| It is important to keep a chimney clean regardless of | | | | The chimney sweep will first inspect the chimney for |
| the type of fuel burned. This can prevent fires as | | | | any damage and determine the extent of cleaning |
| well as prevent noxious gasses from entering the | | | | necessary. It is advisable to hire a chimney sweep |
| home. The chimney carries away toxic gasses | | | | that only does inspections and cleaning, and does not |
| emitted from the fire in the fireplace and it is an | | | | actually do the repairs. This forces them to be |
| important safety measure to ensure it is clean and | | | | objective about repair needs and can minimize |
| free from blockage. A chimney sweep will perform | | | | unnecessary expenditures. After the inspection, the |
| routine maintenance and inspection to ensure proper | | | | cleaning will begin. The room surrounding the chimney |
| safety standards are met. | | | | will be protected from falling dirt and particles so no |
| It is advised that maintenance on the chimney be | | | | damage is incurred. Once the chimney is thoroughly |
| performed once per year. In other countries this is a | | | | brushed and clean, the technician will vacuum the |
| standard accepted practice. However, this idea is still | | | | particles and do a final cleaning of the surrounding |
| quite new in the United States. It is growing in | | | | area. |
| popularity, though, because of the increase in deaths | | | | Some people may be tempted to do the work |
| and injuries related to fireplaces. Over 5,500 fires and | | | | themselves. However, there is an aspect of danger |
| 10,000 gas poisonings occur each year due to | | | | to the job and it can be very time consuming and |
| improper fireplace maintenance. These figures can be | | | | tiring. It is necessary to utilize the proper equipment |
| greatly reduced with proper care. | | | | and have access to the roof and interior of the |
| Chimney sweeps are available in all areas and can be | | | | chimney. This can sometimes prove dangerous with |
| easily found in the phone book or via an Internet | | | | the use of tall ladders. Professional chimney sweep |
| search. Choose services that are experienced and | | | | services are licensed and bonded which will protect |
| affordable. It is also recommended to obtain a | | | | your investment. The cost of the service is |
| service that is certified by the Chimney Safety | | | | affordable, generally fewer than two hundred dollars, |
| Institute of America (CSIA), a non profit organization | | | | and depending on the chimney the cleaning will only |
| that educates tests and certifies chimney sweep | | | | take approximately one hour. Therefore, using |
| services. | | | | professionals is recommended. |