Many people turn off their gas fireplaces in the summer months to conserve natural gas or propane but often need a reminder on how to light the pilot light in the fall. First, locate the fireplace controls, they are located usually behind a louver or panel at the bottom of the fireplace. Next, locate […]
Category Archives: Fireplace inspection and cleaning
Why Chimney Sweep?
While chimney sweeping has a long tradition, modern technology has made it a lot safer and more comfortable than it used to be. For many people who have been using their traditional fireplaces consistently throughout the winter, now is the perfect time to start thinking about booking a chimney sweeping. But why is it so important to […]
A (Very Brief) History of Chimney Sweeping and Why It’s More Important than Ever
Have you ever seen Mary Poppins? Remember Bert the chimney sweep? He was a happy-go-lucky fellow perpetually covered in soot and singing “Chim Chim Cher-ee” along the rooftops with his chimney sweep friends. Hundreds of years ago, chimney sweeping was an honorable and noble service that only the wealthy could afford. Today, chimney sweeping is […]
Summer Fireplace Cleaning | Fireplace Cleaning Niagara
Most homeowners wait way too long between fireplace cleaning services. How long is too long? The National Fire Protection Association says your chimney, fireplace and vents should be inspected every single year. Book your fireplace cleaning today! So what do we look at and what do we actually do when we clean your fireplace in […]
Does My Gas Fireplace Need Spring Cleaning? How to Make Your Gas Fireplace Safe
Your gas fireplace burns much cleaner than the old wood burning fireplace. But that doesn’t mean you can forget about annual maintenance and inspections. The relatively sparse maintenance requirements are a great perk of your new gas fireplace, but relatively is the key word. It requires less maintenance than your old wood burning fireplace, but […]
What is a WETT Inspection? When do I Need a WETT Inspection?
A Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspection is a thorough inspection of your wood burning appliance by a certified technician. A certified technician is trained to identify local code compliance standards. This is the only way to know for sure your wood burning appliance is in good enough shape for use. An annual cleaning is […]
How Often Should I Get My Chimney Cleaned?
Chimney cleaning isn’t a cosmetic job. It’s 100% about safety. The creosote and other byproducts left after a season of warm fires are a danger many homeowners don’t acknowledge. It only takes a small amount of creosote sticking to the walls high up your chimney to start a fire you won’t even know is burning […]
What to Expect from a Chimney Sweep
Chimney-sweeping season is upon us! If your family doesn’t use the wood burning fireplace as much as you used to, you may feel there is no reason to have it swept. As it turns out, having your chimney serviced once or twice a year improves the quality of air in your home, and gets rid […]
When Should I Clean and Service My Fireplace?
Knowing when to clean your fireplace and chimney is sometimes tricky to figure out if you do not know how to tell if it’s dirty or just a little worn in. Thankfully, we can show you what to look for to help decide when your chimney and fireplace needs cleaning. Step One: Check for Creosote […]
Let's Talk About Fireplace Efficiency
For many homes, especially those in rural areas, the fireplace is not only a cozy place to gather, but a much-needed aid to heating the house. Unfortunately, this benefit can be needlessly reduced if your fireplace doesn’t burn efficiently. Traditional fireplaces – the open ones where you can sit by the hearth – actually lose […]