Hudson Valley Chimney Sweeps Blog

The dancing flames of a glowing fireplace not only create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family, but your furry friends, too. Unlike us humans who understand the dangers of fire, pets don’t.  And the sights, sounds, and smell of a fire can attract their natural curiosity. They may even try to play with […]

Losing Heat This is a topic anyone with a traditional masonry fireplace is at least familiar with, if not very familiar with. Open-style fireplaces look fantastic and bring wonderful ambience to any room. But when it comes to bringing the heat, they can be a little stingy. If this sounds like the scenario you’re facing, […]

When you’re getting ready to fire up your gas fireplace or insert for another season, there are a few things you need to know to make the upcoming months safe and enjoyable. Give it a good cleaning Gas fireplaces and gas inserts perform best when they’re clean. Fortunately, cleaning gas appliances is a lot easier […]

Nothing beats a roaring fireplace on a cold winter’s night. You can keep these positive experiences happening by making sure you’re burning your wood safely and correctly and allowing your fireplace to run at max efficiency. Here are some tips. proper drafting  For fire to burn, fuel, heat and oxygen are required. You’ve got the […]

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Hudson Valley. The dazzling colors of fall foliage on display will tickle your senses.  But the warm days and crisp evenings during this time of year is also a gentle reminder that colder weather is on the way. After all, fall is not only your last […]

A professional, certified chimney sweep is your best friend when it comes to keeping your chimney safe and fully operational. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends once-a-year chimney cleaning for homes that have a wood fireplace or other wood-burning appliance connected to their chimneys. When preparing for a chimney sweep, there are a […]

As with any structure or component within your home, chimneys need periodic service, maintenance and repair to keep them safe and operating correctly. Here are four common interior and exterior issues with chimneys and how they should be addressed. Damaged masonry A chimney is safe only when its bricks are in good shape. When the […]

The chimney is a vital safety system. It contains the burning flames in your fireplace and prevents toxic fumes from polluting your indoor air. And with the accumulation of dirt, creosote, and other stains, the chimney interior is a dark and grimy chamber. It requires an annual inspection and cleaning to continue keeping your home […]

During the summer, most people don’t give a second thought to their fireplaces and chimneys. But the truth is, this is the best time to think about getting your heating system ready for regular use during the winter. Here are eight preparation tips you’ll find helpful. 1. Hire a chimney sweep The last thing you want is to fire up your fireplace […]

During the summer, most homeowners rarely use the fireplace. The chimney is a distant memory as many families take vacations, enjoy backyard barbeques, or spend the weekend enjoying the great outdoors. But many homeowners don’t realize the importance of closing the damper and unwittingly leave it open during the summer. What is a damper, and […]