by Mark Hudson | May 15, 2019 | Chimney Cleaning
One of the most dangerous systems in your home is your chimney system. People assume it’s because of the risk of fire, but actually, the carbon monoxide exposure from your fireplace is a real danger that sends about 50,000 people to the ER each year. While not all of these cases are caused by your fireplace, they often happen in the home and can lead to serious organ damage and even death.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 430 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide is highly dangerous and poisonous, as it is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. When it affects the body, the symptoms are much like the common cold and flu, so it often goes unnoticed. Prevent CO poisoning before it happens to you by taking care of your chimney and fireplace regularly.
Clean Chimneys are Safe and Efficient
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends regular chimney maintenance for a safe and efficient chimney system. Having your a chimney inspection annually allows a professional to get a look at your system inside and out. They can assess and diagnose hazards to keep your family and home safe. When you schedule a chimney sweep, a professional comes into the home and clears the entire system of soot, creosote, and other debris. This causes an increase of efficiency for your system and lead to countless problems such as carbon monoxide leaks.
Other Common Sources of CO
Whether your furnace is wood or gas-fueled, it has a risk of exposing your family to carbon monoxide if not properly maintained. Other sources of CO gas include:
- Room heaters
- Charcoal grills
- Cooing ranges
- Water heaters
- Automobiles
- Fireplaces
- Portable generators
- Small engines
When a family is exposed to CO gas, some individuals are at risk for more danger than others. If you have children or elderly family members who are experiencing serious symptom, get help immediately. Symptoms are as minor as a headache, dizziness, and nausea. They can be as serious as confusion, memory loss, difficulty coordinating, convulsions, and seizures. These symptoms are lessened when you spend time away from the residence and return again when you return home. Serious symptoms can occur months or years later because carbon monoxide poisoning causes permanent damage to the body’s organs. This is because when it is inhaled, it binds to the blood cells and quickly replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. Eventually, the organs are starved of oxygen and fail, resulting in permanent damage or death.
Take your safety seiously by hiring a professional chimney company you trust. Talk with one of our experts today and find out why regular chimney sweeping and cleaning are important. You can schedule an appointment with Hudson Chimney online today or 904-282-4159.
by Mark Hudson | Feb 27, 2019 | Chimney Inspections
This is the best time to get your annual chimney inspection to ensure a problem-free spring and summer. After a long winter of fires, there may be winter damage, water damage, and inefficiencies because of dirty and damaged parts in your chimney. However, no matter how well your chimney and fireplace worked all winter, it won’t continue to work well if it’s not given proper maintenance. The best way is to schedule your annual inspection.
Inspections Prevent Dirty Chimneys &
Catch Hazards
After a full season of burning fires, your may find that your chimney flue is full of soot and creosote or even debris from animals or weather. Soot is a carbon residue released when your burn fires inside your fireplace. Creosote happens when you burn organic fuel. When these substances are not cleaned out on a regular basis, they can build up in the system. This can lead to numerous problems such as a drop in efficiency, obstruction of airflow, or even a dangerous fire hazard.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) agree that chimney systems that are inspected regularly are safer. When your chimney is inspected, your technician will catch hazards big and small. This also brings down the risk of accidental residential fires–saving your lives and property.
Three Levels of Thoroughness
When you schedule your chimney inspection, we can help you determine which level of inspection your chimney needs too. We offer three levels of inspections, and the condition of your system determines which level your chimney needs.
- Level One – This is required annually when your chimney has been used in the same way and no changes have been made. Level one inspection is a visual assessment of the interior and exterior. Our expert techs examine the readily accessible portions as well as connections and appliance. At the end of this appointment, your chimney will have a clean bill of health.
- Level Two – This level is required before the sale or transfer of property, when any changes are made to the system, or when there has been a problem that affects the chimney. This inspection includes a Chim-Scan camera footage of the interior.
- Level Three – The most thorough inspection is required when serious hazards are suspected. This inspection require limited demolition to gain access to the suspected hazards. The chimney crown or interior wall may need to be removed, and then replaced following inspection.
As we come into the off-season, it’s important to schedule an inspection with a professional. Trust Hudson Chimney with your Chimney Inspection. We’re licensed, certified, and we are ready to serve you.
Call 904-282-4159 today to ensure your system is ready for the rainy spring days. If you neglect this important appointment, you could put your home and family in danger. A damaged chimney also allow animals and wildlife in, and it may not be safe to use once fall returns.
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.
