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The #1 Repair and Maintenance Pro in San Antonio

Why You Should Have Your Chimney Professionally Cleaned Yearly

For anyone with a chimney in their home, the National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning your chimney thoroughly at least once a year. 1st Choice Residential offers their chimney sweep services to anyone in either Fort Worth or Dallas. Keep reading to learn why you need to use 1st Choice Residential chimney sweep for your annual professional clean.

Why Do I Need to Sweep The Chimney?

Hiring a chimney sweep helps protect you from avoidable dangers and saves you money, too.

It will cut down your carbon monoxide risk. A clean, properly functioning chimney effortlessly carries carbon monoxide and other harmful by-products of burning fuel, including gas and wood, up and out of your home. If your chimney isn’t clean or properly vented, the process falters. The majority of chimney-related carbon monoxide problems happen due to improper exhausting, something almost entirely avoidable with regular inspection and cleaning by a chimney sweep.

It will help prevent chimney fires. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), there are more than 20,000 chimney fires every year in the United States alone. A dirty chimney typically contains a build-up of creosote, a highly combustible by-product of burning fuels such as unseasoned wood. This raises the risk of fire, leading to injury or even death.

How Often Should You Use a Chimney Sweep?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends you have your chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances (think pellet or wood stoves) inspected at least once a year. This is probably true if you only use your fireplace occasionally, on the coldest winter nights. If you fire it up several times a week, you may want to arrange more frequent inspection and cleaning.

If you see creosote glaze — a thick, inky, almost cake icing-like substance that collects in your chimney and drips down into your fireplace — make that appointment ASAP, according to CSIA.

Why Hire a Service To Do a Chimney Sweep?

Cleaning a chimney is hard, messy work that many homeowners leave to the pros. The benefits of hiring this task out include:

  • Fast and clean;
  • In-depth inspection and identification of potential weak spots in the chimney liner (if used) or the chimney itself;
  • Removal of blockages and debris;
  • Can repair or replace the chimney cap or chimney liner if needed. Some chimney sweeps can make masonry repairs if needed. (Note that some states require state registration and approval before undertaking masonry work.)

If you do choose to clean your chimney yourself, invest in the right tools. These brushes and drop cloths can make the job easier and less messy.

What Will the Chimney Sweep Do?

A chimney sweep will, at minimum, inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney. That will take an hour or two depending on where you live, the condition of your chimney and the speed of the sweep hired.

The inspection and cleaning might begin inside, up on the roof, or both, and may or may not involve a camera. The sweep will remove any buildup on the chimney walls as well as blockages in the chimney itself. Expect them to take proactive measures to minimize mess, inside or out, and to clean up any debris before leaving.

If your chimney needs a deeper clean, such as a chemical treatment to get rid of late-stage creosote glaze, the visit may last a few hours. If the chimney sweep needs to do minor repairs, such as replacing a missing chimney cap or damaged chimney liner, they may complete this the same day, depending on the sweep’s policies and tools they have on hand.

If they suggest masonry or other in-depth repairs, discuss how to proceed. It’s a good idea to request a list of any suggested repairs, including an explanation of why these repairs are necessary, and suggested pros to complete anything outside the chimney sweep’s expertise.

Chimney Sweep FAQ

What are the signs that my chimney needs sweeping?

Signs include smoke backdrafts, a strong odor, visible soot buildup, and reduced draft in the fireplace.

How often should I inspect my chimney?

We recommend annual inspections to ensure safety and optimal performance, even if you don’t use your chimney frequently.

What is involved in a chimney sweeping service?

Our service includes a thorough inspection, removal of soot and creosote, and checking for any structural issues or blockages.

What types of chimneys do you service?

We service all types, including wood-burning, gas, and pellet stoves. Our technicians are trained to handle various chimney systems.

Can a chimney sweeping improve heating efficiency?

Yes, a clean chimney allows for better airflow and combustion, which improves heating efficiency and reduces the risk of dangerous fumes.

How can I prevent creosote buildup in my chimney?

Use seasoned wood, avoid burning trash, and schedule regular cleanings to prevent creosote accumulation.

What are the common problems found during a chimney inspection?

Common issues include creosote buildup, blockages, damaged flue liners, and structural damage such as cracks or leaks.

What are the benefits of having a chimney liner?

Chimney liners protect the chimney walls, improve efficiency, and enhance safety by containing combustion byproducts.

How can I prepare my home for a chimney sweeping service?

Clear the area around the fireplace, remove any decorative items, and ensure pets and children are kept away during the service.

Do you offer any packages or discounts for multiple services?

Yes, we offer bundled service packages and seasonal discounts. Contact us for more details on current promotions.

Are your technicians certified and insured?

Absolutely. Our technicians are fully certified, insured, and trained to provide the highest quality service.

What safety measures do you take during the cleaning process?

We follow strict safety protocols, use protective gear, and ensure all work areas are left clean and hazard-free.

How can I schedule an appointment with Sweeppy?

By clicking the button below, you can schedule an appointment with Sweeppy. Click Here

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and online payments for your convenience.

What should I do if I have pets in the home during the cleaning service?

We recommend keeping pets in a separate, safe area to ensure they are not disturbed by the cleaning process.

Do you provide any guarantees or warranties for your services?

Yes, we stand by our work with a satisfaction guarantee and provide warranties on specific services. Contact us for more details.

Can you provide references or reviews from previous customers?

Absolutely. We have numerous positive reviews and can provide references upon request. Check out our testimonials on our website and social media pages.

How can I contact Sweeppy for more information or a quote?

For more information or to request a quote, call us at 210-981-4195, email us at Info@sweeppy.com, or fill out the form on our website. We’re here to help with all your cleaning needs.

Why Choose Us?

Highest Quality Cleaning Services

Our Team getting each year a course how to become more professional & knowledgeable on our service.

Eco Friendly Products

We using EPA approve products for the safety of our clients.

6 working days in a week

Our company for customers Comfort. We providing 6 working days in a week service and half hours shifts.

5 Star Reviews

We are dedicated on providing the best services and you can feel safe when you hire us for your project

Fair Pricing

We strives to provide the best-quality service at low price with high quality

Quote Over The Phone

We give you fast and estimate over the phone for free

Our Customer Reviews

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Nathan and his assistant were fast and efficient and friendly. They got the dryer vent all cleaned out before it caused any problems. He told me there is a newer vent that is recommended but didn't push it on me. Just informational for me. I love that and will fire sure be doing the upgrade with Sweeppy because of how he didn't try to continuously upcharge me.

google

Nathan was very helpful and responsive with my chimney needs. I can’t recommend him enough!

Joe Collins April 25, 2024
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Expertly repaired and replaced my cracked chimney panels. They also did a good job cleaning my chimney prior the work they completed. Highly recommend.

Durand Gregory April 22, 2024
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Contacted Sweeppy after checking out some reviews to clean dryer vents/ducts. Talked to Nathan to confirm that they serviced my area, which they did. Nathan scheduled an appointment, sent Dennis, Asaf, and one other young man. After checking my roof, I was told that they could not clean the duct through the roof vent as the existing vent was not a proper dryer vent. They left and contacted Nathan to discuss with me. Nathan confirmed that the existing roof vent was more for an attic gable fan and would need to be replaced. He would order the part and call me to reschedule. The appointment was set for today between 8am-10am, the same crew called to let me know they were on the way. Upon arrival, they removed the old vent, cleaned out duct, installed new and correct roof vent (after some adjustment cuts), tested for proper function. I even did a load of towels and drying them took half as long as before. All is good. Kudos to Nathan and his staff for their promptness, professionalism, and quality work. I will definitely use them in the future and possibly their carpet cleaning services. Thanks again Tony Baltazar Canyon Lake

Anthony Baltazar April 5, 2024
google

We used Sweeppy LLC yesterday. Our home was built 33 years ago and they did an excellent job without making any mess at all. They answered all my questions. And we are excited not to be concerned about a chimney problem for several years to come. We carefully chose them from a field of more than a dozen chimney sweeps. And at this point, we can highly recommend them. No over charges, no extra charges just the quoted charge over the phone.

Greg Schipper March 14, 2024
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Lived here 30 years. Never had the chimney cleaned. Hadn't used in years. Animals ripped the siding off the chimney and it leaked when it rained. In 3 days, the chimney was cleaned, waterproofed, siding and trim replaced and painted. They hauled the old stuff away and swept for nails. Communication was great! Every text responded to. Questions answered. Very pleased. Sweeppy is the best!

Monica Burchfield March 11, 2024
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Very knowledgeable and helpful.

Debbie Garcia March 4, 2024
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Nathan and team gave us suggestions and also listened to our needs and vision to come up with the most economical way to improve the function of our fireplace without spending a lot of money. We will definite use them again!!

pami Boozer January 28, 2024
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Nathan responded to quote request within a few hrs and scheduled with me for the next morning… on a Sunday! He was on time, knowledgeable and helped me to confidently and safely use our gas fireplace for the first time since we moved in. Definitely recommend.

Wendy Graham January 22, 2024
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Nathan & Company were great to work with. The issue with my mock gas fireplace was expertly diagnosed and repaired. After calling a few other companies, where I received no call backs…I was grateful to find Sweeppy. From first contact and during the process, Nathan is excellent at communicating. I found Nathan to be knowledgeable and kind. Honest and reasonable pricing as well. I highly recommend this company for your fireplace and chimney needs.

Saffron Jones January 19, 2024
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Nathan and his team arrived on time. He quickly diagnosed the problem with our gas-ceramic log fireplace pilot and the burner, which were not staying lit. He fixed the problem, and the fireplace is working well just in time before the colder weather arrived. I strongly recommend them for your needs.

VPS Nathan January 14, 2024
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I had been meaning to have my chimney inspected and cleaned since I moved into my new house 9 months ago, but kept putting it off. Yesterday I learned that a cold front is coming through soon, one that could cause power outages like in 2021. I quickly looked up chimney sweeps and my first call was to Sweeppy (admittedly, because I liked the name). I spoke to Nathan who explained the process, which was all new to me, gave me a quote, and he had a crew of three guys at my house in under 3 hours. They were all polite and efficient, performed the inspection, cleaned the fireplace and chimney, and left after telling me to expect Nathan to call, which he did a few minutes later. We went over the results of the inspection together and he made a few recommendations without at all being pushy or trying to make me get upgrades immediately. I noted that he was doing this after the crew left, and he explained he doesn’t want to turn his workers into salesmen and instead let them focus on their job, which I appreciated. He also accepted payment through Zelle, which was very helpful since this was short notice and I didn’t have many options on hand at the time. And, yes, the price itself was very reasonable for the service. Now I am more confident about using my fireplace for the first time, knowing it’s been checked out and cleaned. Thanks, guys!

Chanel Gamboa January 9, 2024
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Great company and people! They helped and answered our questions even after the job was complete. They care about their customers. Great customer service!

Ashley Gregory January 6, 2024
google

Was so helpful with all my questions very informative of the process to have my chimney cleaned and inspected since it was the 1st time using in the new house.

Kayla Reyna December 26, 2023
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