Our Company Blog

Importance Of Annual Dryer Vent Cleanings

Your dryer vents are probably something you rarely think about. Sound about right? Well, you are not alone! Many homeowners forget that, like most appliances, their dryer vents need annual maintenance and regular upkeep in order function as efficiently as possible.

If your dryer hasn’t been giving you the best results lately, don’t buy a new one just yet. Invest in dryer vent cleaning services from the team at A-1 Chimney Specialist.

Benefits Of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Now, there is no doubt that a thorough vent cleaning will greatly reduce your risk of carbon monoxide exposure, as well as dryer fires. Both of these scenarios can lead to illness or injury, and fires will likely trigger a lot of damage throughout your home, as well. It is always best to avoid any risks when it comes to the safety of your home and family, and getting that annual dryer vent cleaning on the books is one way to do it.

Clean vents also lead to a more efficient appliance. No one likes waiting hours and hours for their clothes to get dry. It is inconvenient, and it eats ups your monthly energy bills which is less than ideal. If you are running your dryer for two or three cycles to get your clothes ready to fold and put away, then something definitely isn’t right.

Cleaning your vents will speed up drying times significantly, so you aren’t left waiting around all day long. Have you been picking up extra lint from in and around your dryer, too? Vent cleanings typically take care of that, too. After all, who need an extra chore to add to their cleaning list?

Another common issue associated with dirty vents is excessive heat and musty odors. If your clothes are hot to the touch or if your laundry room seems a little more toasty than normal, don’t wait to have your vents checked over by a team of qualified experts. These are both clear cut signs that your vents need some attention.

Give Us A Call With Any Questions

So, that’s all there is to it. If you want to keep your home safer, lower your monthly bills, and get more from your dryer, then a dryer vent cleaning is the thing to invest in today. Any questions? Please give our team a shout. We are more than happy to address your concerns and offer any advice you may be looking for.

Then, set up an appointment with our qualified staff. Our sweeps are CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians, and we are more than confident that we can handle the job with professionalism and efficiency. We have been here for 17 years and counting, and our long list of satisfied customers can vouch for us – when it comes to providing chimney and dryer vent care in Tullahoma, we are the best!

Speak with our team today, so that we can get your annual cleaning on the books. We’re excited to talk with you about all of your fireplace, chimney, and venting needs.

Throat Dampers vs. Top-End Dampers

Is your damper giving you some trouble? It may be time to invest in a replacement. A damper keeps your indoor temperatures consistent when your fireplace is not in use, and it opens up to let out smoke and fumes when you have fires lit. As you can see, dampers play a big role when it comes to preventing unwanted downdrafts and encouraging positive airflow, so proper care and maintenance is vital.

There are two main types of dampers a homeowner can invest in. Learn more about these below, then ask the team here at A-1 Chimney Specialist to help you out today. We’re everything you are looking for in a chimney company, and we are ready to meet your every need!

Comparing Your Options

Most older chimneys are equipped with a throat damper. These models have served homeowners well over the years, and they are known for performing effectively when in good condition. A throat damper is located near the base of your chimney, right above the firebox, and it does a good job when it comes to controlling draft and airflow for your fireplace.

Unfortunately, these units are known to rust or corrode from time to time and getting them fixed over and over again can be a frustrating process. Along with this, they allow for cold air to build up in your chimney, which can make your fire-starting process a bit more of a hassle, as you wait for things to heat up.

If your throat damper is broken down or malfunctioning, we suggest you consider replacing it with a top-end damper. These models perform all the functions of a throat damper, only they are placed at the top of your chimney and they come equipped with a rubber seal, sure to block out cold air better than ever.

An added bonus is that they work alongside your chimney cap to keep animals, water, and excess debris out of your chimney and, since they are installed at the top of your flue, they won’t allow cold air to settle in your chimney, either. Our team is trained, certified, and more than qualified to install yours today, so get it touch with us now if this sounds like a route you’d like to take.

Not Sure What To Do?

If you are uncertain about the condition or placement of your damper, call us today to schedule an inspection, so that we can thoroughly check your system over. We will let you know what you need in terms of repairs and replacement parts, allowing you the opportunity to rest easier when it comes to the health of your chimney this winter.

Peace of mind is a quick phone call away. Talk with our team now!

Relax This Winter With Gas Logs & Inserts

Do you wish you could relax by the fireplace without having to go through the effort of hauling wood and maintaining a fire? If it’s cold and snowy, the last thing anyone wants to do after a long day is spend more time working! That’s why so many homeowners are investing in gas inserts and gas logs. You get the realistic warmth and ambiance of a classic fireplace, without the extra labor.

Another benefit of owning a gas insert is that they heat very efficiently. You’ll save on energy bills, while experiencing a lot of good, constant heat pouring into your home. And, while you’ll still need to invest in your annual chimney inspection, overall these units require a lot less maintenance on the part of the homeowner.

Let Us Be Your One-Stop Shop For It All

Here at A-1 Chimney Specialist, we sell only the best products. Our direct vent gas inserts can be installed into your existing fireplace, and you won’t have to worry about losing heat throughout the heating process. Why? Well, they don’t require a chimney, so they can be vented through a wall or roof, removing any chance of experiencing downdrafts or heat loss through your flue.

Ready to explore your options? We have a variety of styles and designs that you can choose between, ensuring you find the perfect match for your decor. Count on our team to help you out right away. Just give us a call, and we’ll be on the job as soon as we can!

Don’t forget about your gas logs. A gas insert isn’t complete with the realistic look of our vented gas logs. They look just like real wood, and the way they burn closely resembles that of a wood-burning fireplace, so you can have that classic look and feel everyone hopes to achieve. We provide the best of the best, so get it all from us! It’s a choice you won’t regret.

Invest In Professional Installation Today

When it comes to having a new gas insert installed, it’s important to invest in a professional installation. When you take the do-it-yourself approach, you could easily slip up, putting yourself and your loved ones at risk. Hiring a CSIA-certified expert from the beginning ensures you minimize your risk of carbon monoxide exposure significantly. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it highly dangerous and hard to detect.

Because this gas is known for being fatal, we encourage all of our customers to hire out for a a professional installation from the very start. We are always eager and ready to help, and our satisfaction levels have remained high for the two decades we have been in business. Don’t wait. Make this your best winter yet by giving us a call today!

The Importance Of Annual Service

Have you invested in your annual chimney and fireplace maintenance yet? With the holidays behind us, now is the perfect time. It’s very important to ensure your fireplace and chimney is clean in order to keep your home and family safe. Invest on fireplace care with the team at A-1 Chimney Specialist today!

Benefits Of A Chimney Inspection

Every homeowner should invest in a chimney inspection with a CSIA certified sweep at least once a year. There are three levels of inspections, and each of them has its own benefits. The condition of your chimney determines which level of inspection you will need.

• Level One Inspection – A level one inspection is the most basic. If you regularly keep up with your maintenance and don’t put your system through any major changes, a level one is all your chimney will need. With a level one inspection, it consist of looking over all of the readily accessible parts of your chimney. This also means checking for damages, clogs, or creosote accumulation. After inspection is done, you can rest easy knowing your fireplace is safe and ready for use! However, if we found that your chimney need repairs, we can also help with that too!
• Level Two Inspection – If you’ve just moved into a new home or if your system has went through major reconstruction over the last year, then you’ll want to invest in a level two inspection. These are a bit more in-depth, and the sweep use a video camera to examine every nook and cranny. You’ll also want to get a level two inspection if you’ve experienced catastrophe such as a chimney fire, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado.
• Level Three Inspection – A level three inspection is only used in rare cases. When parts of the chimney or fireplace need to be removed in order to get an accurate assessment, this is level three inspection.

No matter which level you need this winter, your fireplace, friends, and family will thank you for getting an inspection! We’re the team to trust with your fireplace and chimney, call us today to protect your home and loved ones!

Why Are Sweepings Necessary?

At times, an inspection may lead to a sweeping. You will need a sweeping when excess creosote or obstructions are spotted in your chimney. For a chimney sweeping, professionals will use proper tools and techniques to remove evidence of dangerous and flammable creosote. This lowers your risk of experiencing a chimney fire significantly.

Along with this, removing clogs and blockages ensure proper airflow. It also gives you the best experience of lighting fires this holiday. This minimizes the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, as all dangerous fumes are given clear pathways to escape. Ready to get your maintenance on the books? Give our qualified staff a call today.

Holiday Decorations & Your Fireplace

Soon enough everyone will have their homes decorated with lights, tinsel, snowmen, and everything else that embodies the spirit of the holiday. For lots of families, this always brings about a fun time and lots of memories, but it’s important to practice caution if you have a fireplace in your home!

We take pride in promoting fire safety and better chimney care, so our customers can relax with family and enjoy peace of mind season after season. Read up on some of our tips below, so you and your loved ones can stay better protected this holiday. Then, give us a call with any questions and/or concerns you’re experiencing regarding your fireplace or chimney. The team at A-1 Chimney Specialist is always eager to help!

Decorating The Mantel

The fireplace mantel may seem like the ideal place to throw a lot of decor, but it can lead to some dangerous scenarios. Any flammable decor should be kept a safe distance away from the fireplace.

Along with this, never place old decorations, wrapping paper, empty boxes, paper plates, or any type of garbage in the fireplace. When decorating your home, throwing trash into the fire may seem like a convenient route to take, but it can lead to creosote accumulation and smoke backing up into your living space. Both are unideal and dangerous.

Be Cautious With Your Tree

If you set up a fake tree every year, then you likely won’t have to worry too much about it catching fire. Just double check that it is flame-resistant (most are), then be sure to keep presents, decorations, and the like well away from the fireplace.

Now, if you set up a real tree every year, you’ll want to keep it well-watered, as the drier it is, the easier it could potentially catch fire. Also, at the end of the season, never burn the tree in your fireplace. This is bad for your system, and the wood won’t be seasoned enough to burn efficiently, encouraging creosote build-up and increasing your risk of chimney fires.

Practice Fire Safety

Because there is an increased risk of fire throughout the holiday season, be sure you’re practicing fire safety in your home. Keep a working fire extinguisher nearby, and be sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Be sure to test these devices regularly and change the batteries, as needed. These units have played a big role in getting countless homeowners and their families safely out of their home in the event of a fire!

It’s also important to map out multiple routes out of each room of the house, and then practice your escape plan with your family from time to time. This way you can save precious seconds in the event of an emergency. And remember – once you’re out of the house, do not re-enter it for any reason!

Depend On Our Team Today

Make sure your system is all set and safer for use by depending on our team for your annual inspection and cleaning. The CSIA certified team at A-1 Chimney Specialist is here to help with all of your holiday needs!