Our Company Blog

Now’s the Time for a Chimney Sweep

During burn season, we periodically get calls for inspections and sweeps due to problems with their chimney systems. However, in general, homeowners should get these services done during the off-season. There are a few reasons it is best to schedule inspections and sweeps in spring and summer.

First, by scheduling in the spring, you are able to clean away all the debris, soot, and creosote from the previous winter. Second, you are able to get these services without interrupting the use of your fireplace. Third, by scheduling during the off-season, you’re able to miss the “fall rush”.  This is the time between October and January when the chimney sweep companies are booked full with installations and repairs.

Benefits of a Chimney Sweep

old house with flowers and plants The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both agree that chimneys need annual inspection and regular cleanings to remain safe and efficient. A clean chimney will not stink as summer humidity and air pressure pushes through the chimney. Clean chimneys are better prepared and ready for fires in the fall.

When creosote and soot are regularly removed from the system, there will be less buildup, less malfunction, and cleanings are also easier and cheaper. Since your clean chimney will work more efficiently, your sweep will prevent damage in the future. In short, chimney sweeps prevent fires, prevent damage, and save you money. There’s no reason not to schedule yours today!

Beat the Fall Rush

During the fall and first part of winter, chimney sweep companies are busy with emergency calls, installations, and repairs. It is often difficult for homeowners to get on the schedule for routine maintenance. If you wait until the fall to schedule your sweep or inspection, you may not be able to get the appointment time you’d like or the technician you trust. You may even have to postpone using your fireplace until you get the repairs and maintenance the fireplace needs.

Additionally, if you wait until fall to schedule your chimney sweep or inspection and a hazard is identified, you may not have the time or money to repair it before you need your fireplace. Ensure your chimney is safe and clean before you need it! Schedule your services now!

Chief Chimney Services Clean Suffolk Co Chimneys

Residents and homeowners of Suffolk County, you are in luck. At Chief Chimney Services, we clean wood-burning, oil, and gas fireplaces and appliances. During a sweeping, you can count on our utmost professionalism and care. Our technician will come into the home and use drop clothes and a vacuum system to contain the mess. We will clean the system from top to bottom while paying attention to the overall safety and checking for obstructions and hazards.

After your appointment, you will get a report if your technician found anything amiss, and a repair plan or schedule an inspection if necessary. If there are no problems with your system, then it is ready for use this fall! If you’re ready to schedule your summer chimney sweep so that you’re ready for fall, schedule with Chief online today!

By John Pilger on July 10th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Now’s the Time for a Chimney Sweep

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

Creosote in the Chimney

Dealing with Creosote Build-up inside the Home

What’s that black, shiny, coal-like substance that’s starting to accumulate in your chimney walls? That’s creosote and it can get thicker and thicker if not removed by a certified sweep. It can lead to bigger problems like negative air pressure and worse, a house fire. Here at Chief Chimney, we take this very seriously and encourage homeowners to have their chimney inspected annually. The safety, security and stability of your home is at stake and we want to make sure that you and your family get maximum enjoyment without having to worry about chimney problems.

Creosote forms naturally when you burn anything. However, you need to ensure that it is removed regularly to keep it from building up.

Creosote forms naturally when you burn anything. However, you need to ensure that it is removed regularly to keep it from building up.

Creosote is the result of incomplete combustion of wood and coal products that eventually forms tar. The residue of smoke that comes out of it results in soot build-up or what we earlier identified as creosote.  It sticks to the chimney walls and in the chimney flues making it harder for air to exhaust out into the open via the chimney flue.

As experts we look out for these three things:

  • The length of time creosote has been inside the chimney
  • The thickness of the creosote
  • The color, texture and odor of the creosote

Through this, we can determine the level of creosote. Once we know what level your creosote has reached, we perform the task of literally scraping them out by use of a specific, unique kind of brush that can thoroughly clean the inside of your chimney. However, if creosote has already become too thick, we can do weekly scraping to somehow lessen the thickness but completely getting it out of your chimney, unfortunately, is not possible. That’s why it is always important to have your chimneys inspected and cleaned annually (and more often if you use your fireplace often) to see if creosote has started to build-up in your furnaces.

With regards to your health, creosote definitely poses a threat. It can cause toxic air or carbon monoxide to fill the room and poison you — make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.

There are many ways for creosote to destroy your home but don’t allow it to happen. Call on us! We will remove and clean your chimney making it creosote-free. Our experts can help you understand the risks and damages of what creosote can do to your home and also to your health. We can assure you the money you invest in us is definitely worth it.

By John Pilger on December 31st, 2013 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Creosote in the Chimney