FAQs
1. How often do I need to clean my wood-burning fireplace chimney?
It is recommended that a wood- burning fireplace be cleaned after one cord of wood has been burned or, an estimated 100 to 150 piece of wood, since the last time the fireplace was cleaned. According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Code 211 an inspection is recommended annually.
2. Is cleaning the fireplace a messy job?
At Early Times Home Solutions we offer a no mess guarantee. We understand that your home is your castle and we will treat your property with the utmost of respect at all times.
3. Do I need to be home?
Yes, the fireplace, furnace flue or dryer vent cleaning are done from the inside of the home, and sometimes also from the outside.
4. I see water coming into the firebox of my fireplace and I also see water stains on the ceiling and the wall next to the fireplace. Can you help me?
Yes, Early Times Home Solutions can help you prevent future leaks, but doing these repairs will not undue existing stains. Early Times Chimney Sweeps installs protective chimney covers and dampers. We seal crowns and flashings and also do chimney tuckpointing and chimney rebuilding.
5. When I use my fireplace smoke backs up into my house. Can Early Times Home Solutions help?
Yes. Smoke problems occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases the fireplace has a poor draw, in other situations smoke travels to other parts of the house through gaps in the liner. In other homes wind blows down the flue. We can help diagnose and prevent these problems.
6. I have gaps and cracks in the walls of my prefab fireplace. Do you install replacement parts for pre-fab fireplaces?
Yes, Early Times Home Solutions installs back walls, sidewalls and other parts such as spider dampers for Majestic, Marco, and Superior fireplace units.
7. My fireplace smells especially during the summer when it’s hot and humid. Is there any relief for me?
Yes and no. There are a variety of situations that result in the “burnt” odor in your home. Chimney deodorants may offer temporary relief. Early Times Home Solutions also offers a deodorizing service at the end of the burning season that may provide relief during the summer months until the next fire is burned. Many times a fireplace cleaning may help with the smell, but on hot humid days, the smell may still exist. We also offer a variety of other products such as glass doors and top sealing dampers that may help with this problem.
8. How do I know that my chimney and/or firebox needs tuckpointing and/or rebuilding?
Take a close look at the walls of your masonry chimney. Do you see cracks, crumbling bricks, uneven areas of mortar, voids, and noticeable gaps between the bricks? If the answer is yes or you are not sure, then contact Early Times Home Solutions Masonry Restoration Division to provide an estimate for repair of the damaged areas on your chimney.
9. I recently changed my furnace and/or water heater and now I see water on the floor near my furnace. Can you help me?
Yes, a new liner that is correctly sized to properly vent the gases and prevent condensation may provide a solution. High efficiency appliances use less gas and thus less exhaust pressure. A properly sized liner will help these exhaust gases escape your venting system without condensing in your flue causing water damage and possible blockage. We can install a properly sized liner for your appliance to ensure proper ventilation.
10. What can you do about a whitish discoloration on the outside of my chimney?
The whitish discoloration on the exterior of the furnace chimney is efflorescence. It is caused by the escape of gases through gaps in the liner. Early Times Home Solutions will make specific recommendations about installing a new liner and tuckpointing or rebuilding the chimney if necessary.
11. My clothes don’t dry as fast as they used to, and I’ve been told that the problem is not in the dryer. Can you help me?
Yes. Very often dryer exhausts become clogged with lint and other debris, such as nesting material. Early Times Home Solutions uses special equipment to clear the passageway.
12. How do I pay for this service?
Payment is made on the day the service is done. We are pleased to accept personal checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Financing is available on large projects; please inquire to find out more details.
