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!
