Finding a new service professional of any type can be overwhelming. Hiring a chimney sweep can be even more overwhelming because your sweep plays an integral role in detecting chimney damage and preventing chimney fires, keeping your home and your family safe. If you are in the market for a new chimney sweep, the best place to start is with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). 
The CSIA-training advantage
Anyone with the right equipment can call himself a chimney sweep. To be a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, however, you have to undergo an initial training, pass a course and commit to ongoing professional development. The CSIA is an accredited nonprofit agency that has been educating and training chimney sweeps for more than 30 years. Its expertise has been trusted by reputable news organizations including The New York Times, Consumer Reports, Dateline, and Good Morning America.
CSIA certification ensures that your chimney sweep is fully trained in industry best practices for cleaning, inspecting and repairing chimneys; the proper construction of chimneys and fireplaces; the codes and standards for chimney construction, vent construction and fireplace installation; and EPA requirements for home-heating appliances. The certification exam also verifies that sweeps understand the science of wood combustion and creosote formation. Sweeps must renew their certification annually and are required to be retested every year to have their certification renewed.
The CSIA professional commitment
In addition to their training and ongoing education, CSIA-certified sweeps are bound by a code of ethics that ensure they will treat their customers well. CSIA-certified sweeps are committed to honoring the CSIA’s best practices; that sweeps will know and comply with all local codes related to chimneys, fireplaces and heating stoves; and that they will install, repair and maintain stoves, fireplaces and chimneys in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. CSIA-certified sweeps also will be professional at all time and are bound to educate their clients on safe operation and maintenance of their fireplaces, heating stoves and chimneys.
Call a CSIA-certified sweep today!
To keep fireplaces and chimney operating safely and efficiently, the National Fire Protection Association advises homeowners to have their chimneys swept and inspected annually. To protect against a chimney fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, schedule your annual sweeping and inspection with a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. It’s the best way to know that your chimney has been cared for in the safest possible manner. Your CSIA-certified sweep also is prepared to help you deal with any damage, wear and tear, or malfunctions your fireplace or chimney faces because they’ve undergone the training needed to deal with more than just brushing your chimney flue.
If you are looking for a new chimney sweep, call Total Chimney Care to schedule an appointment today. In addition to being CSIA certified, we have been trusted chimney sweeps for 20 years! We are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Angie’s List Super Service Award.