FAQ About Chimney Cleaning Services

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY AIR DUCTS?

Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the homeowner. Some of the things that may lead a homeowner to consider more frequent cleaning include:

• smokers in the household
• pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander
• water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system
• after home renovations or remodeling
• prior to occupancy of a new home

WILL CLEANING THE AIR DUCTS HELP WITH ALLERGY AND ASTHMA RELIEF?

Yes, by removing the allergens from the ductwork. Every time your heat or air conditioning system turns on, it further aggravates allergies and asthma by forcing those allergens into the living space of the home and into the air you breathe. Actually, many customers tell us that their doctors are recommending air duct cleaning for that exact reason.

WILL AIR DUCT CLEANING REDUCE OUR HOME ENERGY BILLS?

Cleaning the air ducts can save you money by increasing the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system. A cleaner system does not have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Research done by the EPA shows that a buildup of even .042 inches of dirt can result in a decrease of furnace efficiency up to 21%. The dust that stays in your system will accumulate on the fan blades of the blower motor, the coil and the inside of your ductwork, which can reduce air flow up to 40%. This translates into higher energy costs for you.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN THE DRYER VENT?

According to experts the lint trap vent should be cleaned after every load and dryer vent – at least once per year. However, it is recommended that you clean the dryer vent more often if:

• Family size: A large family size means more loads of clothes need to be washed each day. The more often you use the dryer each day, the higher the amount of lint it accumulates. It, therefore, needs to be cleaned several times a year.
• Presence of Pets: If you keep pets in your house, then it means that the vents will get clogged more quickly than in pet-free homes. It is, therefore, essential to clean the dryer frequently to remove pet hair and fur from the vent.
• How often you purchase new clothes: Research has shown that new clothes produce more lint than old clothes. So, if you like buying new clothes frequently, then you need to clean your dryer vents several times a year.
• Type of laundry: Bulky items like blankets and towels produce more lint that causes the dryer vent to clog quickly. Therefore, if your laundry mainly comprises of bulky clothing, then it is advised that you clean your dryer vent several times a year.

WHAT DO YOU GAIN FROM REGULAR DRYER VENT CLEANING?

• It saves energy: Cleaning your dryer vent regularly will help improve its efficiency, thus lowering the amount of power that it consumes. Homeowners who clean their dryer vent periodically can save up to 30% on their energy bills.
• Reduced maintenance cost: When the dryer vent is cleaned regularly, it is less likely to overheat or get clogged. As a result, it is less likely to break down or experience a technical hitch.
• Reduces the risk of fire: Lint is a highly flammable material. If left to accumulate on the vent, it can cause a fire that can cause havoc. Regular cleaning help to prevent lint buildup, thus preventing the risk of fire.
• It reduces wear and tear on the dryer: If the dryer vent is not cleaned regularly, then the dryer is forced to work twice as hard to dry your clothes. This excessive strain can wear down crucial parts of the dryer. Regular cleaning helps to improve dryer efficiency, thus reducing wear and tear.

SIGNS THAT IT IS TIME TO CLEAN YOUR DRYER VENT

• Your clothes are taking much longer than usual to dry
• Both your clothing and the dryer exterior get very hot
• Presence of debris around the dryer hose
• The vent hood flap does not open properly
• The dryer vent has not been inspected for more than a year
• You notice a strange burning smell on the clothes
• The laundry room feels excessively hot when the dryer is running

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY CLEANED?

Fireplace Chimney needs to be clean once every year. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), fireplaces need to be cleaned once there is 1/8″ of creosote and/or soot buildup inside the chimney liner. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), all chimneys should be cleaned at least once every year, regardless.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHIMNEY NEEDS CLEANING?

• Your fireplace smells like a campfire. You detect the smell of burned wood coming from the fireplace even when it isn’t lit
• Fires burn oddly
• It takes more effort to get a fire going and keep it going
• Smoke fills the room
• The fireplace damper is black
• Fireplace walls have oily marks
• There’s evidence of animals

DO CHIMNEY CLEANING FIRE LOGS WORK?

The short answer is no, they don’t work. At least, not well enough to completely clean out the flue the way it should be cleaned.