Let Us Keep Your Chimney Functioning Properly
There’s nothing like warming up in front of your fireplace on a cold Texas night. If you’re lucky enough to have a working fireplace, your chimney plays a big role in keeping it functioning properly.
HOW DOES YOUR CHIMNEY WORK?
Chimneys work by removing byproduct gases, like carbon dioxide, from the air. Its function is not to remove hot air but to instead remove hot gases from the heating unit used in your home. We all think of “fireplace” when we hear “chimney,” but any heat source that burns fuel (wood, oil, gas, coal) requires a chimney. For example, if you have a gas furnace, it has a chimney. That chimney works in the same way as the one on your wood-burning fireplace.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize they have a chimney problem until it becomes a health hazard or is severely damaged. One common but potentially dangerous problem that can occur is a flue obstruction. Small animals, leaves, debris, and combustion byproducts can interfere with the venting of toxic gases. The blockage can build up over time, slowly restricting its expulsion from the home, allowing the level of carbon monoxide (CO) gas to increase in your living space gradually. Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because it is a colorless and odorless gas. Symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
SIGNS MY CHIMNEY NEEDS CLEANING
- Your fireplace smells like a campfire.
- Fires burn oddly.
- It takes more effort to get a fire going and keep it going.
- Smoke fills the room.
- The fireplace damper is black.
- Fireplace walls have oily marks.
- There’s evidence of animals.
- It’s been over a year since it was last cleaned or inspected.
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY CHIMNEY CLEANED?
The best time to clean chimneys in your home is in the warmer months, between spring and late summer—essentially, before you need to think about lighting any fireplaces for warmth when the weather turns cold.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?
Our technicians are certified by CISA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) which means they must:
- Pass rigorous testing proving their knowledge and understanding of chimney and venting systems, codes and standards, and safety practices.
- Agree to abide by the CSIA Code of Ethics, which means they’ll be honest, fair, respectful, and professional in their interactions with all their customers.
- Never stop learning and have to invest in ongoing education in order to maintain and renew their certification.
- Hold themselves to higher standards in terms of the service they offer and how they do the work.
