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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

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wood-Burning Appliances

It’s the season of pumpkin-spice-lattes, corn mazes, and steaming cocoa by a crackling fire. Many homeowners use the fireplace as a home decor focal point, a backdrop for family photos and festivities, and supplemental heat. You may not have a fireplace yet and desperately want one. A properly-installed or well-constructed fireplace or fire appliance can bring up the value of your home, help decrease utility bills, and enhance the holiday spirit. The fan favorite is the wood-burning fireplace because of the natural ambiance it creates. Wood produces beautiful flames, crackling and hissing of the wood, and has high heat output. It isn’t all wonderful, however. There are drawbacks to choosing wood, but we can help. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wood-Burning Appliances

Benefits of Wood Fires

Accessibility of fuel – When you choose wood-burning appliances, you are able to use wood from your own land or personal supply. You simply have to cut, store, and haul wood yourself. If you don’t have a readily accessible wood supply, you can find a local supplier quite easily. Just make sure your wood is properly-seasoned and that you’re getting what you pay for.
High heat output – When you choose your wood type, you can even control how much heat your fire produces. Today’s wood-burning appliances are equipped with many new technologies that allow better control of temperature as well.
Eco-friendly – Today’s manufacturers have made strides to produce high-efficiency wood-burning appliances. Wood furnaces, stoves, inserts, and fireplaces can be highly-efficient and leave less of a “carbon footprint” than ever before.
Versatile designs and models – The wood-burning appliance used to lend itself to rustic decor only, but no more. Now you can choose a wood-burning appliance that compliments a sleek contemporary look, a traditional rustic one, or any variety in between.

Drawbacks to Burning Wood

Wood fires require more service appointments than gas or pellet appliances. This is not due to the performance of the appliance, but rather the material burned. Gas is the cleanest burning fuel, so it produces no creosote and very little soot. Pellets appliances burn at such high-efficiency that they also produce less waste. However, firewood, even properly-seasoned firewood, will produce soot and creosote no matter how well it burns. It also produces ash which can be a pain to remove and dispose of and the wood chips and dust can make a mess. When you’re burning wood, half the work is in cleaning up the mess. Fortunately, a lot of that work should be done by the professionals.

Chief Chimney Services Wood Appliances

If you have a wood-burning appliance and haven’t had it inspected or cleaned in the last 12 months, now is the time. Keeping the appliance well-maintained through professional services will keep it working safely and properly. Call us at 631-863-2460 and talk with a professional about economical wood-burning appliances today.

By John Pilger on September 28th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wood-Burning Appliances

Correcting Draft Issues

A draft in a literal sense means to “draw” or to “pull”, which is why the selective service is called a draft. When your chimney is having a drafting issue, it means the chimney system is not able to properly and effectively pull air through the chimney and out of the house. The chimney should be working constantly when a fire is burning in the fireplace. That means there is constant airflow pulling the heat, smoke, and other gases out of the chimney and home. A smoky chimney is the first indication of a draft issue. Unfortunately, there are many reasons for a draft issue–some may be simple, quick fixes, and others may be more serious.Correcting Draft Issues - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

The Wrong Wood

The number one cause of simple draft problems is that you’re burning the wrong firewood. Good wood is properly seasoned, meaning it has been cut and stored to dry before it is burned. “Green” or wet wood has too much water inside and has to work harder to burn. It will be more difficult to light, will burn with less heat, require more wood to reach a desired temperature, burn incompletely, produce more ashes, and be smokier. A great way to check to see if this is the problem with your chimney is to build and light a fire with properly seasoned firewood.

A Competing Draft

Other large systems in the home, such as the central air and heating system, can interfere with your fireplace. Your home may also be so tight that it is impossible for the chimney to pull air from the house. In order for the chimney to pull air out of the house, more air must be pulled into the house to keep airflow going. Otherwise your home becomes a vacuum, and the air will not flow. This problem can be quickly checked and remedied by cracking a window in the house to allow air in.

A Dirty Chimney

When the chimney system is coated in soot and creosote, the efficiency drops because airflow slows down. If the air cannot travel up and out of the chimney, the result will be a smoky fireplace. You can solve this problem by scheduling a chimney sweep. Schedule now, and you can avoid the fall rush. You may also find that the smoky problems from last season aren’t present this year!

Chimney Sizing

Believe it or not, the size of the chimney matters–a lot. If the chimney is too tall or short, the smoke will not rise up and out. Instead, it will fall into the living room the next time you open your damper. If the flue isn’t sized correctly, if the smoke chamber isn’t the right size, or if the smoke shelf isn’t large enough, then you will have a smoke problem.

Chimney Damage

Damage to the liner can slow air flow and cause a draft issue. You should have annual chimney inspections to insure you that all the seen and unseen portions of the chimney system are in proper working order. This means that your smoky chimney does not have a complicated solution. If your chimney is in ship-shape, then the problem is simple and can likely be resolved through troubleshooting.

Still unsure what to do with your chimney? Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460.

By John Pilger on September 14th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Correcting Draft Issues

Eliminating Smoke Chamber Draft Problems

When your chimney isn’t working properly, there could be a hundred reasons why! Many of the problems with a chimney are hidden, so they’re not only hard to catch, but impossible to diagnose. If your system has a draft problem and you’ve troubleshooted on your own, a professional should be your next call. An experienced technician may start by checking your smoke chamber–a common site for draft problems.Eliminating Smoke Chamber Draft Problems - Suffolk, NY - Chief Chimney Services

What is the Smoke Chamber?

The space above the firebox and at the base of the flue is called the smoke chamber. It is the area where the smoke and heat mix so it can rise up the flue and leave the home. The smoke chamber has a very specific shape and size for efficiency. It should have a smoke shelf which prevents the smoke from falling back into the fireplace and into the home. It also has a slanted wall which funnels the smoke into the flue.

Common Smoke Chamber Problems

The smoke chamber endures high temperatures and corrosive chemicals on a constant basis while a fire burns in the fireplace. The walls and smoke shelf can become coated in soot and creosote. Soot can deteriorate the masonry inside the smoke chamber and can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and draft issues that drop efficiency and raise fire risk.

As the draft slows and the air stalls in the smoke chamber, more creosote and soot will build up in the system, particularly in the smoke chamber. As the buildup occurs, it will only worsen over time. A damaged smoke chamber should be repaired as soon as damage is apparent in order to avoid serious danger and costly damage.

Choose the Professionals

When it’s time to have your chimney system inspected, cleaned, or repaired, you should trust the professionals. All the technicians at Chief Chimney Services are CSIA-certified, having completed classroom and field training to offer the best services to our customers in and around Suffolk County, New York.

A Chief Chimney Services sweep can inspect your smoke chamber, paying close attention to the shape of the space as well as the smoothness of the walls. If the refractory mortar has become damaged, the bricks may be exposed, and their corners catching creosote and soot, slowing airflow and leading to a buildup. Your chimney sweep may recommend a smoke chamber parge in which the walls are smoothed, masonry is properly insulated, and space is properly sized for optimal efficiency.

Scheduling your chimney inspection today will ensure there is time to make the necessary repairs before the fall. The first fire of the season is just around the corner, and you don’t want to use a smoky or dangerous fireplace. Call Chief Chimney Services today and schedule an assessment or repair with a professional today. Call 631-863-2460 or schedule online.

By John Pilger on August 30th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Eliminating Smoke Chamber Draft Problems

Checking Your Heating & Venting System Before the Cold Season

Summer is coming to an end, and fall is just around the corner. With the start of a new school year and new season, people can find themselves staying fairly busy. Fall is busy season for our chimney professionals too. It’s important to schedule heating and venting services now to avoid the fall rush, as our chimney professionals are busy with installations, repairs, and emergency calls.

Routine Maintenance

Checking Your Heating & Venting System Before the Cold Season - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney ServicesRoutine maintenance is preventative maintenance. Having your heating and venting system inspected and cleaned regularly prevents damage, waste, and health risk. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) agree that routine chimney sweeps and annual inspections keep your chimney system working safely and efficiently.

You should get your chimney serviced regularly to prolongs its life. A clean and properly-functioning chimney is easier to light, the flame is easier to control, and less heat is wasted. A clean chimney does not stink of soot and creosote when the fireplace isn’t in use. Keeping your chimney regularly cleaned and inspected also means less drafting issues, leaks, and other hazards! Hiring a chimney professional for your comprehensive chimney care ensure the optimal health of your chimney.

Chief Chimney is here for you!

It’s our goal at Chief Chimney Services to ensure all of our customers and friends in the Suffolk County area are safe and comfortable this winter season. As members of CSIA, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild, our goal is to decrease the occurrence of residential chimney fires.

By continuously educating ourselves on new techniques and technologies to improve chimney function, we strive to serve you with the best chimney tips and care. The best way to prevent chimney malfunctions and hazards is to schedule preventive maintenance. If you haven’t had a chimney inspection in the last 12 months, then it’s time to schedule one now. Call Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460.

By John Pilger on August 17th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Checking Your Heating & Venting System Before the Cold Season

The Benefits of Energy Saving Dampers

Your chimney worked for you all winter, but it may be working against you this summer. As temperatures rise and air conditioners are switched on, there may be a draft that’s stealing your conditioned air right out of your chimney! This occurrence is more common than many homeowners think, and it’s completely preventable. By making one small change to your chimney system, you can have an efficient, money-saving chimney in no time.Energy Saving Dampers - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

The Top-Sealing Damper

Top-sealing dampers double as chimney caps, and save homeowners money upon installation. This damper, also called the energy saving damper, is fairly easy to install, protects your chimney from the top down, and closes it completely during the offseason. Some benefits include:

Airtight Seal – Energy saving dampers close with a rubber gasket seal that prevents any water or moisture from getting in. It’s tamper-proof, so animals cannot open it, and it will not open until you disengage it. Throat dampers usually close loosely and can allow drafts and animals into the home.

Easy Use – The cord which engages and disengages the top-sealing damper runs down to the hearth, so you’ll be able to use it from the comfort of your living room, just as you would a regular throat damper.

Multi-Purpose – The top-sealing damper works as a damper when it’s closed, and a chimney cap when it’s open. It keeps animals and weather out of the flue and prevents hot embers from escaping. It even looks like a chimney cap, so you can choose a design that suits your liking.

When to Make the Switch

You don’t have to do all of your chimney work during the winter. In fact, we do chimney work year-round, and if you schedule during the summer, you won’t have to stop using the fireplace prior to the service appointment. Schedule now, and we can discuss chimney services that will enhance your experience and make your chimney work better as well! If we find that you need a new damper or cap, we suggest a top-sealing damper right away. It saves you money right away. Protecting your chimney from the top down is important. It keeps humidity from mingling with soot and creosote in the flue, which creates unwelcome odors and corrosive chemicals. A top-sealing damper prevents wind gusts and drafts throughout the off-season, saving you money, and will prevent debris from falling in and creating blockages, saving you in services.

When it comes to chimney dampers and caps, you can’t go wrong with an energy-saving one. All of the models we carry at Chief Chimney Services will enhance the look of your chimney and improve the way it works–guaranteed.

When you’re ready for a chimney sweep or inspection call on Chief Chimney Services. We can install your new energy saving damper now, so schedule an appointment today!

By John Pilger on July 25th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on The Benefits of Energy Saving Dampers

Schedule an Early Chimney Inspection

Your chimney may be the last thing on your mind this summer. However, it may be a great idea to schedule chimney maintenance now! When you schedule now, you will avoid the “fall rush.” Chimney professionals are busiest between October and January with installations, repairs, and emergency calls. Schedule now, and get your appointment on our books. Waiting to schedule means you may not get your preferred technician, appointment time, or an appointment at all. There are other perks to scheduling early, and an early inspection prepares your chimney for theScheduling Early Chimney Inspections - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney upcoming winter.

Summer Service Appointments

We encourage homeowners to schedule fall services now, but we also offer chimney services year-round. You can schedule a chimney sweep this summer and rest assured knowing it is clean of soot, creosote, and ashes that will make it stink all summer. You won’t have to have it cleaned this fall, and it will be ready when you need it. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected in the last 12 months, you should schedule one this summer and give yourself several weeks to complete any necessary repairs before fall.

Schedule with Chief Chimney Services and trust a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to assess the system and identify hazards. We offer Level 1, 2, and 3 CSIA inspections in the Suffolk County area.

CSIA Inspections Explained

Your annual level 1 inspection is performed during a routine sweep. They are required if the fuel source remained constant, the system underwent no new installations or repairs, or there has been no severe damage. The level one inspection is an assessment of all readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior. The technician looks for basic structural soundness and checks installations, connections, and airflow. In addition, they check the system for obstruction or debris.

Hazards or prior concerns require a level two inspection. A level two is also required before the sale or transfer of a property, after changes have been made to the system, or if the home has been affected by fire, earthquake, or severe storm. It includes everything in a level one in addition to the accessible portions of the interior and exterior. This includes the attics and crawl spaces.

Hidden hazards in your chimney require level three inspections. Tools are used to remove components of the building or chimney to gain access to the hazard.

We will handle any necessary repairs following a level three inspection. Call 631-863-2460 today or make an appointment online!

By John Pilger on July 11th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Schedule an Early Chimney Inspection

Schedule Your Sweep Before the Rush!

Just as you’d leave for a trip before rush hour, or get holiday shopping finished before the week-of, you should plan ahead to have your chimney system cleaned.Schedule Your Sweep Before the Rush - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney

Avoid the Fall Rush

At Chief Chimney Services we clean and service chimneys year-round. We’re just much busier from October through January, a time we call the “fall rush.” During this time you may not get the desired appointment time, you may have to schedule several days or weeks in advance, and you may be cold while you wait. We don’t want our customers to be cold or unsafe this winter, so we suggest scheduling your chimney sweep early. Avoid the wait, the hassle, and the cold. Schedule now, and you can be on the books this fall, or get it done this spring or summer.

Scheduling a Spring Chimney Sweep

Many homeowners decide to schedule a chimney sweep in the spring so that the system is ready for fall, and there is plenty of time for necessary repairs before the first fire of the season. Scheduling in the spring will also ensure your chimney is waterproof, animal-proof, and won’t stink when summer humidity mingles with the soot and creosote-covered walls. They’ll be clean after a Chief Chimney Services professional completes this hassle-free chimney sweep.

Scheduling a Fall Chimney Sweep

Do not wait until the weather turns cool before scheduling your chimney sweep! You can schedule now for your service in the fall and avoid the fall rush. Scheduling now also means your chimney is not forgotten. When you neglect to schedule routine sweeps and annual inspections, your chimney and your home may suffer. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) agree that routine chimney maintenance means a safer and more efficient chimney system.

Put Your Trust in Chief Chimney Services

The technicians that make up our team at Chief Chimney Services will not disappoint. We treat your home with the utmost professionalism and clean your chimney system from top to bottom, paying attention to the smallest detail. When you schedule with us, you can also rest assured that your chimney will get a thorough once-over, and we won’t miss a thing. This is the best way to ensure that damage is detected before it becomes unsafe and before it affects the rest of your system and your house. After our technician presents you with a detailed report of the findings, we can help you work out a repair plan that will get your chimney back to work before cold weather strikes in the fall! When you work closely with your chimney sweep, you can work around the fall rush.

Get started today. Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or contact us online!

By John Pilger on June 26th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Schedule Your Sweep Before the Rush!

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

During the summer, many homeowners stop using their dryers because they tend to heat up the house, add to the utility bill, and is also a headache. If your dryer is causing problems, then it may actually have problems. It is time to call the professionals for a cleaning.The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney

Take Proper Care of Your Dryer

Your clothes dryer is expensive. According to manufacturers, they should last ten years. However, most dryers do not last that long.  In order for them to last their lifetime and work safely and properly for you, you must properly maintain them. Here are some ways to ensure they last a long time.

  • Have your dryer vent professionally installed so it is up to code and safe for daily use.
  • Clean the lint trap after every load and periodically check the vent discharge flap.
  • Schedule routine dryer vent cleaning to prevent from a dangerous fire.

Schedule Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Service

Call the professionals at Chief Chimney Services to schedule a dryer vent cleaning to keep your family safe this summer while also keeping your electric bill low. Our technicians are certified exhaust technicians, and they come into your house with professionalism and care. When they come, they will thoroughly clean and check the entire dryer vent system.

We recommend getting your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year. However, there are definitely signs requiring your dryer vent to get cleaned more often. Here are some of the signs to get your dryer vent cleaned immediately.

  • If your dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a moderate-sized load of laundry, then you have a clogged dryer vent. Many homeowners assume that it’s just worn out, but a dryer less than three years old should do the job properly with one cycle.
  • If your dryer makes the house warm, puts moisture into the air, or accumulate moisture on surfaces of the home, then it is likely you have a clogged dryer vent. The excess heat and moisture should be carried out of the home by your vent. If it isn’t, then there is a clog or a leak in your dryer vent.
  • If your dryer is using more electricity than usual, then it has an issue.

Other Ways to Prevent Dryer Vent Hazard

In addition, make sure you take preventative measures to protect your home against dryer vent fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are nearly 3,000 home clothes dryer fires reported each year. These fires are absolutely preventable by having your dryer vent cleaned.

Was your dryer vent professionally installed? Has it been cleaned in the last year? Is it performing poorly? Call Chief Chimney Services to find out about our dryer vent services today.

By John Pilger on June 12th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Schedule an Early Chimney Cleaning

Spring is the perfect time for your annual chimney sweep because the system has been working for you all winter! Therefore, it is full of creosote, soot, grime, and ashes. As humidity rises, the moisture in the air will mingle with the soot and creosote in the chimney system, and the result is not pleasant. You may be enjoying some family time in your living room or game night with friends, and suddenly the aroma of barbecue is overwhelming. It’s not a barbecue grill in the living room. It’s your fireplace!The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney

The same moisture that causes these foul odors when a chimney is dirty will also corrode your chimney flue. Moisture mixed with soot and creosote creates a corrosive material that must be cleaned away.

Other Reasons to Sweep the Chimney

Preventative Care – Scheduling routine chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections is the best way to have the safest and most efficient chimney system, according to both the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Preparation – Once your chimney sweep is completed, you can rest assured that your system is ready for this fall. Your chimney sweep includes a level one chimney inspection which includes an examination of the readily accessible portions of the chimney system. If your chimney professional sees an issue with your system, you’ll have time to schedule a more thorough assessment and have necessary repairs before fall.

Animal Removal – Schedule a chimney sweep if you have had an animal in your flue this spring. We will remove nesting materials, droppings, and fur or feathers from the system. These things are flammable and will lead to a flue fire. Once the chimney system is cleaned, ask your sweep about a cap to keep out critters, birds, and water.

Chief Chimney Services Cleans Chimneys

At Chief Chimney Services, we clean chimneys year-round. We can sweep your wood-burning appliance and chimney, as well as oil and gas appliances and chimneys. The two differ slightly, but our techs are certified, trained, and experienced sweeping all types of chimneys.

Don’t waste another moment. Scheduling your chimney sweep now will give you time for necessary repairs before burn season. It also gets your chimney taken care of before the “fall rush”–the time between October and January in which chimney professionals are busy with emergency calls, installations, and repairs.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or contact us online!

By John Pilger on May 29th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Schedule an Early Chimney Cleaning