United Home Services logo

Call Us

Follow Us

5 Benefits Of Getting Your Chimney Cleaned By A Professional

There is nothing like a roaring fireplace to warm you and your home on chilly winter nights. Sadly, some homeowners don’t take care of their chimneys as well as they should. The result is a soot-filled, clogged-up chimney that’s a fire hazard. With winter fast approaching, we believe it is worthwhile to share the wide-ranging benefits of having a clean and well-maintained chimney.

5 Reasons to Hire A Chimney Cleaning Company  

Like other appliances in your home, a fireplace and chimney won’t run efficiently unless you treat them to regular maintenance. Also, a neglected chimney is far more dangerous than, say, a neglected air conditioner.

The majority of fireplace accidents that happen to homeowners can be easily avoided by just scheduling regular chimney sweeps and thorough chimney inspections from an expert. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, chimneys, and fireplaces should be inspected every 12 months. The same goes for cleaning them; once a year is enough.

Now, let’s talk about the benefits you’ll enjoy from a chimney cleaning company:

Reduce The Risk Of Chimney Fires

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, your chimney is bound to accumulate creosote, which is a tar-like, flammable substance. A tiny bit of creosote is enough to start a fire in the chimney.

These creosote-fueled fires not only damage the inside of the chimney but also lead to costly chimney repair. And this is the best-case scenario; the worst-case scenario is when the fire spreads to the entire house!

Chimney Professionals Are Better Equipped

Chimney inspection and cleaning experts already have all the equipment required to perform routine inspection and maintenance. They can check out your chimney’s liner for creosote and soot buildup – something that is highly flammable and can potentially burn down the house.

Also, creosote builds up in stages; it’s easy to clean it up in the early stage. The longer the creosote stays, the harder it will be to remove it. Regular inspection or potential chimney repairs by professionals will keep your home safer.

Regular Inspections Prevent The Risk Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

seattle chimney cleaningIn addition to being odorless and invisible, carbon monoxide is deadly as well. When your chimney accumulates soot, dirt, dust, twigs, critters, and other debris, it compromises the airflow. And without uninterrupted airflow, the carbon monoxide gas can be pushed back into your home – instead of exiting through the chimney.  

Potential Problems Will Be Caught Early

Chimney cleaning technicians can spot problems – like, inefficient operation, drafting issues, or crumbling mortar – early on. And catching and repairing these issues early means you won’t be surprised with a big repair or replacement bill seemingly out of nowhere. 

A Clean Chimney Creates More Indoor Heat 

The wood in your fireplace that is well maintained, will burn more fully and efficiently when your chimney is clean. A clogged chimney doesn’t supply enough oxygen for the wood to burn thoroughly, and as a result, it reduces the heat of the burn.

Schedule A Same-Day Chimney Cleaning Appointment With UHS

At United Home Services, our chimney cleaning technicians are trained, insured, and dedicated to keeping your fireplaces and chimneys in top shape. If it’s been a while since your last chimney cleaning or your fireplace is not working the way it should give us a call. You can reach us at 866-836-2341 or contact us online.

When it comes to keeping our homes healthy and our air clean, few services are as critical as air duct cleaning. If you’re anything like me, the thought of unknown particles circulating through the air my family breathes is enough to spur me into action. But not all service providers are created equal. This is where unlocking the mystery of certifications and standards in duct cleaning becomes crucial.

Why Certifications Matter in Duct Cleaning

Think of certifications as a safety net for your home’s air quality. I learned this the hard way when a friend opted for a bargain deal on duct cleaning, only to find her home’s air quality worse after the service. It turned out, the company wasn’t certified, and they had actually loosened more debris and contaminants than they removed!

Certifications in duct cleaning mean that the technicians cleaning your air ducts have been trained to adhere to the highest standards of operation. This training ensures that they not only clean effectively but also safely, reducing the risk of damage to your ductwork and ensuring that no harmful contaminants are spread throughout your home.

Key Certifications in Duct Cleaning

NADCA Certification

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) sets the gold standard for duct cleaning professionals. NADCA-certified providers have undergone rigorous training and adhere to strict guidelines for cleaning to the highest industry standards. When a technician shows up with NADCA certification, you can feel confident they know their craft inside and out.

HVAC Certifications

While not exclusive to duct cleaning, HVAC certifications indicate a comprehensive understanding of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which is critical because your ductwork is part of a larger system. Technicians with these certifications understand how to optimize your entire HVAC system’s performance, not just clean your ducts.

Understanding Industry Standards

Industry standards are not just bureaucratic red tape. They’re developed by experts and are designed to ensure services are delivered safely and effectively. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t necessarily certify duct cleaners, but they provide guidelines on what constitutes a proper and safe duct cleaning. Following these standards is a key part of navigating the duct cleaning world like a pro.

How to Verify Certifications and Standards

So, how do you ensure you’re hiring someone trustworthy? Start by asking potential service providers about their certifications. A reputable technician won’t hesitate to share their qualifications. You can also look up their credentials online or check with the issuing organizations.

For example, when I needed my ducts cleaned last spring, I made sure to ask for the certification numbers and looked them up on the NADCA website. It gave me peace of mind knowing that the professionals I was letting into my home met all the necessary industry standards.

The Benefits of Choosing a Certified Duct Cleaner

Choosing a certified duct cleaner comes with numerous benefits. First, there’s the assurance of quality and safety. Certified cleaners use the latest and most effective tools and techniques to remove contaminants from your ducts without risking damage to your system or dispersal of pollutants.

Moreover, regular maintenance by certified professionals can extend the life of your HVAC system and improve its efficiency, which can save you money on energy bills. I noticed a decrease in my energy bills after having my ducts properly cleaned—a win for both my wallet and the environment.

Red Flags and Common Misconceptions

It’s important to be aware of the red flags. Be wary of services that offer “too good to be true” deals or don’t provide clear information about their certifications and procedures. Also, ignore the myth that “cleaning your ducts disrupts your home.” Professional cleaners ensure that the process is as non-intrusive as possible.

Conclusion

Investing in a certified duct cleaning service is not just about maintaining your HVAC system; it’s about ensuring the health and safety of your home environment. Just like choosing a doctor or a mechanic, the qualifications and reputation of duct cleaning professionals matter.

Remember, when it comes to the air you breathe, you deserve the best. Don’t hesitate to reach out to certified professionals who can provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your ducts are not just clean, but thoroughly and safely maintained.

Feeling ready to breathe easier? Reach out to your local NADCA certified duct cleaning service today and take the first step towards cleaner, healthier air in your home!

Related Posts

See all related posts: