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