by Josh Kelley | Feb 9, 2017 | fire safety
The number one priority for homeowners is keeping their home and family as safe as possible. If you own a fireplace, knowing the proper ways to avoid chimney fires is vital. While many chimney fires are loud and obvious, there are a surprising number that occur...
by Josh Kelley | Jan 4, 2017 | fire safety
Fireplace or not, every home should be equipped with a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. These devices save countless lives every year and often serve as the first warning sign of danger within the home. If you have a gas fireplace, your risk of fire, smoke...
by Josh Kelley | Oct 13, 2015 | fire safety
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that all chimney sweeps are created equal. Just because someone has a brush and a truck, however, doesn’t make them a qualified chimney professional. While acronyms such as NFI and CSIA might be confusing to the average person, they...
by Josh Kelley | Dec 12, 2014 | fire safety
The holiday season carries with it some of the most memorable times of the year: food, fun, and family and friends gathered together in front of the fireplace. Because fireplaces play such an important role in many family’s holiday traditions, there are several...
by Josh Kelley | Jul 15, 2014 | fire safety
Learning about how the combustion process works can greatly increase energy efficiency and promote safety. Every homeowner should know the basics.
by Josh Kelley | May 27, 2014 | chimney maintenance, fire safety
According to the CSIA, problems inside your chimney’s flue can pose serious risks to your home and family. These problems render it incapable of performing its primary function: safely containing and venting the harmful byproducts of combustion up the chimney and out...
by Josh Kelley | Feb 21, 2014 | chimney maintenance, fire safety, fireplace maintenance
Raising Awareness When you have a fireplace and chimney installed in your home, it’s not enough to appreciate the warmth it provides especially during the chilly winter season. As a homeowner you should also be responsible for the proper maintenance of these house...
by Josh Kelley | Jan 30, 2014 | chimney maintenance, fire safety
Are you prepared in case of a fire at your home? Does everyone know what to do to get out safely? Here is a good overview.
by Josh Kelley | Dec 28, 2013 | chimney maintenance, fire safety
In scientific terms, your chimney is what’s referred to as a negative pressure system. When it’s full of hot air, it actually pulls air through the firebox; this pulling action is what’s called draft. The simplest way to increase the draft in your chimney is to burn...
by Josh Kelley | Dec 10, 2013 | fire safety
Lighting Your Pilot Light Follow these instructions to safely light your pilot light. Before you get started, you’ll need matches and a flashlight. Here are the main things to watch out for: If you smell a large amount of gas, hear a hissing sound,\ or feel suddenly...