When fall weather hits, it means leaves changing colours and colder weather both outside and inside the home. If you heat with wood, it’s important to get your chimney cleaned and inspected before you light your fireplace for the first time this season. Keep your home both warm and safe for the winter by finding the right company to do the job.
It’s important for customers to know how the chimneys are cleaned and the extent of the work that’s done. There’s a common misconception where people associate chimney sweeps with the images in Mary Poppins. However, most cleaning is done from the interior of the home, any mess is always cleaned up, and it’s the best and most efficient way. This gives chimney sweeps the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the chimney as well as clean it.
When choosing a chimney sweep in Canada, it may help to inquire if they are WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified. Although this certification is not required in Canada, without it, service providers may not be fully able to identify issues in the chimney arising from improper wood burning. You can check the status of a certification on the WETT website, and visit BBB.org to find a BBB Accredited contractor near you.
In the United States, some chimney technicians may be certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) which equips homeowners with a means to measure a chimney sweep's technical knowledge, but not all US states require licensing or certification. Check BBB.org for a BBB Accredited contractor near you.
Although many homeowners shop for this service when the weather gets cooler, industry experts suggest getting your chimney cleaned once a year after the burning season. They also recommend having your furnace cleaned around this time as well. An oil-burning furnace produces sulfur oxides. Overtime, sulfur eats at the chimney liner which can crack and lead to premature wear. Having these services done in the spring gives you time to resolve any issues which may arise.
Accredited Businesses in the industry hear about unlicensed workers soliciting business door-to-door every season. They will sometimes even offer package deals such as gutter cleaning included with the chimney services, making it a more appealing deal to the average customer. Always check BBB.org for a BBB Accredited company that specializes in chimney sweeping.
Make sure to ask if the company is insured. If they are not, and someone is injured while doing work in your home, you could be held liable.
Tips for hiring a chimney sweep:
- When hiring a chimney sweep, don’t choose a contractor solely based on price. Look for a professional with a registered business. Be sure to ask if they are fully insured in case of any injuries sustained while on your property.
- Be cautious about companies selling these services door-to-door, and don’t make a hasty decision without more research.
- Get multiple quotes, get references from previous customers, and check out prospective companies and contractors, starting with BBB.org.
For more information, read BBB Tips on Hiring a Contractor.
BBB Serving the Atlantic Provinces contributed to this article.