It would help if you never used your fireplace without first having it cleaned to avoid the potential of damaging your chimney and increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Chimney cleaning can also help increase efficiency by removing soot and Creosote, which can cause fires when it builds up inside the chimney. It’s important to ask these ten questions before hiring a company for this service.
The Following Are 10 Essential Questions You Have to Ask a Chimney Cleaning Company Before They Come out To Clean Your Chimneys
These ten questions will give you peace of mind that you’re choosing a reputable company with high standards for safety and quality workmanship in its services.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #1 – Do I need my chimneys cleaned?
Chimney cleaning is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient fireplace.
A fireplace with dirty chimneys will have poor performance, an increased risk of fire hazards, and an unnecessary increase in utility bills. Ensuring that a chimney sweep’s services are required before they arrive helps avoid misunderstandings later on.
Did you know that Creosote is a flammable by-product of combustion? It’s produced when wood or other fuels are burned incompletely. The chemical will build up over time if your fireplace isn’t properly cleaned, leading to creosote fires that can be difficult to extinguish.
Ensuring your fireplace is in good working order before a chimney cleaner comes to inspect it also ensures that you will not be charged for a cleaning or inspection visit if there’s nothing wrong with the structure.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #2 – What products do you use?
A reputable company should list its products and explain what they are precise. For example, an eco-friendly solution is preferred over harsh chemicals. Chemicals and toxins can be harmful to you and your family if they’re constantly inhaled, and this is something that should be avoided at all costs.
Did you know that the chemicals found in most cleaners are highly toxic? These chemicals include benzene, naphthalene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, and trichloroethylene.
Using an eco-friendly solution ensures that your fireplace will be safe when it’s used again after cleaning. The chemicals also won’t be a hazard to your family or pets, which can lead to fewer costs for treatment if they were to ingest them accidentally.
So how can you tell if a cleaner uses eco-friendly chemicals? It’s easy to tell. Just call up the company you’re considering hiring, and ask them what chemicals they use in their solutions. If all else fails, bring some soap and water with you when you meet the cleaner at your fireplace so that you can test them before they clean.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #3 – How long will the process take?
You should also know how long it takes to get an estimate and finish cleaning. For example, one company may charge a high price for their services because it can take up to five hours to complete the job, while another may only take two hours or less.
Most reputable companies will provide you with an estimate of how long the process takes, which should be included in their proposal. Don’t hire a company if they don’t give you an idea of how long the process takes; it could mean they don’t know how to do the job correctly or that they may be using highly toxic chemicals.
Did you know that it can take up to 10 years for creosote buildup to occur within the flue of a fireplace? That’s why it’s vital to have your chimney cleaned regularly. If you’re using your fireplace frequently, it’s best to schedule the cleaning every year or two instead of every few years.
So how often should you be having your chimney cleaned? That depends on how frequently you’re using your fireplace. If your chimney is only used every so often, it may only need to be checked at least once or twice a year. If it’s used several times in between cleanings, it should be cleaned more regularly. Check with your local chimney cleaning service for more tips on how often you should be having it cleaned.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #4 – Are there any discounts available?
Chimney cleaning companies often offer discounts and coupons during the holiday season and for special occasions, so you should always ask about them. Removing creosote buildup is both time-consuming and challenging, but many cleaners will offer a discount if multiple flues are being cleaned at once or if it’s your first cleaning.
This means that you could save up to 40% on the cost of having your chimney cleaned if you schedule the appointment during the late fall or winter months when holiday discounts are readily available. Some companies also offer senior citizen and military discounts, so always ask about them if it applies to you. These discounts can often be given at any time, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re thinking about having your chimney cleaned.
Did you know that repairing your chimney can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars? That’s why it’s so essential to hire a reputable company for cleaning and inspections because then you’ll be able to save money in the long run.
If the company offers free estimates, then be sure to ask for them if you plan to hire someone else after comparing prices and quotes. If you can’t get an estimate, go with the company that was able to give you one because it means they’ve invested in providing chimney services rather than just maintaining their equipment.
If your fireplace is older, then you may notice creosote buildup after only a couple of years instead of 10 or more, which means that it should be cleaned more often. This will also depend on how often you use your fireplace, so you should check with a chimney cleaner to ensure that your flue is working properly and removing excessive creosote buildup.
You may have noticed a foul odor or black soot around your fireplace after lighting a fire for the first time in a while. That’s because creosote buildup can cause fires to spread, so ensure that you’re using your fireplace safely by hiring an experienced chimney cleaning company.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #5 – Do they provide references?
References allow you to call past customers of the company to ask about their services. You can also look up online reviews about local companies because many people post negative thoughts when displeased with the service they received.
If you like what you hear, hire that specific company for your chimney cleaning needs. You should also ask for references if you don’t see any online reviews or hear anything negative about the company. It could be a sign that they’re an unreliable and untrustworthy business.
You can schedule your appointment with the company to examine the chimney flue further and determine whether it’s safe to use or if the buildup needs to be removed. It would be best if you made it clear that you don’t want the company to do any work without first giving you an estimate and letting you know how much it will cost, because otherwise, they may end up charging you a lot more than what was initially agreed upon.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #6 – Do they use quality equipment?
Top-notch equipment is essential when determining the best chimney company for you, so be sure to ask about their shop vacuum and brush equipment. If they don’t have one, they may not clean your flue the right way to avoid causing damage! After all, having a professional use too much pressure can cause more harm than good, which is why you always need to ask about the vacuum and brush equipment before choosing a company.
If they don’t use shop vacuums or brushes, then make sure to compare them with other companies that can provide these services to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible. This ensures that your fireplace will be adequately cleaned without damaging the chimney.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #7 – How long has the company been in business?
Newer companies may not be reliable, which is why you need to ask how long the business has existed before choosing if they’re suitable for you or not. You can also look up reviews or ask for references to help determine their reputation.
If they’ve been in business for a while, then you’ll be able to trust that they know what they’re doing and won’t damage your fireplace. It’s also easier to trust companies that have been around for many years because it means they run their company ethically instead of taking advantage of customers who don’t know much about chimney services.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #8 – Do they offer a free estimate?
A free estimate should be provided by any company that you’re seriously considering hiring for your chimney cleaning needs. If they don’t, then it’s likely that their prices will be very high and won’t be worth the service that you’ll receive! You should always request a quote to know what type of price range to expect.
Did you know that hiring a professional company may end up saving you money? That’s because a clean chimney is more efficient and will keep your fireplace working properly. This prevents you from using your fireplace as often, which means less wood burned per season.
Some companies offer discounts for customers who have their chimneys cleaned during the summer months because there’s less of a chance that their fireplace will be used for heating purposes.
So if a company can’t provide a quote, it’s probably not worth the price.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #9 – Do they clean more than just the chimney?
When it comes to having your chimney cleaned, you should never use any company that only cleans your chimney and doesn’t examine the entire fireplace. The top reason why you should never do this is that there’s a chance that they’ll miss creosote buildup around the fireplace.
The best chimney cleaning companies will look at your whole fireplace to determine if it needs any additional work done, like repointing or tuckpointing. This ensures that no damage will be done to the fireplace itself, which is critical to consider because damages like this can cost you a lot of money.
Chimney Cleaning Company Question #10 – Is there an additional charge for chimney inspections?
If they don’t charge extra for chimney inspections, the chances are good that the company isn’t very reputable! There’s no reason why a clean-cut company wouldn’t offer this service, which helps you maintain your chimney properly and identify any minor issues before they become significant problems.
If the company charges for inspections, then it’s worth paying more because you’re getting quality services that will help you save money in the long run. You’ll end up saving money by hiring a professional company than if you attempted to clean the chimney on your own.
When it comes to having your chimney cleaned, you should always hire a company that provides quality services. Never hire any company that doesn’t use shop vacuums or brushes to remove debris from inside of the fireplace, because not only will they do an inefficient job, but there’s a good chance that they’ll damage your fireplace!
If you want to know how to prevent fires, creosote a buildup, and ensure that your fireplace is safe for use all year round, then follow the tips above.
Once the chimney is cleaned of excess creosote and ash buildup, it’s important to inspect our clean chimney thoroughly. Most companies will offer a chimney inspection to ensure your chimney is safe for use. You must follow up with an examination if they provide it because even the best chimney cleaning companies can miss something during the cleaning process.
Your chimney gets a lot of use throughout the year, which is why it’s so important to have it cleaned to reduce creosote buildup and prevent damage to the chimney itself. There’s a possibility that you could miss significant issues with the chimney if you only wash it once a year, and good companies will provide additional services to ensure your fireplace is in working order.
When choosing a company to clean your chimney, don’t hire the cheapest company available. You’ll often find that companies who offer meager prices aren’t very reputable, and they may even damage your chimney or fireplace. When you use a reputable company that provides quality services at a reasonable price, you can have peace of mind knowing that you won’t run the risk of causing more damage to your home!
Customer Testimonials for Chimney Cleaning with Texan Residential Services
“They were very professional and courteous. They quickly responded to my request for service, arrived on time, and got the work done quickly. I would use them again.”
Mark G. – Chimney Cleaning Service in Lakeway, TX
“It went great! They arrived on time and were quick, thorough, and courteous. I would recommend them to friends and family.
Stephanie C. – Chimney Repair Service in Kyle, TX
“They showed up exactly on time and worked quickly but meticulously. The price was very fair for this kind of labor-intensive work. I would use them again.”
Leslie M. – Chimney Cleaning Service in Austin, TX
“I have hired this company for chimney cleaning twice now and have been very pleased both times. The technicians are professional and do a great job at a fair price! I would highly recommend it!”
Tina D. – Chimney Repair Service in Pflugerville, TX
“I had my chimney cleaned today by Texan Residential Services. They did an excellent job. The two technicians were polite and very professional.”
Lisa R. – Chimney Cleaning Service in Cedar Park, TX
“Great service! They got back to me immediately and scheduled the service the next day! We recently moved into our new house and need some chimney doings done. Very happy with how quickly they responded. Very satisfied!”
Christy H. – Chimney Repair Service in Austin, TX
“The customer service rep was very professional and accommodating when I called with a scheduling request. The technicians were friendly and arrived on time. Chimney looks great.”
Jennifer G. – Chimney Cleaning Service in Round Rock, TX
“They did a good job- the chimneys look great! They finished quickly, and I was able to pay by credit card after the service without issue.”
Susan M. – Chimney Cleaning Service in Cedar Park, TX
“I called Texan Residential Services to get my chimneys cleaned, and they were able to schedule me within a couple of days. The technicians arrived on time and did an amazing job- the fireplaces look great! I would recommend them.”
Robert M. – Chimney Cleaning Service in Austin, TX
“I have used this company for years. They are always on time and do an excellent job!”
Ben S. – Chimney Repair Service in Manor, TX
“Good price, quick response to my inquiry (and scheduling) within 24 hours.”
Eric H. – Chimney Cleaning Service in Austin, TX
“Chimney looks great, and the price was low!”
Sherry C. – Chimney Repair Service in Cedar Park, TX
If you’re looking for a reputable company to clean your chimney, I would highly recommend Texan Residential Services. They offer quality services at reasonable prices. Call them today!
Have You Been Meaning to Get Your Chimney Cleaned?
The fireplace is a great way to stay warm and cozy during the winter months, but you must keep your chimney clean. If soot and Creosote build up inside the chimney, they can cause fires when ignited by the fire. It’s also essential to have your chimneys cleaned for safety reasons- if there are any cracks or holes in the flue lining, carbon monoxide could leak into your home. This is especially dangerous for people with respiratory problems such as asthma or COPD because their bodies cannot filter out this gas as healthy lungs can.
When choosing a company to clean your chimney, it’s essential to look for someone you can trust. Call Texan Residential Services today- they are highly recommended by their previous customers! Check out their testimonials page for more information.