Why professional certifications matter
If you are in the market for a chimney sweep, it can be difficult to distinguish one chimney service company from another. The scary truth is that anyone who purchases the right equipment can sell their services as a chimney sweep. Fortunately, you can be assured you are hiring a trained and qualified chimney sweep who will take care of your hearth and your home properly: Just look for professional certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
Training
One of the most important benefits of hiring a CSIA-certified chimney sweep is that the certification verifies that your sweep has undergone training and testing in the cleaning, installation and servicing of fireplaces, heating stoves and chimneys. To become certified, sweeps must first study proper chimney sweeping techniques; the National Fire Protection Association’s code 221, which governs proper chimney maintenance and repair; and the International Residential Code, which outlines proper building techniques for homes. Then, sweeps must sit through a review of the material, either through an in-person session, an intensive training academy or online. To finally earn their certification, sweeps must complete a one-hour exam on chimney sweeping practices and the NPA 221, and a 90 minute exam on the International Residential Code.
Continuing education
CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are required to attend continuing education courses to maintain their certifications, which means that when you hire a CSIA-certified sweep, you can be sure that your sweep is up-to-date on the best practices in chimney care. To maintain their CSIA certification, chimney sweeps must recertify every three years, either by retaking the certification exams, completing continuing education courses or through a combination of the two.
Code of ethics
Another reason your chimney sweep’s professional certification matters is that CSIA certification binds your chimney sweep to the CSIA’s code of ethics. Under the CSIA code of ethics, sweeps guarantee that they will learn and implement the CSIA’s recommended sweeping techniques, that they will not engage in any deceptive or unfair business practices, that they will comply with local building codes and appliance manufacturers’ recommendations, that they will educate their customers on safe use of fireplaces and chimneys, that they will continue to update their chimney sweeping knowledge and skills, and that they will behave professionally as representatives of the chimney sweeping industry.
With a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, you can be confident that you are hiring a sweep who knows how to clean and maintain your vented appliances the right way, who is up to date on the latest chimney sweeping techniques and who will treat you fairly and professionally. If you need a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to care for your fireplace, heating stove, chimney, clothing dryer vents or other vented appliances, call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule an appointment! Our sweeps are CSIA-certified to care for your chimneys and your clothing dryer vents.