by Billy Sweet | Jan 24, 2017 | Winter Fireplace
This winter you want to enjoy your fireplace. It is there on the cool nights for an evening of relaxation, entertaining, or warm your living space. If you don’t have a gas fireplace, odds are you might struggle to light a fire on a cold evening. A cold chimney makes it difficult to light a fire because the chimney is filled with cold air. This air can do two things:
- It can fall into your fireplace (and into your room) when you open the damper to vent your fire.
- It can block the smoke and exhaust from rising up the chimney.
The Problem
When your chimney is filled with cold air, smoke won’t rise up the chimney. This is because a new, small fire isn’t hot enough to push up the chimney. This can cause the harmful vapors and smoke to move into your living space.
The Solution
There are a couple of ways homeowners can make lighting a fire in a cold fireplace easier. Some homeowners decide to open the damper and allow the cold air in the chimney to fall into the fireplace. This option is especially viable if you have a central heating system in your home, because it won’t affect the overall heat. You should remember there are several cubic feet of frigid air in the chimney, and if the fireplace is your source of heat for the room, you will definitely add to the cold by using this method.
A Better Solution—Priming the Chimney
In order to prepare the chimney for the job of venting, the fire’s exhaust you can warm it slowly. First, find the opening from the fireplace or stove that leads to the chimney. Light a rolled newspaper, or roll of paper scraps, and hold it in the opening until it is completely finished burning. This small amount of heat can rise up, warming the air slowly. This prevents large amounts of smoke to move into your house. By the time the paper is finished burning, your chimney should be primed to vent your fire.
The Best Fire
The Chimney Safety Institute (CSIA) top-down burn over the traditional fire in all situations, including a cold fireplace. The top-down burn is opposite the tradition fire, in that the large logs are on the bottom, followed by medium, then smaller sticks, and kindling at the top. This way the fire, embers, and ash fall, letting gravity keep the fire going, burning all the fuel completely, and offering a cleaner burn and a more efficient fire. It is also easier to light a fire if you use properly seasoned wood when lighting and a using your fireplace.
For more information about your fireplace and how to operate it better with every burn, click here. You can also call a professional anytime between 7am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. Call 617-469-4528 today.
by Billy Sweet | Jan 11, 2017 | Reviewing Your Experience
You wouldn’t change physicians without checking their HealthGrade or invest in a company without looking at their portfolio. Additionally, you also wouldn’t hire a professional without looking at online reviews and an impressive score from the Better Business Bureau. Customer satisfaction is the top priority of any business. Billy Sweet doesn’t only want our customers to be satisfied with services. We strive to make sure our customers in the Boston, North Shore, and Portland area are safe and comfortable too!
Why Your Review Matters
- When you review your chimney sweep you’re doing more than just drumming up business.
Your positive review helps spread the word. What happens when you give your chimney sweep a positive review? You raise the score on sites such as Yelp, Google, and Yahoo; as well as the BBB which combines customer reviews with other criteria for an overall score.
- Your constructive criticism, positive or negative, provides your chimney sweep with your experience which you might not have time to articulate to your technician. This type of information is like gold to a business owner. It helps them to adjust and provide the best service possible.
- Your review allows for your chimney sweep to connect with customers and for customers to connect with each other.
The best marketing for a small business is word-of-mouth, neighbors talking to neighbors.
- Your review is the best way to show your chimney sweep appreciation for a job well done. If you’re happy with services, you can definitely tell your technician. However, taking a moment to leave a review online will let everyone know you’re happy!
How to Leave a Review—Good or Bad
Usually customers are inclined to leave a review for a business under two circumstances: when they’re extremely pleased, or extremely displeased. There is almost no in between, although there may be an exception. Unfortunately, when you write a review under these circumstances, you may forget details that could be important to potential customers.
- THE GLOWING REVIEW is always welcome, but can sometimes be misleading. You might be exceptionally happy with one thing, but dissatisfied with the price, or another detail that you miss during your review.
[Pro tip: Be honest and consider the entire experience from start to finish. This includes the initial contact until services rendered.]
- THE ONE STAR REVIEW is often due to one serious blunder on the part of an employee. Consequently this ends up coloring the whole experience poorly. Some customers may leave a bad review after a disappointing quote, and never even hire the chimney sweep.
[Pro tip: Get a second opinion and then contact the company again directly to discuss options. A poor review won’t get you a more affordable price, but connecting with the company might.]
Billy Sweet Wants Your Review
At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep we are proud to offer the highest level of professional service for over 30 years. We depend on our customer reviews to help us grow, and you can help.
You can review our services or view the reviews from past and current customers here.
by Billy Sweet | Dec 22, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
You might not give your chimney’s cleanliness a second thought through the holidays—that is, unless you have to be in it! If you wouldn’t slide down a dirty chimney, don’t expect Santa too! Schedule your chimney sweep now and have a squeaky clean chimney for the holidays.
Why a Clean Chimney is Important
A dirty chimney can bring a host of problems to the homeowner that may not be expected, and definitely unwanted! These problems can range from big to small and can cause substantial damage or minor unpleasantness. When you love your fireplace, have put together your dream home, and have transformed it into a Christmas wonderland for the holidays, you want to have the perfect holiday experience. Don’t leave it to chance. Have your chimney swept regularly.
How Often Should You Schedule a Sweep?
The
Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend regular chimney maintenance such as chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections. This important preventative maintenance insures your chimney is at its safest and most efficient. What’s more, you shouldn’t do this work on your own. Only a certified chimney sweep has the training and expertise to get the job done, and get it done right.
Schedule a chimney sweep now and avoid:
- A stinky chimney. Soot buildup in the chimney can create unpleasant odors that can be unwelcome while you’re hosting holiday get-togethers, dinners, and family visits.
- A smokey fire. You may have a buildup or obstruction in your chimney that compromises the updraft causing smoke to escape out the fireplace and into the living space.
- Increased risk of fire. If your chimney hasn’t been regularly serviced you may have a creosote buildup that you aren’t aware of. This increases the risk of fire, putting your home, family, and guests at risk.
Of course there are other perks to having a squeaky clean chimney, fireplace, and hearth. At Billy Sweet we know what’s really important during the holidays. Family. While your family is visiting for Christmas consider taking a family photo in front of a beautiful hearth and mantel. We know that the focal point of most holiday festivities is the fireplace, and we make it our goal to keep your family comfortable this season!
Your chimney works the whole time a fire is burning in your fireplace, and we will work for you too. We’ll do our part, and we need you to do yours. Pick up the phone and call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep and you’ll get professional services every time, fireplace and chimney experts with over 30 years of experience, and your neighbors in the North Shore, Boston, and Portland, ME area. Call Billy Sweet at 617-469-4528 or schedule an appointment online today.
by Billy Sweet | Dec 10, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
I heard St. Nicholas let out a horrible sound.
He was stuck in the chimney, I could only see his foot!
Dangling out of the chimney, blocked with ashes and soot
I knew once he got loose, there’d be no presents for me
Why didn’t I just call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep?!”
The most important time to have your chimney inspected and swept is before the wintertime. This is when you will use it most. Not only will it help Santa deliver your presents, but it will also keep your home safe and your chimney working efficiently!
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep offers a variety of services to keep your chimney in tip-top shape:
It may sound like a simple task, but it’s not. When it comes to clearing your chimney of ashes, soot, and debris, hiring a professional is your best bet. This will keep your home safe and warm. According to Enlightenme.com, “Dirt can block your chimney’s flue, causing smoke to back up into your home and make your fireplace noxious. Excessive creosote can potentially ignite and cause an uncontrolled fire hazard.” Having your chimney swept annually can not only keep you safe, but will save you money in the long run. In addition, it helps prevent the buildup of creosote and damage beyond normal use.
It’s important to have a professional check for cracks in your chimney. This is because they pose a safety hazard, and can even leak harmful gases into your home. According to Home Advisor, “ The smoke from a fire can contain dangerous gases, among them carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness, or even death, in large amounts. Cracks in a chimney can leak heat into the surrounding walls, and lead to structural damage or even house fires.” Annual inspections will help you know whether or not your chimney is in a good state, or if it needs to be serviced, repaired or restored. Knowing is half the battle, and Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep is here to help!
Your chimney liner helps prevent damage to your chimney’s masonry or mortar joints. It helps prevent emissions of harmful gasses, and keeps heat away from flammable materials in your home. Whether your chimney doesn’t have a liner and needs one installed, making sure your liner is in good shape helps extend the life of your chimney and keeps your home safe.
If your chimney is leaking, three common areas to check are the cap, crown, or flashing. The chimney cap, or protective cover at the top opening of the chimney, helps keep water and debris out of your chimney. In addition, sometimes this part may be damaged or missing. Below the cap is the chimney crown, which is built to keep the elements away from the chimney opening. The crown may also have cracks or spalling, which could result in water leaks. Lastly, damaged flashing, where your chimney meets the roofline, is another common area for water to sneak into the chimney. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep can inspect your chimney for leaks and even waterproof your chimney by applying a protective sealant to ward off the elements.
If you haven’t gotten your chimney ready for Santa yet, what are you waiting for? Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep is here to help with all of your chimney needs whether you need a sweep, inspection, new liner, or all of the above! Contact us today to keep your family safe and warm this winter.
by Billy Sweet | Dec 8, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
The holidays can be hectic with meal planning, decorating, shopping, travel plans and more clouding your mind. Therefore, it can be difficult to remember the practical, everyday things. Just as important as having your oil changed before that long trip to visit the in-laws, you should have your chimney swept. Do this before the busy holiday season, when the fireplace is often the focal point for many festivities.
Schedule Now and Avoid Conflicts
The holidays are fast approaching. However, you can avoid the headache of schedule conflicts by calling in advance. If you call now you can have your chimney swept before your holiday festivities. Doing this will most likely get an appointment time that better suits your schedule. Also, to prepare for your appointment we request that you discontinue use of the fireplace 24 hours in advance. This can mean a cold day if you wait until late December for your chimney sweep. Schedule now and take advantage of this mild Boston weather.
The Perks of a Clean Chimney While Entertaining
A dirty chimney comes with a whole host of issues, including decreased efficiency and increased risk of fire. There are other downsides as well. For instance, a dirty fireplace can become stinky, especially when moisture penetrates the masonry. This can be a problem if you entertain during the holidays and use your fireplace as a focal point, as many do. The hearth and mantel is also a popular holiday photo backdrop. A chimney sweep cleans all the parts of the chimney, hearth, and firebox. So, you can also avoid pictures with a dirty fireplace by having it cleaned now.
What to Expect
If you’ve already begun decorating for the holidays, it’s okay. When you schedule a chimney sweep with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep you can count on a professional service every time. This means that we will get the job done in a timely manner. Plus, we will leave your home in the state we found it when we arrived. We request only that you discontinue use of the chimney 24 hours in advance. This keeps our chimney sweeps safe during the service call. In addition, we ask that you move furniture, objects, and decorations away from the fireplace opening.
In order to do the job quickly, it’s best if there is space for the sweep and his tools at your fireplace opening.
When You Choose Billy Sweet
By choosing the best chimney professionals in the Boston, North Shore, and Portland areas you get the best services at a competitive price. Billy Sweet puts customer safety first every time. That’s why we send a trained and certified technician on each call. You will get a thorough cleaning, a state-of-the-art chimney inspection. Also, any documentation required for insurance, real estate, and personal records. Our chimney experts are available to answer questions during the visit, and will report any concern immediately.
There is really no reason not to schedule your chimney sweep this holiday season. Not only will it be one more important thing off your list, but you also won’t have to worry about it coming into the new year. Plan ahead and take advantage of the benefits of a chimney sweep by scheduling your appointment today!
An expert technician is standing by.
