About EmberGuard Chimney Sweep

EmberGuard Chimney Sweep cleans and inspects chimneys, fireplaces, dryer vents and air ducts for homes in and around New York. Our approach is simple: look carefully, explain what we find in plain language, and recommend only the work your home actually needs.

How we approach chimney work

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year, and that is the rhythm we encourage. A yearly visit catches soot and creosote buildup, blockages, and cracked or loose masonry before they turn into bigger problems.

Inspections come in three levels, and we match the level to your situation. A Level 1 inspection fits a system that hasn't changed since the last check. A Level 2 inspection is called for when something has changed, like a new appliance or a switch from one fuel to another, or when the home is being sold. A Level 3 inspection is only for cases where a suspected hidden hazard can't be reached without opening part of the chimney or the building.

Many New York buildings are converting boilers from oil to gas. When that happens, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the job. A new liner is often needed, because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. We'll walk you through what we see in your flue and what the conversion means for it.

• Certified technicians on every chimney job
• Inspection level chosen to fit your home, not upsold
• Clear explanations of any damage or buildup we find
• Guidance on liners when switching from oil to gas

Dryer vents and air ducts, handled honestly

Dryer vents are easy to forget, but according to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Clearing lint from the full length of the vent, not just the trap, is one of the most practical safety steps a household can take.

Air duct cleaning calls for more judgment. The U.S. EPA advises cleaning ducts when there is substantial visible mold growth, vermin, or excessive dust and debris. It also notes that duct cleaning hasn't been shown to prevent health problems. So we won't tell you it will. If your ducts don't need cleaning, we'll say so.

The EPA also cautions homeowners to research the process before responding to very cheap advertised offers, and to be careful with chemical treatments. We're glad to explain exactly what we plan to do, what equipment we use, and whether any treatment is worth considering in your case.

• Full-length dryer vent cleaning, from the dryer to the exterior outlet
• Duct cleaning recommended only when there's a real reason
• No exaggerated health claims
• Chemical treatments discussed openly, never added by default

Working in New York homes

New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. During those months, building owners must keep apartments heated to the city's minimum temperatures. Scheduling chimney and flue work before the season starts helps owners and residents avoid disruptions once the heat needs to stay on.

We work in a wide range of homes, from single-family houses to apartment buildings with shared flues. Whatever the setting, we protect floors and furnishings, keep the work area contained, and clean up before we leave. Before we go, you'll know what we did and what, if anything, should be addressed next.