With cooler and ultimately colder temperatures right around the corner, many families will fire up their fireplace to keep the house warm and attempt to cut down on rising energy bills.
Before folks across Suffolk County do that, local firefighters want to alert them to the importance of keeping chimneys clear from debris and soot that built up from the winter before.
Doing so will minimize the risks to your family.
“With the onset of increased indoor time, chimney maintenance becomes a pressing concern to avoid devastating fires. Regular annual inspections and cleaning by a certified sweep are vital to ensure safe operation. Additionally, your sweep may offer tailored guidance based on your specific fireplace or stove usage,” said Hauppauge Fire Department Chief Christopher M. Crean.
First responders stress the importance of not waiting until the Christmas season to make sure their chimneys are safely firing on all cylinders, inside and out.
Enter one of many professionals that provide this service across the South Shore: Chimney Repairs and Cleanings.
Following the conclusion of last year’s holiday rush, a certified CSIA-certified technician like Pat from Ronkonkoma was beside himself. He did not realize just how many people of his generation knew virtually nothing about chimney upkeep.
Pat’s ground-floor operation slowly but surely started to flourish as he and his partner began to alert the townsfolk of their simple business proposal.
In laying out their most unique services, Chimney Repairs and Cleanings have opened many pairs of eyes in the process—not just in quarters 3 and 4 like more name-brand giants of this niche industry, but year-round.
Those who have seen professional and certified handymen in action know firsthand what they have in store is more than they could ever have dreamed.
“I had a terrible leak coming into my fireplace and into my living room… My bricks on my chimney were falling apart and overall in bad shape. The guys from Chimney Repairs and Cleaning came and told me I needed a full grind outrepoint and they did a great job,” customer Stephen Yee wrote on Facebook.
Per the company's website, Chimney Repairs and Cleanings are: “...dedicated to providing top chimney repairs and cleaning services to homeowners in the greater New York area.”
By “ensuring chimney safety”, Pat and Co. also solidify resistance against the threat of fires and carbon monoxide leaks.
They urge clients to routinely check in with them; not just for the sake of providing them business, but because the second one puts off a clean-up until it is more “seasonally appropriate” just may be the second an ultra-preventable hazard turns into something far worse.
For booking of services, call 631.260.7720 or email chimneyrepairsandcleanings@gmail.com. General tips are accessible at chimneycleaners.com.
As for Suffolk County Fire Companies, first responders strongly recommend having a professional prepare your chimney for the winter months, to keep your family and home safe.
“Before lighting a fire, verify it is safe to do so, as home fires peak during winter. The chimney and flue play a vital role in safely channeling dangerous gasses away from the home,” concluded Chief Crean.