How to Select a Chimney Sweep
Chimneys vent combustion gases from heating systems, whether fireplaces or furnaces, and they need proper care to reduce your chances of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. You can hire a chimney sweep, a professional with expertise in cleaning and repairing chimneys, to help you maintain your chimney. Because of the potential risks to your family and home, it's important to select a qualified chimney sweep. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Ask neighbors and acquaintances for chimney sweep recommendations. Unlike many other home professionals, chimney sweeps are used regularly, so the people you know may have a specific company they go back to each time.
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Contact several different chimney sweeps to get a sense of each company's professionalism. Even a phone conversation can give some insight into how a company treats its customers.
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Compare the length of time each chimney sweep has been in business. Since this industry relies on repeat customers, a chimney sweep that provides poor customer service likely won't last long.
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Ask about certifications. The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild both certify chimney sweeps and offer search options on their websites (see Resources).
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Request verification of the chimney sweep companies' liability insurance. Also look for worker's comp insurance so you aren't held responsible should an employee be hurt on your property.
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Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure no complaints were brought against a chimney sweep you're considering. If there are complaints, review the details to determine if the issue was a major one.
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Request references from the companies. Call several to see how satisfied they are with the company's services. Ask if they still use the company. If not, ask why they stopped.
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Discuss the availability of appointments. Make sure a certified and experienced chimney sweep will be there for every appointment. This is particularly important with larger companies that have many employees.
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Compare the hourly rates for each chimney sweep. An extremely low rate might indicate poor workmanship or a poorly qualified chimney sweep.
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Use the gathered information to select a chimney sweep. Note the quality of workmanship, cleanliness, timeliness and personality of the chimney sweep when deciding whether to continue using the company in the future.
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