4 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Chimney Sweep Service

There is nothing like the experience of snuggling up in front of a roaring fire in your fireplace for relaxing in your own home. The radiant warmth of the flames and the pleasant crackling sounds of burning logs usher in a feeling of coziness that is difficult to outdo.

Before putting your feet up in front of the fireplace, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you intend to stoke the logs. Regular maintenance must be performed optimally by a chimney sweep to use your fireplace safely for any length of time. Even for occasional users, a yearly inspection by Chimney Sweep Conifer is an excellent idea to keep your gas and wood unit in optimal condition.

Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Chimney Sweep Service

See below for four important questions before hiring a chimney sweep service.

Question #1 Are they certified?

Ask for any certifications that the company may have. The most well-known certification is the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential, which is recognized by a large number of organizations. Chimney sweep companies are not licensed by industry, although there are certifications they apply for to measure their proficiency. Any licensing that does is on a state-by-state basis; depending on your state, local requirements could exist.

Question #2 Are you insured for damages?

When you have work done in your home or on your property, hiring a professional who carries insurance is crucial. If they do faulty work that leads to damages to your property, you don’t want to get stuck with the repair bill. Additionally, any business you hire must carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance for their employees lest a worker gets hurt, and you are on the hook for their medical bills from your homeowner’s insurance.

Question #3 Can you provide references?

Don’t be embarrassed or intimidated when asking for references from Chimney Sweep Conifer. Any reputable business will not be offended and will happily provide you with a list of references for any jobs completed. Don’t forget to check online for reviews left on the company by satisfied or unsatisfied customers. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau for any problems reported by previous customers.

Question #4 How much does it cost to clean a chimney?

Be sure of what you are paying for upfront before you agree to services from your local chimney sweep service. The average cost nationally for having your chimney cleaned is around $255.00. This cost could be higher or lower depending on the region in which you live. Remember that is an average cleaning, and the price could go up if your fireplace is filthy from being neglected and requires more stringent cleaning than ordinary.

Safety First

Cleaning a fireplace is a messy, involved business best left to the professionals. Before you build a toasty fire for the first time of the season, consider having a chimney sweep inspect and, if needed, clean your gas or wood-burning fireplace. The benefits go beyond the importance of safety issues, and you can save money in the long run by fixing minor issues before they become major problems. For more information, look for Chimney Sweep Conifer online.