Our Company Blog

Have Your Chimney Swept Before Lighting Your First Fire

Spring Cleaning is for the house and chimney cleaning is for the fall. There are many reasons to clean the chimney and many homeowners understand why it’s important. However, this isn’t just any job. It must be done by a professional. Having the work done before fall is done means your system will be ready for winter, but having a professional do the work means it will be safe, up-to-code, and efficient. You should never light a fire in a fireplace that hasn’t been swept and inspected since last season.

Dangers of a Dirty ChimneyTechnician chimney sweeping a home
A dirty chimney is dangerous because it may be filled with soot and creosote from regular use last season. When this isn’t cleaned away regularly, it can become a fire hazard. Not only does a buildup in the system slow airflow and drop the efficiency, but the materials themselves are flammable. Materials left behind by animals, debris from outdoors, and byproducts of the fire can ignite at any time, putting your family at risk of fire. A chimney fire is devastating, can result in an insurance claim, loss of property, expensive repairs, and even injury or loss of life.

Other Dirty Chimney Problems
You might have noticed during the summer months, but dirty chimneys stink. When summer humidity mingles with soot and creosote in the system, it can begin to emit a powerful smell of a dirty barbecue grill. These types of odors in the chimney system are a clear indicator of a dirty chimney. The soot and creosote in the system may be deteriorating the lining (especially if mixed with moisture from the humidity of a chimney leak). Dirty chimneys also work less efficiently than clean chimneys. As the lining of the system becomes coated with soot and creosote, the airflow is slowed, and the chimney system depends on this airflow to work properly. A drop in efficiency means a rise in fire risk.

Why Schedule Now
Chimney sweep companies are busy during this period of time between October and January, called the fall rush. If you schedule now, you can get on the books and will be able to have your services completed before you need your fireplace. You must call as soon as possible, however, so a professional can get a look at your chimney system right away. When you schedule a Chief Chimney Services chimney sweep, you will not only get your chimney system cleaned of soot, creosote, ashes, and other debris, but you’ll get a standard level one inspection as well. Schedule soon, and you’ll have time to make necessary repairs before your first fire. If no repairs are needed, you can rest assured that your system is ready to work for you all winter long, and is safe and protected from winter and water damage.

What to Expect
Schedule today and a certified chimney sweep will come out at the assigned time with brushes and a vacuuming system to clean your system from top to bottom. Using drop cloths and a powerful vacuum, we keep the mess contained so that you don’t have to clean up after us! You’ll get a full report of our findings and the peace of mind that you’ll be safe for another season.

Call Chief Chimney today at 631-863-2460.

By John Pilger on October 31st, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Have Your Chimney Swept Before Lighting Your First Fire

Suffolk County NY Quality Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Service Company

Now is the time to look for a dependable chimney professional for all of your comprehensive chimney needs. When you choose the right company, they can take you through the life of your chimney and your home, keeping your family safe and warm year after year. Homeowners living in Suffolk County and Long Island have depended on Chief Chimney Services for 30+ years, and for good reason.Chimney being serviced by man on roof

Community and Industry Leadership

Owner John Pilger has filmed a fireplace evaluation for Dateline NBC as just one part of his mission to help homeowners stay safe from accidental residential fires. As a CSIA member, it’s important to work with communities, media outlets, other trade industries, and many industry professionals to help bring down the number of residential fires–a number reaching more than 300 thousand each year.

When you’re looking for a chimney professional, look first to the dependable professionals that are CSIA certified and then look for other credentials that add up to unrivaled expertise and experience.

Chimney Sweep Guild – Owner, John Pilger has served as President of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild, director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and is a recipient of the Andrew Schukal Award for dedication and outstanding service presented by the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild.
Professional Certifications – Chief Chimney Services holds and maintains certifications for chimney services as well as dryer exhaust services from the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We are also F.I.R.E certified fireplace inspectors, and NFI certified woodburning specialists. When it comes to installations and repairs, these are the credentials you should be looking for.
Industry Recognition and Awards – In addition to the Andrew Schukal Award, owner John Pilger was a 2001 recipient of the International Award for Service and Education to the industry, presented by the Association of Polish Sweeps and a 2007 recipient of the CSIA Don Leavitt Education Award, for contributions to the Chimney Sweep Industry through Education.
Local Experience – John Pilger has been serving Suffolk County since 1983 and has lived in the area his entire life. He was once chief of Brentwood Fire Department as well as a former Fire Marshall. His Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technology is just one more way he has gone above and beyond for his business and his customers.

When it comes to chimney science, diagnostics, repairs, and installations, Chief Chimney Services is the best choice for customers in Suffolk County and Long Island. Our staff is fully insured for your protection, experienced in state and national fire safety code, as well as local municipal codes. We are certified dealers of the industry’s top brands, and service and repair all fire appliances. When you choice Chief Chimney Services, you can depend on us for all of your comprehensive chimney needs for the life of your home.

Schedule your routine services now so that your chimney system will be ready for burn season.

By John Pilger on October 12th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Suffolk County NY Quality Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Service Company