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Clean Sweep Do you love a roaring fire in winter? Then add “Chimney Cleaning” to your fall to-do list.

Although a chimney sweep might sound more like a job from the past, cleaning your chimney is a modern home-maintenance must. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or woodstove, a yearly cleaning helps you avoid the unfortunate results of a dirty or clogged chimney: carbon monoxide poisoning or chimney fires.

The tools of the trade for chimney cleaning include tiny video cameras and highpowered lights that allow experts to get a close look at the inside of a chimney. Here’s what they look for:

CHIMNEY
NESTERS
A chimney is a pretty small and inaccessible space—to everyone but birds, squirrels, Santa—and chimney sweeps.
  • Interior cracks. In a brick fireplace, a chimney sweep checks for damage or cracks that can occur in the firebox joints.

  • Damper function. A chimney specialist checks the damper to make sure it opens and closes correctly and with ease.

  • Flue liners. Some fireplaces have metal flue liners, which must be cleaned.

  • Nesting materials. Birds or squirrels may take up residence in your chimney during the summer, and removal is important.

    • The general cleaning and inspection fee is $100 to $400 and up, depending on your chimney type.

    FIND A SWEEP

    The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) offers a chimney sweep certification program. These professionals are up-to-date with current inspection technology, fire safety/ codes and venting systems. To find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® or to learn more about chimney safety, go to csia.org.

    Get a clean sweep of your chimney by hiring a chimney sweep. Search for “chimney cleaning” at superpages.com (below).

    Find regional resources for chimney
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