Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Improve Fireplace Efficiency With a Wood or Gas Insert

Few things can beat the ambiance created by a beautiful masonry fireplace. Unfortunately, few things are also as inefficient; masonry fireplaces are the most energy inefficient heating appliances available today, with as much as 90% of the produced heat going straight up the chimney.

Luckily, there is a way for homeowners to enjoy the look and feel of a crackling fire – without the energy inefficiency of a masonry fireplace. A new fireplace insert can be installed into your existing masonry fireplace, drastically improving efficiency. Below are just four of the many reasons why you should consider having a fireplace insert installed in your home.

1.    Improve efficiency

Open hearth masonry fireplaces are extremely inefficient, with the majority of the heat created by fires being lost up the chimney. Unfortunately, this inefficiency can also translate directly to higher energy costs; heated and cooled air from your home can also escape up the chimney. Because inserts burn using closed system combustion there is a much lower chance of energy loss. This increased efficiency can save money and reduce your heating and cooling costs; according to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association, installing a fireplace insert into a masonry hearth can reduce energy bills by up to 40%.

2.    More flexibility in fuel choices

Whether you prefer the look and feel of wood, the convenience of gas, or something else entirely, fireplace inserts are available with many different fuel sources. This gives homeowners the freedom to find the fireplace and fuel source that best meets their heating needs.

3.    Avoid potential costly repairs

If your fireplace has been damaged from moisture, the elements, or overuse, it may no longer be able to burn safely. However, you may be able to continue using your fireplace – with few to no expensive repairs. Fireplace inserts can sometimes be used as a way to prevent masonry repairs; as the insert is installing directly into an existing fireplace, any firebox damage does not need to be repaired.

Inserts can do more than just replace a damaged firebox – they can also be used to improve the structural stability of the chimney system. However, because the same chimney and venting system are used for both masonry fireplaces and inserts chimney repairs may need to be done.

4.    Better for the environment

All modern inserts must be certified by the EPA. This means that all inserts undergo rigorous testing to ensure that the smallest amount of smoke and particulate emission is released as possible. For this reason inserts may be better for the environment – and your family. Those suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies may benefit from a home with a fireplace insert.

Installing a new fireplace insert can help improve the efficiency of your existing fireplace system. For more information on the benefits of installing an insert in your home, contact the fireplace experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Reasons To Hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep

When it comes to chimney and fireplace maintenance, who you hire matters. While anyone with a broom and a truck can call themselves a chimney sweep, few are true professionals who earn certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Homeowners should only trust CSIA certified chimney sweeps to care for their fireplace systems. These highly trained and knowledgeable professionals are true experts who will be able to provide the best possible service for your chimney.

What is the CSIA certification?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fireplace and chimney safety through education, training, and certifications. Considered as the top professional organization in the chimney field, a CSIA certification is a prestigious title that fewer than 1200 chimney sweeps in the United States can claim.

In order to earn a CSIA certification, sweeps must undergo years of study, training, and testing. This rigorous certification process ensures that certified sweeps are the top industry professionals and are knowledgeable about a variety of chimney issues and topics including:

• Best safety practices and techniques for cleaning fireplaces and chimneys
• Both national and local current building codes and standards
• Basics of fireplace draft dynamics and construction
• Heating appliance installation for gas, wood, pellets, and other fuel sources
• Current EPA emissions standards for heating appliances

A CSIA certification is not a one-time accreditation; in order to maintain their certifications, sweeps must take continuing education courses as well as pass a recertification test every three years. This ensures that CSIA certified sweeps are always up to date and knowledgeable about currents standards, advancements, and best practices in the fireplace industry.

Finding a certified chimney sweep

The CSIA certification is more than just an expansive knowledge base; it also represents a professional code of ethics that is taken very seriously. In the Code of Ethics, certified sweeps pledge “To render my services in an honest and fair manner and to refrain from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.” Because of this, homeowners can rest assured that they are working with a true professional with their best interests at heart, not a fly by night operator looking to make a quick buck.

While the CSIA provides a database to help homeowners located their nearest certified professional, it is important to find out more information about a business before hiring them to care for your chimney. The following questions can help ensure you’re hiring the best company and chimney sweep possible.

• How long have you been in business?
• Can you provide references from current customers?
• Does the company or the individual chimney sweep carry liability insurance in the event of an accident?
• Can you guarantee that a CSIA certified chimney sweep will work on my fireplace system?

Who you hire to take care of your chimney system matters. This year, make sure you work with a true fireplace professional by hiring a CSIA certified chimney sweep. To schedule you next chimney sweeping appointment, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!