Five Tips To Avoid Getting Swept By Unscrupulous Chimney Cleaners

WALLINGFORD — Every year the Better Business Bureau receives complaints from consumers who have been cheated by fly-by-night operators who pass themselves off as legitimate chimney cleaners.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President Paulette Scarpetti says consumers should think twice about unsolicited offers to have their chimney cleaned.

“In some cases, the chimney cleaner may not do a proper job,” she said. “In other cases, they may try to convince homeowners they need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for repairs that aren’t needed.”

Consumers have reported calls stating that their town fire department recommends a particular chimney cleaning company or contractor. Though town fire departments do recommend having chimneys cleaned on an annual basis, they do not endorse any particular companyP or inspect chimneys.

Scam artists also advertise a much lower price than legitimate businesses. A professional chimney sweep will typically charge between $150 and $200 for the cleaning of one chimney shaft, whereas scam artists are charging as little as $50.

Many scam artists use lowball estimates to get in the door, at which point they may recommend additional work be done immediately, and attempt to bully or frighten consumers into a much more expensive bill. If the price quoted is significantly lower than that of other businesses, consider it a red flag.

BBB recommends consumers do their homework before allowing a chimney sweep into their home. Check with your local fire department, with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (csia.org), and follow these five tips when hiring a chimney sweep:

*Check chimney cleaners at www.bbb.org. Always check with BBB for a trusted chimney sweeping business in your area. Are they a BBB Accredited Business? Do they have any outstanding complaints?

*Find out how long they have been in business. Ask for current references, or ask neighbors if they have used their services in the past.

*Don’t be pressured into “emergency” repairs. Some scammers may carry debris to pretend that a chimney is damaged or blocked, that urgent repairs are needed, or claim that a chimney liner needs replacement. Arrange an inspection before signing any repair contract. The work may not be necessary, and scammers may charge thousands of dollars for a chimney liner that may not fit or is not installed properly.

*Ask if they have a valid business liability insurance policy. In the event of an accident, this policy keeps your home and belongings safe.

*Find out if employees are CSIA certified. Though this is not law, certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America is recommended by fire departments, and speaks to the qualifications of the individual or business you hire. CSIA is a national nonprofit agency with a certification program for chimney sweeps.

For more consumer tips, visit www.ct.bbb.org/Consumer-Tips.