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Why You Need to Hire a Certified Chimney Sweep to Service Your Chimney

Now that school is starting back, it is time to start on your fall home maintenance checklist. One of the most important tasks on that list is scheduling your annual chimney sweeping and inspection. Many national fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that homeowners have their chimneys professionally swept and inspected before lighting the first fire of the new fireplace season. Finding a trusted and reliable chimney sweep can be challenging, which is why it can help to look for a sweep who has been certified by the CSIA. All of our chimney sweeps at Atlas Chimney have received certification from the CSIA, which is known as the industry standard. We would like to tell you more about why you should have a certified chimney sweep service your chimney.

Hire a Certified Chimney Sweep Image - Austin TX - Atlas Chimney

GUARANTEED SAFETY

When you are dealing with a dangerous element like fire in your home, it is crucial to be absolutely certain that everything in your chimney and fireplace system is working safely. According to the CSIA, certain repair needs such as a too small flue or a too short chimney can lead to serious problems that could put your safety at risk. When a CSIA-certified chimney sweep inspects your chimney, these types of issues will be found and investigated. You will receive written and photographic documentation of the issue that is necessary to repair to ensure your safety.

SKILLED AND TRAINED SERVICE

An annual chimney inspection involves much more than just looking at the interior and exterior of the chimney. During the CSIA certification process, chimney technicians learn the important details of fireplace construction and clearance requirements that are necessary to perform a competent chimney inspection and any needed repairs. You can feel secure knowing that a certified chimney sweep has the skills and training to do the job properly and safely.

HONEST AND ETHICAL BEHAVIORS

One of the biggest parts of being a CSIA-certified chimney sweep is signing and following the CSIA Code of Ethics. The sweeps at Atlas Chimney strictly follow this code to reduce any risk of having their certification revoked. You can trust us to honestly discuss what we find during the chimney inspection and to give you all of your options so that you can make an informed decision about the work needed to be done to your chimney. You will not have to worry that you know nothing about chimney work because we will never take advantage of any lack of knowledge.

Be prepared for your first fire of fireplace season. Contact us today at Atlas Chimney to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection from one of our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

When it comes to fireplace and chimney safety, there is more to talk about than simply chimney fires. Of course, you should always be aware of the signs of a chimney fire and of the ways to prevent this hazardous situation, but you should not forget about other dangers that could be lurking within your chimney. One of these dangers is carbon monoxide poisoning. The National Safety Council has reported that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 400 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year in this country. Even more alarming, more than 20,000 Americans end up in the emergency room from breathing in this toxic gas, and 4,000 people must be further hospitalized. Known as “the silent killer,” carbon monoxide is very dangerous because you cannot taste, smell, or see this gas if it leaks into your home. Atlas Chimney would like to tell you more about carbon monoxide and how you can prevent being poisoned by this byproduct of combustion.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide Safety - Austin TX - Atlas ChimneyThe symptoms can vary, depending on how much exposure you have had to carbon monoxide. Low to moderate levels of exposure can show symptoms of nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Since these symptoms are so much like the ones of the flu or a common cold, low-level carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose. If you continue to inhale carbon monoxide, your symptoms can become more severe, including mental confusion, vomiting, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, and death. If you are suffering from the symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning for longer than two weeks, you may want to ask your doctor for a blood test to see if any carbon monoxide can be found in your system.

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

Since carbon monoxide is basically invisible, the best way to prevent this poisoning is to install carbon monoxide detector alarms throughout your home. You will want to put these alarms outside of every bedroom, in the rooms with heating appliances, and on every level of your home. Other ways of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning include having a professional chimney sweeping and inspection every year, not using portable flameless chemical heaters indoors, and having all gas appliances serviced annually.

What should I do if the carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds?

When you hear this alarm go off, do not ignore it! You should move everyone in the house outside to breathe fresh air and immediately contact your local emergency services. Be sure everyone in your household has been accounted for, and wait for the emergency responders to let you know when you can go back into your house.

Want to know more carbon monoxide safety tips? Contact Atlas Chimney at 512-CHIMNEY to find out how we can help you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

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