FAQs

FAQs

The Chimney Guy, LLC

Have a chimney-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!

  • What area do you service?

    We service Pittsburgh as well as Allegheny, Greene, Fayette, Westmorland, Washington, and Monongahela counties in Pennsylvania. Call The Chimney Guy, LLC for professional chimney repairs in any of these areas.

  • What is the difference between an estimate and an inspection?

    With an estimate, you're looking at masonry repairs. With chimney inspections, we're looking for safety issues. If there's a leak, you'll need an estimate.

  • Why do I need a chimney inspection?

    According to the National Fire Protection Association, your chimney should be inspected and cleaned once a year. Another statistic that's helpful to know is that the Chimney Safety Institute of America reports an annual average of about 25,000 residential chimney fires. Regular chimney repairs and inspections can reduce your risk of fires.

  • Why does every chimney need a cap?

    Chimney caps protect against rain and snow which can lead to moisture damage and expensive repairs if allowed inside. They also keep animals out and block burning embers and sparks from escaping onto the roof or yard. Call us today for chimney sweeping or repair services.

  • Why is it important to clean your oil and gas furnaces?

    There are several reasons why routine chimney sweeping and furnace cleaning are important. Let's explore some of them.


    1. Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Leaks: A dirty furnace can cause incomplete combustion, leading to the production of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas. Regular cleaning ensures that the burners and heat exchangers are functioning correctly and safely. It also reduces the risk of fires originating within the furnace from the buildup of soot, dust, and debris.
    2. Improved Fuel Efficiency: A clean furnace burns fuel more efficiently. Soot and debris can clog the burner, reducing its ability to burn fuel completely. This inefficiency leads to higher fuel consumption and increased energy costs. Dust and dirt can also block air filters and vents, impeding airflow. This forces the furnace to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear on the system.
    3. Consistent Heating Performance: A clean furnace operates more reliably, providing consistent and even heating throughout the home. Dirty components can lead to uneven heating and fluctuations in indoor temperature. Regular cleaning and maintenance also help identify potential issues before they become major problems, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and ensuring the furnace performs optimally.
    4. Extended Equipment Life: Dust, dirt, and soot buildup can cause components to wear out faster. By keeping the furnace clean, you reduce the strain on the system, potentially extending its lifespan and delaying the need for costly replacements.
    5. Reduced Allergens and Pollutants in the Air: A dirty furnace can circulate dust, allergens, and pollutants throughout your home, affecting indoor air quality. Cleaning helps ensure that the air circulating through your HVAC system is cleaner and healthier to breathe.
    6. Warranty Compliance: Many furnace warranties require regular maintenance and cleaning to remain valid, according to our team. Neglecting these tasks can void your warranty. In some areas, regular maintenance and safety inspections are mandated by local regulations or building codes to ensure the safe operation of heating systems.

    Here are some additional maintenance tips for you.


    • Schedule Annual Inspections: Have a professional inspect and clean your furnace at least once a year, according to our team, ideally before the heating season begins.
    • Replace Air Filters Regularly: In our experience, you should check and replace air filters every one to three months to maintain good airflow and indoor air quality.
    • Monitor Furnace Performance: Pay attention to any unusual noises, smells, or performance issues and address them promptly.

    In summary, regular cleaning and maintenance of oil and gas furnaces are essential for ensuring safety, maintaining efficiency, enhancing performance, extending the lifespan of the equipment, improving indoor air quality, and complying with warranty and regulatory requirements.

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