About Chimney Sweeps

As skilled laborers, chimney sweeps are trained to repair and maintain traditional wood burning fireplaces and their chimneys as well as pellet burning appliances and ventilation systems for natural gas and heating oil appliances. There are two major organizations in the United States that help to regulate chimney sweeps: the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweeps Guild.

History

Chimneys were not always big enough for a person to climb in and clean. Western Europe started making chimneys considerably larger in the 15th century to allow for professional cleaners, chimney sweeps. Considered one of the oldest professions in the world, the occupation of chimney sweep was once predominantly filled by children who served as indentured servants. It was easier for someone small of stature to get into the tight spaces of chimneys, and children as young as seven years old were being trained as chimney sweeps in the 17th century. In 1864, The House of Lords outlawed the use of children.
As Europe entered the Industrial Revolution, demand continued to increase. Victorian London alone was home to more than 1000 chimney sweeps. The trade continued to flourish as long as coal was the main source of heat.

Function

Chimney sweeps are an important part of maintaining a safe and effective heating system for your home. Modern chimney sweeps have a wide range of responsibilities. They can diagnose problems, repair a vast range of heating systems, and perform installations. Today, they are referred to as Chimney Technicians and experts registered with the NACS are registered with CORGI (Gas), OFTEC (Oil) and HETAS (Solid Fuel). In 1998, an NVQ in Chimney Engineering was offered. In some countries, chimney sweeps have the authority to mandate that a chimney not be used and can even take legal action, if necessary.

Theories/Speculation

Chimney sweeps have a long history of being considered good luck charms. Traditionally, it is good fortune to have a chimney sweep at a wedding and even more fortunate if he kisses you or shakes your hand.
Long ago, on New Year's day a chimney sweep walked through town with a pig and people paid money to pull hair from the pig for good luck.

Considerations

Anyone who uses a fireplace should consider the services of a professional chimney sweep. The recommended frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including how often the chimney or appliance is used, weather conditions, what type of fuel is burned, and how the fires are maintained. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that you have your chimneys inspected annually. If soot falls when you open or close the damper, the chimney needs to be cleaned. Also, if you even have 1/8 of an inch of creosote built up, it is time to get your chimney cleaned.

Warning

An inspection can cost $100 by itself; the job around another $150. If someone calls and says they can do it for $29.95, be skeptical.
If someone tells you that you have a carbon monoxide leak, make them prove it. Instruments can detect carbon monoxide. Ask the technician to show you the readings. Carbon monoxide leakage is very rare.
Get two or three bids before choosing a chimney sweep.
Verify that the company you use carries liability insurance.
Check if the company is licensed. Not all areas require chimney sweeps to be licensed, but the National Chimney Sweep Guild or Chimney Safety Institute of America has certified sweeps in nearly every area.
Ask for references and don't hesitate to verify them.

Resources

• Chimney Safety Institute of America
• National Chimney Sweep Guild