When searching for a chimney sweep, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed by all the options out there. A simple Google search yields countless results, and they all claim to be the best and most experienced. Looking through every single company can make your head spin, which is why it’s important to note a few key characteristics that will set the elite few apart from the rest of the pack.
First of all, be sure to look through their reviews. If they are mostly positive, you are definitely on the right track. You can also look to see if they have any unresolved complaints and whether or not they carry liability insurance. Their business length says a lot, too, as does how they handle negative feedback.
Finally, a major thing to check for is their certifications. If a sweep isn’t certified with any organization, then that should definitely raise some red flags, and they should not be trusted handling anything with your appliance. Investing in the proper training and educational materials is a must in this industry, and hiring someone who is unknowledgeable and inexperienced can wind up putting your household at risk.
That’s why the crew here at Winston’s Chimney Service is proud to be associated with so many reputable establishments. Learn more about who we’re involved with below!
The Chimney Safety Institute Of America
One organization that we are certified by is the CSIA. The CSIA sets the standard when it comes to certifying sweeps, promoting public safety, and putting fireplace education above all else.
It’s a nonprofit that has dedicated their time to fire safety and training, and it has continued to make a difference in the lives of countless families throughout its nearly 40 years of existence [https://www.csia.org/about.html].
An especially noteworthy thing about the CSIA is its strict code of ethics. Each certified sweep has to sign this code before receiving their credentials. It states that they must keep pursuing education while using their knowledge to promote honest and fair treatment of the customer. They must also maintain high levels of respect and professionalism and adhere to all codings and regulations regarding chimney and fireplace construction. All in all, when you have CSIA certified sweep on the job, you don’t have to worry about getting scammed or misled!
So, how does the certification process work? It’s not an easy task! The techs must study for an extensive exam, ensuring they have all of the necessary materials down pat, so they can receive a passing score. There are also workshops that crew members are encouraged to attend, as well as training sessions and hands-on learning opportunities. Once a certification is earned, it must be renewed every three years. This ensures the sweep is always well-informed and up-to-date on it all.
The National Fireplace Institute
Another reputable organization is the NFI, which specializes in fireplace installation strategies. When installing your new wood fireplace or stove, getting things done just right can be the difference between an efficiently run appliance or a living room full of smoke. A lot of dangers accompany improper installation techniques, which is why we are proud to be NFI Wood Appliance Certified.
Along with smoke in your living space, a faulty installation can cause excess creosote accumulation (which will lead to chimney fires), carbon monoxide exposure, house fires, gas leaks, and more. All in all, the wellbeing of your home and family will be at risk, and you’ll likely wind up facing unexpected home repairs and medical expenses, too. Investing in the care you deserve from a team of qualified professionals is definitely the right route to take!
We value the NFI because they take pride in setting high standards for the sweeps they certify. They make it their mission to train and educate technicians thoroughly, ensuring they stay well-informed, honest, and reliable, and you can bet that after going through this rigorous process, your tech will know their stuff.
When you trust in an NFI-certified sweep, there’s no worrying about coding and safety regulations being followed, either. Rest easier this winter by depending on our team for it all. We’re always happy to have your back!
Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education
Finally, there’s the FIRE. This establishment focuses on advancing knowledge of the fireplace system, and it gives sweeps the ability to thoroughly and accurately inspect, repair, and service these appliances. This will require the study of fire, explosions, and the like, allowing sweeps the opportunity to stay well-informed on what causes these events, as well as how they can best be prevented.
At Winston’s, our techs are both FIRE Inspector Certified and FIRE Chimney Technician Certified. Don’t stress when we’re on the job – we know our stuff!
Our Awards & Reviews
On top of our many certifications, we have also received multiple awards and positive reviews. Check out our reviews on Angie’s List, Facebook, Google, and more to see for yourself! Along with this, we have won the Super Service Award with Angie’s List, we have an A+ rating with the BBB, and we have received many local customer service awards. We never stop striving to be the best.
Ready to get your inspection, sweeping, and repair work completed before your holiday parties? Call today to set something up. We’d love to help you out soon!