We regularly get asked questions by our customers so we have collected a few of the more popular ones, along with the answers, below.
Why do I need to have my chimney swept?
Clean chimneys are safer chimneys! Regular sweeping of the chimney will remove any blockages like bird’s nests, soot and creosote to allow dangerous combustion gases to escape, prevent chimney fires and risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It will also increase the efficiency of some appliances.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
Hampshire Fire Service {link to page] and the National Association of Chimney Sweeps [link to page] advise the following:
- Solid Fuel Fires/Stoves/Appliances – annually for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal
- Wood Burning Fires/Stoves/Appliances – every three months when in use
- Gas Appliances – once every year if designed for sweeping
- Oil Fired Appliances – once per year
Why should I use a National Association Chimney Sweep?
For your safety and peace of mind, always use a professionally trained chimney sweep. If you choose an unregistered sweep, you may not be able to claim on your insurance for damage caused by a chimney fire. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) is a professional trade association promoting high standards for the sweeping, inspection and maintenance of chimneys. NACS is recommended by all major fuel organisations including the Solid Fuel Association, Hetas and Oftec. NACS members work strictly to the NACS Code of Practice and Code of Conduct for the cleaning of chimneys. On completion of work, NACS sweeps will issue a recognised Certificate of Chimney Sweeping.
How much does it cost to have my chimney swept?
Standard chimneys cost between £48-£53 and Inglenooks range from £75-£100. Bird’s nest removal starts at £75 with the final price depending upon the length of time to clear. Prices may be higher based upon distance to travel.
What do I need to do to prepare for my chimney being swept?
Nothing, we will protect your home by sheeting up so there is no mess. We would be very grateful though if you could move any precious ornaments from the fireplace area and clear the grate of remnants of your last fire (burning embers in our dustbin liners is not a good thing!).
I’ve just moved house, do I need to have my chimney cleaned?
If the previous owner didn’t leave you with a current certificate showing the chimney has been recently professionally swept, we recommend you have it swept before you use it.
What do you do with the soot?
Whilst the soot is on your property it is classed as domestic waste, as soon as we remove it from your property, it becomes commercial waste therefore we ask that we leave it in your wheelie bin. It is sealed up and won’t make a mess or if you’re a keen gardener, you might want to put it on the garden.