have no problem providing reliable customer testimonials about their work. If they can’t, be wary. Also, research the company on the Internet, and use tools like the Google reviews and Angie’s List to help substantiate any claims made by the chimney cleaning service.

  • How will you clean my chimney? It’s OK to question the exact process a company will use to clean and inspect your chimney. Professional chimney cleaning companies have detailed processes to make sure your chimney is left clean and efficient. They should be able to provide these details to you. They also should provide details about how to keep your living space clean since chimney cleaning can be a messy process.

  • How long will the cleaning take? This is a clear indication if you are getting your moneys worth. A professional chimney cleaning should take at least 45 minutes to an hour. In some cases even longer depending on the extent of the inspection. This includes cleaning the chimney, camera inspecting the flue, roof top inspection, and basement and attic inspection of the chimney. If the sweep is in and out in 20 minutes you are not getting a complete and thorough service.

With these questions, you’ll be well-equipped to find the best chimney cleaning service for you, whether you’re in Saratoga Springs, Queensbury, Ballston Lake, Milton or anywhere in between. At Chimney Heroes, we can answer these questions and more to make sure you understand our process so you can feel confident in your decision to hire us to clean and inspect your chimney.

For more information, contact us today.