Chimney, Dryer Vent and Air Duct Cleaning FAQ

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year, and the inspection shows whether a sweep is needed. A fireplace you use often will usually need sweeping more often than one you light a few times a winter. We'll tell you what we find rather than sweeping on a fixed schedule.

Common signs include a smoky room when the fire is lit, a strong campfire or tar smell in warm or humid weather, and black flakes falling into the firebox. Animal noises or nesting debris are also a reason to have it checked. Any of these is worth a call before you light another fire.

Yes. Gas and oil appliances vent through a chimney or flue, and the yearly inspection in NFPA 211 applies to vents as well. Blockages, deteriorating liners, and debris can keep exhaust from leaving the house properly.

A Level 1 inspection is the standard yearly check when nothing about the system has changed. A Level 2 inspection is used when something changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is being sold. A Level 3 inspection is for a hidden hazard that can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.

Yes. The sale of a home is one of the situations that calls for a Level 2 inspection under the levels chimney professionals use. It gives buyers and sellers a clear picture of the chimney's condition before closing.

Cleaning removes soot and creosote, but it doesn't fix cracked or missing mortar, a leaning or crumbling crown, water damage, or a damper that won't open or seal. Small problems can often be repaired, while badly deteriorated masonry above the roofline may need to be rebuilt. We'll show you what we find so you can decide.

In New York City, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of an oil-to-gas boiler conversion. A new liner is often needed because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. We can inspect the chimney and install a liner if one is required.

A chimney cap keeps rain, animals, and debris out of the flue, and a chase cover protects the top of a framed or prefabricated chimney. Waterproofing helps keep moisture out of the masonry, which slows cracking and spalling. Together they help prevent the water damage that leads to bigger repairs.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Lint builds up in the duct between the dryer and the outside, where you can't reach it from the lint trap. A dryer that takes longer than usual to dry a load, or a laundry room that feels hot, can be a sign of buildup.

Not always. The U.S. EPA advises cleaning air ducts when there is substantial visible mold growth, vermin, or excessive dust and debris. It also notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, so we'll look first and tell you honestly whether cleaning is worthwhile.

The EPA recommends caution with chemical treatments in ductwork, and we follow that thinking. We focus on removing the dust and debris itself. If a treatment is ever discussed, we'll explain what it is and why before doing anything. The EPA also advises homeowners to research the process before responding to very cheap advertised offers.

Don't use the fireplace or wood stove for at least a day beforehand so the ashes and firebox are cool. Clear a path to the fireplace, dryer, or vents and move fragile items away from the work area. For dryer vent work, please make sure we can pull the dryer out from the wall.

Time depends on the service, the condition of the system, and how easy it is to reach the roof or vents. We'll give you an estimate when we confirm the visit. We lay down drop cloths and use vacuums designed to contain soot and dust, and we clean up the work area before we leave.

Please keep pets in a closed room or crate while we work. Doors may be open, and the noise from our equipment can upset animals. It also keeps them away from soot and tools.

In attached homes and apartment buildings, the roof is often reached through a hatch or bulkhead controlled by the owner, management, or super. Please arrange that access, or tell us who to contact, before the visit. If the roof can't be reached, we'll tell you what can be done from inside and what can't.

Many homeowners book before the cold months, and New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. Scheduling before October lets you sort out any repairs before you need the fireplace or heating system. Dryer vent and air duct cleaning can be done any time of year.