‘Tis the season for chimney sweep scams. We hear about chimney scams every year. The scam artists start around September and work through January or so each year. They prey on the insecurities and fears of homeowners who think they’re doing the right thing by hiring someone who was nice enough to come to their door and let them know about problems with their chimney. Unfortunately, in many cases, there were no problems with the chimney. Here are things to look out for during chimney scam season.
The Too Good to be True Price
Mechanics don’t undersell their services. Doctors are rarely accused of not charging enough for their services. The guy who details your car sure doesn’t cut you a discount, does he? We, as a society, rely on people in other professional fields to take care of the things we don’t have the experience to handle on our own. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep like the ones you’ll find here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service doesn’t sell himself short either. We’ve worked hard and paid for our certifications, and we will continue to pay out of pocket for continued education in our field.
The Fear Factor
Yes, your fireplace produces carbon monoxide and it is very dangerous for your family. A properly working chimney vents smoke and dangerous gases so you have little-to-nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, a scam artist will try to convince you that your chimney is damaged in some way and in need of his expensive services in addition to the cheap service you originally agreed to. They’re the masters of bait and switch. They’ll tell you that you need a cleaning or masonry repair, and then just happen to find much more serious problems that go beyond their original quote.
The Second Opinion
You should always shop around for the best price for the value, regardless of the service you’re purchasing. Hiring a chimney sweep is no different. When you feel as if you’re being taken advantage of, tell them you would like to get a second opinion before any work is started. A scam artist will continue to press you for the work or make you feel as if you’re putting your family in a dangerous situation with every moment you wait.
Don’t waver. Follow your gut and call us for your second opinion. We have been in business in Drexel Hill and the surrounding areas since 2009 under the current business name, but I’ve been sweeping chimneys in the area since 1996. We’ve built our reputation on our education and a job well done.
Your home and your chimney deserve the best. Lou Curley’s Chimney Service is located in Drexel Hill and we provide all types of chimney services throughout the Main Line. We are CSIA Certified and hold additional certifications that put us a step above the competition. Call us at 610-626-2439 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.