by Mark Hudson | Apr 26, 2018 | CSIA Certified
When it comes to chimney safety, the whole industry is incredibly under-regulated. This is not only a danger to residential areas but also a misfortune for buyers. Even though the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) was established in the 1980s and quickly became the national standard for chimney safety, homeowners are still not very knowledgeable about fireplace and chimney standards and safety regulations. The truth is not all chimney companies are the same and neither are all chimney sweeps.
Why You Should Never D-I-Y
When it comes to your chimney system, it is never a good idea to fix the issues on your own. You wouldn’t build your own transmission or build your own house, you should never repair your own chimney either. This task should only be handled by a professional. They know how to clean it properly without damaging the liner or other parts. They can recognize minor damages before they become major ones. And they are full of chimney-related knowledge because they have had plenty of classroom training and field training along with re-certification.
The CSIA Difference
When a chimney sweep is CSIA-certified, you can fully trust them to take care of your chimney. In order to be CSIA-certified, they must:
- Study residential fire codes and chimney sweeping
- Attend a review day in person or online
- Pass an one-hour, 100 question exam
- Pass a 90-minute exam on residential code
- Sign a CSIA Code of Ethics to protect consumers and to help prevent scams in the industry. If a member is found in violation of the code of ethics, their membership could be revoked.
- Must go back to be re-certified every 3 years by credits or exams
It takes lots of time and money to become CSIA certified. This certifications is vital to help consumers decide whether a chimney sweep is an amateur or a professional. Some other ways to figure out if you can trust the chimney company you choose include memberships such as National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and manufacturer certifications, such as the National Fireplace Institute.
Take the time to do your own research, read online reviews, and check out each of their credentials. When you do make an appointment, make sure you are comfortable with every person you’ve spoken with at the company. You should schedule an appointment with the industry’s best–a company with excellent reviews, training, certifications, expertise, and more – choose Hudson Chimney! Call us at 904-282-4159 or contact us online.
by Mark Hudson | Jan 9, 2018 | CSIA Certified
When it comes to owning your own home, most homeowners not only take pride in it, but also take care of it. A person doesn’t buy a sports car and then forget to change the oil, rotate the tires, and wash it regularly. The same is true of your house. In order for your home to last a lifetime, it needs certain things. The plumbing may need to be repaired, the electrical box upgraded, and the chimney system cleaned. You wouldn’t hire any old amateur to repair your plumbing or rewire your breaker box, so why hire one to service your chimney?
The Chimney System
The chimney has an important job to do. It vents harmful gases and particulate pollution out of the home, and in doing so helps your fire to burn properly and keeps your family safe. It is one of the biggest most important systems in your home, and just like the rest of your house or your car, it will go quickly downhill if neglected. The best way to ensure your chimney lasts a lifetime is to schedule maintenance, repairs, installations, and construction with a certified chimney sweep only.
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps (CCS)
The nationally recognized standard for the chimney industry is and has been the CSIA certification. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has been the industry standard since its inception in the 1980s. The chimney industry is still widely under-regulated, so it’s important to avoid scams and amateur work. Hire the best every time when choosing CSIA certified sweeps.
Field and Classroom Trained – Your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) has invested time and money into this certification. He or she must:
- purchase study materials,
- attend an in-person review session,
- take the review online,
- or attend a National Chimney Sweep Training School.
Tested – After completing the classroom training, each student must pass a one-hour exam based on chimney sweeping followed by a 90-minute open-book review based on International Residential Code. This standardized method of testing means that every certified sweep has the knowledge required to get the job done.
Code of Ethics – Each CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) must sign a Code of Ethics designed to protect homeowners from scams in the industry. If a sweep is found to be in violation of this code, he can have membership revoked.
Continuing Education – Because the chimney industry changes along with safety codes, technology, and even trends, there is a need for chimney sweeps to stay ahead of the changes. Each CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) must re-certify every three years through examination or education credits.
Hiring the Best
You may find there are several CSIA certified chimney sweep companies in your area. It’s up to you to choose the best one for your home. Hudson Chimney is not only CSIA certified, but also holds membership in the National Chimney Sweep Guild, the Georgia Chimney Sweep Guild, and the Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps. We don’t just say we’re the best; we are the best, serving the Jacksonville, Florida area for over 30 years. Call Hudson Chimney today to find out what our certified chimney sweeps can do for you. Dial 904-282-4159 today.
by Mark Hudson | Feb 25, 2017 | CSIA Certified
Every industry has standards to base services, professionalism, training, and more. The healthcare field has extensive training and licensing. It is unlawful to provide services outside of that system of licensing. However, other services, like auto repair and chimney services are up to the consumer’s discretion. In addition, you can hire your neighbor to fix your oil leak in your car, and you can hire your local handyman to clean your chimney. Nevertheless, would do you want to?
The Value of Time
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) was established in 1983. Since then, it has become the industry standard for training and certification in the chimney safety industry. Fire investigators consult CSIA certified chimney sweeps. Also, realtors, insurance companies, and other professionals look for the signature of a CSIA member on documents, inspections, and reports.
The Value of Training
Largely part of CSIA’s success is the extensive training required for certification. After completing the membership certification through class and field training, CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps® must re-certify by exam or continued education every three years. This system of re-certification is vital in an industry continuously changing and advancing.
The Value of Ethics
Every CSIA member must adhere to a stringent code of ethics created to protect homeowners from scams. In such a profession as chimney maintenance, it’s important that homeowners look for a CSIA certified chimney sweep. If a CSIA member is found to be in violation of the code of ethics, his certification can be revoked. We take our professionalism seriously, and our goal is safety and education. On the contrary, it is not money-making schemes and gimmicks!
The Value of Networking
When you choose a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® you get a nationwide network of chimney professionals behind the work. Your chimney sweep has access to the earliest advancements in the industry, experienced professionals nationwide, and a reciprocal relationship with similar trades. That means that your chimney sweep has access to countless other professionals if necessary to give you the absolute best service possible.
Finding Your Chimney Sweep
The first place to look for your chimney sweep should be the CSIA database where you can find a chimney sweep near you. If you have trouble choosing between companies, look at their websites and search for information that is important to you. Have they been operating long? Are they experienced in the area, aware of local codes and familiar with the climate? Are they affiliated with any other industry organizations such as the National Chimney Sweep Guild or the Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps?
There should be no question who is more qualified once you find chimney sweeps who are CSIA certified. If you’re still not convinced, you can call and discuss questions and concerns with the chimney experts. Hudson Chimney welcomes inquiries. Our main goal is the safety and comfort of our customers and neighbors in Northeast Florida.
To talk to a Hudson Chimney sweep, call 904-282-4159 or contact us online.
by Mark Hudson | Sep 30, 2014 | CSIA Certified
When looking for a chimney sweep to entrust with the task of cleaning and inspecting your chimney, you may wonder how you are supposed to distinguish a good chimney sweep from a bad one. After all, you want to hire a professional who knows what he or she is doing and who can help you to protect your home from the dangers that owning a chimney can present. The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a non-profit organization that reviews and certifies chimney sweep companies in order to provide homeowners with a standard for their chimney needs.
To be CSIA certified, a chimney technician must attend a review session and pass an exam covering Successful Chimney Sweeping (2011), National Fire Protection Agency 211 (2013), and the 2006 International Residential Code. Anyone applying for certification must also sign the CSIA code of ethics and pay an annual fee. In order to remain certified, this process must be repeated by the technician every three years.
These procedures for certification create a method for homeowners to determine if a chimney sweep is qualified to clean and inspect a chimney in a professional and informed manner. Chimneys and appliances can cause fires and carbon monoxide leaks if not properly maintained. Therefore, making sure your chimney sweep knows what he or she is doing in addition to being dedicated to helping you detect and fix potential problems is of the utmost importance.
It is significant to note that the CSIA not only seeks to educate and evaluate technicians, but also to provide an ethical code for professionals to follow. When technicians sign this code, they pledge to conduct business in an honest and fair manner, as well as to remain knowledgeable and up to date on all chimney standards and procedures. They also agree to do their best to educate you, the consumer, and to act in a professional and respectful manner.
Hudson Chimney is certified by the CSIA, so you can be sure that you will be in good hands. The technicians at Hudson Chimney have been servicing the Jacksonville, Florida Area for over thirty years, ensuring their clients clean, safe, and warm homes with efficient heating systems. You can trust the professionals at Hudson Chimney to be knowledgeable in their skills and to provide you and your appliances with service of the highest quality.
If you have any questions about CSIA certification or policies, or if you have any questions about chimneys and appliances as a homeowner, be sure to check out CSIA.org for more information. Their website is an informative and reliable resource of educational material for your benefit.
Also, if your chimney has not been serviced this year yet, schedule an appointment with a technician at Hudson Chimney as soon as possible. The fall and winter are busy for any chimney servicing company, and the sooner you call, the more likely your home will be prepared for the colder winter months. The professionals at Hudson Chimney will make sure your chimney is prepared!
