Our homes’ chimneys are conduits for smoke and other air pollutants. And sometimes, they need some TLC to keep them doing their thing. To this end, the chimney cleaning pros at Willard Power Vac could be your go-to service provider.
Many Portland customers have counted on the firm since 1975, implying you’ll be making a smart choice by deciding to partner with them. Nonetheless, separating the wheat from the chaff isn’t as easy as it might sound.
For instance, a firm could be great on paper, but when the rubber meets the road, it could leave you with a headache. As such, let the tips below help you maximize your chimney cleaning experience:
What To Consider Before Hiring A Chimney Cleaning Company
1. Get Referrals
Ask for plenty of referrals to ensure you find the right professional. After all, it’s not like all chimney-sweeping jobs are created equal, and you don’t want your home to resemble a sooty Christmas garland!
Talk to family members or friends who’ve had great experiences with particular chimney cleaning companies to ensure you get quality service. While at it, ask questions to help you better understand the provider in question.
Nonetheless, while your friend may have no qualms about a particular service provider, your experience might differ. As such, don’t simply take their word for it as you hunt for a chimney cleaning company – which leads us to the next point.
2. Research your Options
Let’s say you have a list of potential candidates. Now what? Well, consider visiting their websites to understand how they operate. Even the design of their site can offer some insight into the quality of their service.
If it looks like it was set up by an amateur who had somewhere else to be, they might not be the most reliable service provider.
Conversely, a well-maintained website with up-to-date content could point to a company that takes its work seriously and is willing to invest in its business.
As you explore their site, check the review section to understand how they’re perceived in the industry. Nonetheless, third-party websites such as Google reviews and Yelp provide a better glimpse of their work than the reviews on their page – as these could easily be doctored.
3. Experience
Selecting the right chimney cleaning company is akin to picking the right person to settle down with – not exactly, but you get the point. Pick the wrong human, and you could be stuck in an unhappy marriage.
Fortunately, with the right provider, you could set yourself up for a long-term relationship. You can get to know the service providers better by asking questions such as:
- How long have you been in the business, and who are your past clients?
- Are you equipped for the job?
- Who will be carrying out the job?
- How well do you keep up with safety and health protocols?
While you might assume that experience and expertise aren’t relevant, you could mistakenly ignore them and find yourself with a mess on your hands.
As such, it’s advisable to pick a firm that has been in business for several years and knows its stuff. In other words, don’t fall for the enticing adverts or prices – choose a partner who has seen it all.
4. Certification and Insurance
Sure, the upstarts in town could offer chimney cleaning services, but when you think of cutting corners to save a few coins, consider the dangers they pose.
A fly-by-night provider without the right certification or insurance could leave you in deep trouble or, worse still, liable for damages or injuries.
For starters, pick a firm with certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or National Fireplace Institute (NFI) – as this assures you of their credibility.
Moreover, ensure they have valid insurance coverage to protect you from liability should the unexpected happen.
5. Evaluate First Impressions
Contact potential candidates to get a feel for their communication with potential customers. A professional and friendly demeanor could imply you’re dealing with an experienced service provider.
Nevertheless, come up with a set of questions to ask and note the answers – this could help further narrow down your list of prospects. For instance, find out whether they inspect chimneys before service or offer additional services.
While at it, note the responses you get. If you don’t feel like you’re obtaining satisfactory answers, then it’s advisable to try elsewhere.
But, if everything checks out – the customer service is above par, the team sounds eager to help, and their phone etiquette is on point- perhaps you might be dealing with a keeper.
Finding the right professionals implies you can look forward to routine chimney cleanings and maintenance without worry. Hopefully, the pointers above can pave the way for a meaningful relationship with a provider who values your safety and satisfaction.
