Our Company Blog

Time to Get Your Fireplace and Heating System Swept!

After a long winter, we’ve finally reached consistent temperatures for spring. Homeowners are shutting down their systems for the off-season and forgetting fires, firewood, and all the work that comes with them. Part of preparing your fireplace and chimney system for the off-season and ensuring it’s ready for fires again in the fall is scheduling professional services. Now is the time to schedule your fireplace and heating system services. We sweep fireplaces wood, gas, and oil fireplace and heating systems!

Safe and Efficient Chimney Systemshouse with large yard and brick chimney

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the safest and most efficient chimney systems are those that are cleaned and inspected regularly. Sweeps may be necessary less or more frequently, depending on your fireplace use, but the inspection should be scheduled annually no matter what! Inspecting the chimney annually cuts down on the chance of chimney fires, helps prepare your chimney system for burn season, and prevents damage caused by water and other wear-and-tear.

We Clean Wood, Gas, and Oil Fireplaces and Chimney Systems

At Chief Chimney Services, we clean chimney systems and fireplaces throughout Suffolk County, New York. Whether your fireplace is fueled by gas, oil, or wood/pellets, we have the experience, training, and tools to get the work done.

Wood-burning Appliances
When sweeping wood-burning appliances, we take the utmost care to clear the flue of soot and creosote that can lead to obstruction and danger. If the creosote isn’t cleaned away regularly, it can build up and obstruct the airflow, slowing it as it vents. This process will lead to smoke stalling in the system and depositing MORE soot and creosote each time the fireplace is used. When we sweep regularly, we use drop cloths to protect the floor and furniture while we work. We use rods and brushes to clean the flue and a vacuuming system to keep the mess contained.

Oil and Gas Appliances
Though oil and gas appliances burn cleaner than wood appliances, they still produce soot that can bring down system efficiency. While they burn, these fires also produce water vapor which can mingle with the soot, damaging the flue liner and more.

We Clean Dryer Vents

It’s not only chimneys and fireplaces that pose a threat when they aren’t maintained properly. Your home may be in danger if you have other systems that are neglected. Clothes dryer vent fire occur almost 3,000 times a year across the U.S. They cause 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Failure to maintain the clothes dryer can lead to an obstructed dryer vent, cost you money, damage your home, and affect your air. Having the dryer vents cleaned once per year will mean your system works properly, drying clothes in one cycle, and saving you money in the process.

We don’t just clean chimneys, we also clean and properly install dryer vents, restore chimney systems and repair all ventilation systems in your home.

If you reside in Suffolk County and you haven’t had your heat systems checked in the last year, it’s important to call the professionals today.

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

By John Pilger on April 27th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Time to Get Your Fireplace and Heating System Swept!

Schedule Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Today

If you haven’t scheduled a dryer vent cleaning in the last twelve months, you should schedule one now. Emptying the lint trap is not enough to prevent a lint buildup in the vent. Plus, a buildup of flammable lint can cause a dangerous fire! According to the United States Fire Administration there are 2900 dryer vent fires annually. Thus resulting in 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. At Chief Chimney Services we believe any dryer vent fire is one too many. That’s why we strive to provide our customers with services to prevent it. Dryer vent cleaning as well as public education is the best way to decrease the number of fires, deaths, injuries, and property loss.Time To Schedule Your Dryer Vent Cleaning - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney

Prevention as Priority

It’s important for homeowners to recognize the signs of a dangerous dryer vent clog. This is especially true if you’ve failed to schedule the necessary cleanings. If you have noticed any of the following, you should call a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® (C-DET).

  • Your dryer takes more than one cycle to adequately dry a moderately-sized load of laundry. This is your first indicator that there is a clog in the ventilation system. Homeowners often assume the load is too big, the clothes are too heavy, or the dryer is too old, but this isn’t the case. Industry professionals say that a clothes dryer has a clog if it’s less than three years old and takes more than one cycle to dry a load.
  • Your dryer heats up your laundry room and feels hot to the touch. Your dryer and vent is designed as a closed unit that vents solely outdoors. The vent should carry the excess heat, lint, and water vapors outside. If the dryer vent is adding heat to your home, or feels hot to the touch, it most likely has a clog preventing proper ventilation.
  • You find moisture on surfaces of your dryer, walls, and ceilings in your laundry room. Your dryer vent should vent water vapors outdoors. If your dryer causes this moisture on surfaces in your laundry room or home, there is most likely damage to the vent, which will compromise airflow and cause a dangerous buildup.

Schedule Annual Dryer Vent Cleanings

By scheduling annual dryer vent cleanings, you prevent problems that cost you money, health, and life. Your expensive appliance will become worn out twice as quickly if it takes two cycles to dry a load. Laundry will take twice as long, and you will spend twice as much on utilities and replacing clothes dryers in your lifetime. Instead of your appliance lasting the ten years it should, it will last only 3-5 years.

Have Your Appliance Professionally Installed

A store delivery is not a professional installation. A dryer exhaust technician can install your dryer vent with the appropriate materials, within safety regulations, and correctly sized. When you have the vent professionally installed, you have the information to present to the proper authorities in the event of a fire caused from malfunction or other issue.

Use the Clothes Dryer Properly

Follow clothes dryer safety tips and user manuals in order to further insure your family’s safety, and to safeguard your investments.

Schedule your dryer vent cleaning today by calling 631-863-2460 today!

By John Pilger on June 21st, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Schedule Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Today

Avoid Fires With Dryer Vent Cleaning

When Talking about household appliances it’s important to note that low maintenance does not mean no maintenance, and neglecting routine maintenance can lower efficiency, shorten the life of avoid-fires-with-dryer-vent-cleaning-img-suffolk-ny-chief-chimney-service-inc-w800-h597an appliance, and likely cause fires and extensive damage.

Your Dryer Vent and Fire Risk

A clothes dryer is a heat appliance and should be treated as such. Just like a chimney should be cleaned to avoid flue fires, the dryer vent should be cleaned to avoid dryer vent fires. These fires are the leading cause of dryer-related fires. Every year hundreds of people are injured, dozens are killed, and thousands of dollars worth of property is damaged due to dryer vent fires.

You may not think it will happen to you, but if you’re like most Americans you assume cleaning the lint trap is enough maintenance for your dryer. This isn’t true!

If you have a dryer or are thinking of purchasing one, keep these things in mind:

  1.  Have it professionally installed.
    A common cause of dryer vent fire is a buildup of lint inside the ventilation hose due to improper installation. If the hose is especially long, has several corners, and is compressed to fit behind furniture or into walls, the risk of fire increases. It is best to have your dryer professionally installed to avoid this risk. Most home improvement stores offer professional installations. An even better option would be to choose a CSIA Certified Exhaust Technicians® who is trained to install, clean, inspect, replace, and repair dryer vents.
  2. Schedule semi-annual cleaning.
    If you have your dryer vent cleaned in the fall and winter, you will have the best results. Your certified exhaust technician will be able to remove the lint that builds up inside the vent, as well as any nesting animals and their nests. The way that the vents are designed often allows for small animals to climb inside. In spring animals search for a warm, dry place to nest, and in winter they do the same. Schedule your appointments during these times and your dryer vent will stay clean, and you can avoid the increased risk of fire when an animal and its nesting materials restrict airflow.
  3. Do not clean your own dryer vent.
    During a routine dryer vent cleaning your certified exhaust technician will not only clean the ventilation hose with a high-powered vacuum, but will also recognize any risk factors or issues with the dryer vent. It’s important for a professional to see the vent periodically in order to notify you of damage that may cause leaks or other problems. Leaky ducts can cause carbon monoxide poisoning over time, as well as slow the airflow, which can cause hot hair to ignite flammable debris such as lint.
  4. Lint passes through the lint trap.
    It is impossible for the lint trap to collect all of the lint. Lint is made up of single fibers that collect on the screen of the lint trap. These fibers slip through and around the screens with every load of clothes that is dried. These fibers collect inside the ventilation system and become the fluff we’re so used to seeing in the lint trap. It is highly flammable and should be removed often.

The dryer vent is an essential element that keeps the dryer functioning, but needs to be maintained and cleaned regularly. Schedule an appointment with Chief Chimney Services today to avoid a fire in your home.

By John Pilger on September 8th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Avoid Fires With Dryer Vent Cleaning

5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

In America 85% of households own a tumble dryer, and neglected dryer vents are the leading cause of heating-appliance house fires. These fires don’t just cause damage, but cause hundreds of 5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned IMG-Suffolk NY- Chief Chimney Service, INCinjuries and dozens of deaths per year. As a homeowner, it’s better to prevent this damage by scheduling regular maintenance for your dryer vent.

1. Protect your family against carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a natural byproduct released when fuel is burned, which is toxic to humans. Carbon monoxide escapes through the dryer vent safely outside the home unless there is a problem. Unfortunately carbon monoxide is odorless and if a leak occurs a homeowner may not know until it’s too late. A professional will check for carbon monoxide leaks in your dryer vent during a regular cleaning and can correct this damage before it harms your family.



2. Nesting animals cause blockage and odors in the dryer vent

Since dryer vents sometimes only have a metal flap to cover the outside vent, this allows easy access for small animals to nest. The animals are drawn to the dryer vent because it’s warm and seemingly safe, but they often end up dying. If this occurs they can not only become trapped and die in the dryer vent, but they also leave behind nesting materials in addition to the lint already present.

3. Leaking ducts can lower efficiency as well as cause carbon monoxide poisoning

As ducts leak heat and vapors from the hose, the flow slows and blockage is more likely. Also a leaky dryer vent causes the dryer to work harder in order to get the job done, costing your family more time, energy, and essentially more money.

4. Let a professional check for correct size and installation of dryer vent.

Oftentimes during a hasty move or after a large purchase, homeowners don’t bother with professional installation. A dryer vent should work efficiently and without leaks if it is installed correctly. However, if the hose is too small for the appliance, it is more likely to experience blockage and low efficiency.

5. Prevention today saves money tomorrow.

A standard dryer vent cleaning is cheaper than the cost of fire damage and injury. It’s cheaper than making a claim to your home owners insurance, and the nuisance of doing without a dryer during repairs. With any household appliance it is best to take steps of prevention to ensure that safety is first.

The reasons to have your dyer vent cleaned regularly far outweigh the cost, and Chief Chimney Services offers an affordable cleaning. It’s important to hire a CSIA Certified Exhaust Technician®  because they are trained in the safe installation of dryer vent ducts and experienced in repairs.

Chief Chimney Services offers only the best professional service and expert technicians to keep your dryer vent clean and efficient. This is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.

Call Chief Chimney Services today and schedule your dryer vent cleaning.

By John Pilger on July 5th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on 5 Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned

Spring Cleaning: Fireplace and Dryer Vent Maintenance

While you are jumping into spring cleaning around your home or business, it’s important to remember your fireplace and dryer vents. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your fireplace and dryer vents is essential for efficiency and safety.

Your Fireplace

Spring is a great time to have your fireplace cleaned for a couple reasons. First, warm air in a dirty, moist chimney can cause odors to permeate your home. Second, spring begins the off-season of most chimney sweep companies. Third, spring begins animal nesting season, and animals love to take shelter in the safety of a chimney. Unfortunately animals nesting in a chimney can be quite a nuisance, and can cause damage to and blockage in the chimney system. During a chimney sweep with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) any animals, leaks, or damage will be discovered.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney cleanings, and annual chimney inspections for safe and efficient use of fireplace and chimney.

Spring Cleaning Fireplace and Dryer Vent Maintenance - Smithtown NY - Chief Chimney

Your Dryer Vent

Your dryer vent cleaning and maintenance is just as important as your fireplace, and often overlooked. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) educates and trains professionals and certifies them for safety standards in chimney safety, AND dryer exhaust through the CSIA C-DET certification.

Cleaning your dryer vent is not as simple as just removing the lint from the lint trap. The dryer vent itself needs to have adequate air flow to allow for safe operation. The dryer will also work less efficiently if the dryer vent isn’t cleaned regularly. During these regular cleanings other problems can be discovered and dealt with.

  • Animal Nesting
    Animals often seek shelter in the warmth and protection of a dryer vent. They can block the air flow through the vent, as well as leave nesting material in the vent that can be highly flammable.
  • Leaking Ducts
    When dryer ducts are stretched through the house they can become damaged and leak. If they are held together with tape, the adhesive can come loose with high temperatures, and also leak. These leaks cause a lack of air flow, and can lower the efficiency of the dryer itself.
  • Carbon Monoxide
    Although there may not be a fire in your dryer vent, a blockage may be releasing carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide is undetectable and can cause brain and organ damage, and even death.

When to Call the Professionals

Don’t wait until there’s a problem with your fireplace or dryer vent to call a professional. Part of home maintenance includes keeping up with regular cleanings and inspections to prevent problems before they happen.

While you are spring cleaning, don’t forget to schedule your cleaning and inspection for your fireplace and dryer vent. Fire safety starts with prevention, and prevention can save your money, damage, and possibly your life. If you’re a homeowner in Suffolk County and are ready to have your fireplace and dryer vent cleaned, call Chief Chimney Services today !

By John Pilger on May 23rd, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Spring Cleaning: Fireplace and Dryer Vent Maintenance

Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

For most people, laundry is not a major part of the day. Perhaps it goes ignored for several days or a week, sometimes more. Life is filled with many tasks much more interesting, urgent, and exciting than doing laundry, so this mindset is understandable. For safety reasons, however, laundry should not be forgotten about for too long. The clothes dryer, in particular, needs special attention to keep it running safely.

importance-of-having-your-dryer-vent-cleaned-suffolk-ny-chief-chimney

Everyday basic care for the dryer can help lengthen its functional life and keep the home and family safe. One good measure to take is to empty the lint trap before and after every load. Leaving one or more layers of lint in the trap limits the air flow through the machine, increasing the drying time and the risk of fire. In addition, avoid overloading the dryer because this reduces the efficiency. Some items may remain damp while others become extremely hot, even dangerously hot.

Another very important measure to take that can keep the machine safe and functional is to have the dryer vents professionally cleaned at least once every year. The dryer vent is the wide pipe running from the dryer to the outdoor vent flap that expels the hot, damp air from the system. Lint that does not catch in the trap is forced out through the vent, and over time, it can build up in the pipe. The lint can block the vent completely, or it may clog the vent flap, preventing it from opening properly. Schedule an appointment to have this vent cleared of lint, dust, and other debris every year. However, if the clothes seem to be drying more slowly or if the vent flap no longer opens while the dryer is running, stop using the machine and call for a cleaning right away, even if it has been less than a year since the last cleaning.

Having the dryer vents cleaned on a regular basis is important because neglecting to do this can result in devastating fires. The lint that builds up in the vent is continually exposed to very hot air. Since lint is very flammable, this intense heat exposure can result in ignition and a dangerous fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 16,800 home structure fires began in the laundry room across the country in 2010. Ninety-two percent of these fires started with the clothes dryer, and the leading cause was failure to clean the appliance.

Fortunately, you do not have to become one of these frightening statistics. Taking good care of your dryer on a day-to-day basis and having the vents cleaned at least once every year can make all the difference. If you need your dryer vents cleaned and you live in the western or central portion of Suffolk Country, get in touch with Chief Chimney Services, Inc. to schedule the appointment today.

By John Pilger on December 30th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned