Customer Education
Quick Navigation
- Chimney Cleaning & Inspection FAQs
- Dryer Vent Cleaning FAQs
- Gas Fireplace Installation & Replacement FAQs
- Gas Fireplace Repairs and Cleaning FAQs
- NFPA 211 FAQs
- Pellet Stove Installation & Replacement FAQs
- Pellet Stove Maintenance FAQs
- Pellet Stove Repair & Troubleshooting FAQs
- Service Plan FAQs
- Wood Fireplace Installation & Upgrades FAQs
- Wood Stove & Fireplace Repairs FAQs
Have other questions?
Give us a call at 541.388.3981
Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
Yes. We provide NFPA 211 compliant inspections suitable for insurance and real estate transactions.
- Required during home sales
- Required after chimney fires
- Required after mechanical changes
- Includes video scanning of flue interior
- Annual visual inspection
- Required for continued safe use
- Covers accessible portions of the chimney and appliance
Our inspections have a 21 point checklist from the NFPA 211 to ensure safety, code compliance, and comfortable continued operation.
Annual inspection is required, with cleaning as needed depending on usage.
Yes. We remove creosote, soot, and blockages while also providing a complete inspection and education to all of our valued customers.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Cleaning your dryer vent does not just reduce risk of house fire – it also improves your dryer’s lifespan and efficiency. Dryer not performing as well as it used to? It is probably time to get your dryer vent cleaned.
We offer a complimentary evaluation of your dryer vent when we service your home – just tell your technician you are interested at time of service.
Yes, for your convenience we always recommend to pair a dryer vent cleaning with our services to save yourself time.
Dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires. Cleaning your dryer vent is essential for the safety of your home.
We recommend cleaning it once a year – especially if your dryer is heavily used.
Gas Fireplace Installation & Replacement
Costs depend on venting requirements, gas line installation, framing, and finish work. We provide detailed written proposals for everything we do.
In most areas, yes. We can help you determine what you need for your install.
No. However, we do have a list of preferred plumbers to provide this service.
Yes. We remove outdated units and install modern, energy-efficient models that can suit any look.
Absolutely. We evaluate your chimney’s condition, install venting systems, and ensure safe, code compliant installations.
Yes. We sell and professionally install high-efficiency inserts into existing masonry or prefab fireplaces with proper liners and vent systems.
Gas Fireplace Repairs and Cleaning
Yes. We inspect oxygen depletion sensors, burner function, and room sizing for safe performance.
Yes. We inspect vent pipe connections, terminations, and clearances to combustibles.
A failing thermocouple or thermopile, dirty pilot assembly, draft interference, or venting issue may be responsible. We clean and test components while verifying proper venting clearances for safe combustion.
Common causes include ignition failure due to faulty IPI, thermocouple issues, wall switch problems, remote malfunction, or interrupted gas supply. We perform full diagnostics, gas pressure testing, and safety checks to restore safe operation.
- Burner & pilot cleaning
- Glass cleaning
- Gas leak test
- NFPA level 1 inspection
- Safety control testing
- Flame pattern adjustment
- Code compliance check
- Burner media replacement
NFPA 211 recommends professional service annually, especially before the heating season.
NFPA 211
A professional inspection ensures:
- Chimney liner integrity
- Safe appliance connection
- Proper vent sizing
- Correct clearances
- Structural soundness
- Documentation for insurance or real estate needs
Annual inspections are not just recommended — they are the nationally recognized safety baseline.
Non-compliance can result in:
- Increased fire risk
- Carbon monoxide hazards
- Failed inspections
- Insurance denial of claims
- Costly structural damage
- Premature appliance failure
In many cases, older installations were built to outdated standards and may no longer meet current safety requirements.
Chimney Construction Standards
- Masonry chimney thickness requirements
- Flue tile specifications
- Liner requirements
- Structural integrity standards
Liner Requirements
- Stainless steel liner sizing
- Proper connection to appliances
- Insulation requirements
- When relining is mandatory
Appliance Installation
- Proper hearth protection
- Floor protection requirements
- Clearance to walls and ceilings
- Connector pipe installation
Maintenance Standards
- Annual inspection recommendation
- Cleaning thresholds
- Creosote removal guidelines
- Post-chimney fire procedures
NFPA 211 is equally critical for commercial properties such as:
- Restaurants with wood-fired ovens
- Hotels with lobby fireplaces
- Multi-family housing
- Property management companies
- Commercial buildings with solid-fuel systems
1. Reduces Liability Risk
Failure to comply with recognized safety standards can expose businesses to:
- Fire damage liability
- Injury claims
- Regulatory fines
- Insurance disputes
NFPA 211 establishes the accepted standard of care.
2. Required by Building Codes
Many local and state building codes adopt NFPA 211 either directly or by reference. That means:
- Installations must meet NFPA 211 to pass inspection
- Repairs and modifications must follow code
- Venting systems must meet clearance and liner requirements
Non-compliant systems may fail municipal inspection.
3. Essential for Real Estate Transactions
During commercial or residential property transfers, a Level 2 inspection (as defined in NFPA 211) is commonly required. This protects:
- Buyers
- Sellers
- Real estate agents
- Property managers
1. Prevents Chimney Fires
Creosote buildup inside a chimney is highly flammable. NFPA 211 outlines:
- Inspection frequency (annual minimum)
- Cleaning requirements when buildup is present
- Proper liner sizing and installation
- Clearance to combustibles
Following these standards significantly reduces the risk of chimney fires.
2. Protects Your Family from Carbon Monoxide
Improper venting can allow carbon monoxide (CO) to enter your home. NFPA 211 addresses:
- Proper draft and vent sizing
- Safe vent connector installation
- Chimney height requirements
- Appliance vent compatibility
These provisions are designed to prevent dangerous backdrafting and exhaust leakage.
3. Establishes Inspection Levels
NFPA 211 defines three levels of chimney inspection:
Level 1 Inspection
-
- Annual visual inspection
- Required for continued safe use
- Covers accessible portions of the chimney and appliance
- Annual visual inspection
Level 2 Inspection
-
- Required during home sales
- Required after chimney fires
- Required after appliance changes
- Includes video scanning of flue interior
- Required during home sales
Level 3 Inspection
-
- Required when concealed damage is suspected
- May involve removal of walls or chimney components
- Required when concealed damage is suspected
These inspection levels provide a clear roadmap for determining chimney safety.
4. Ensures Proper Clearance to Combustibles
One of the most critical safety rules in NFPA 211 involves required clearances between:
- Chimneys and framing
- Stove pipes and walls
- Fireplaces and mantels
- Vent connectors and ceilings
Improper clearances are a leading cause of structure fires. NFPA 211 provides exact minimum spacing requirements to prevent ignition of surrounding materials.
5. Protects Home Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies often reference NFPA 211 when investigating claims involving:
- Chimney fires
- Fireplace-related structure fires
- Carbon monoxide incidents
Non-compliant installations may jeopardize coverage. A documented inspection performed to NFPA standards protects homeowners legally and financially.
Pellet Stove Installation & Replacement
Yes. Pellet stoves use electricity for augers, blowers, and control systems.
Installation cost varies based on venting length, electrical needs, and hearth requirements. We provide detailed estimates and customer education about best placement.
Yes. Many pellet stoves use direct horizontal venting when permitted by code and manufacturer.
Yes. We remove and upgrade outdated units with a number of brands we are authorized dealers for.
Yes. We install inserts with proper venting and outside air kits when required.
Pellet Stove Maintenance
Yes. Professional maintenance ensures safe operation and extends appliance lifespan.
$246 for freestanding and $296 for pellet insert. Save money with our service plans by inquiry when you call to schedule a service.
- Full internal cleaning
- Venting cleaning
- Gasket replacement if needed
- Electrical testing
- Safety sensor inspection
- Diagnosis of any other issues found
At least annually — more often for heavy use.
Yes. Pellet stoves require deep internal cleaning beyond homeowner maintenance. Our technicians are trained and certified to provide you with the service your system needs to operate at its best.
Pellet Stove Repair & Troubleshooting
Electrical shorts, failing motors, or wiring problems require professional service.
Error codes vary by manufacturer. We diagnose and repair all major brands. Have our techs out to provide a professional diagnosis and repair for this issue.
Blower motors, bearings, or auger components may require service. Have our techs out to provide a professional diagnosis and repair for this issue.
Auger motor issues, jammed pellets, or control board malfunction may be the cause. Have our techs out to provide a professional diagnosis and repair for this issue.
Safety sensors may be detecting overheating or airflow problems. Have our techs out to provide a professional diagnosis and repair for this issue.
Possible causes include igniter failure, dirty burn pot, airflow obstruction, or control board issues.
Service Plan
Your plan will last until canceled, with a minimum of one year.
You can begin your plan and start saving now – you will be all prepared for when that next cleaning needs to happen.
Being on a service plan is a stress free way to ensure that your system routinely receives the care it needs – saving you the time it takes to wait on a last minute cleaning and the money you might spend if your system is not well maintained.
Service plans start at the time of signup. This means you will receive it as soon as you need it.
If you are on the priority scheduling list, you get to choose what month you would like your system serviced and get seen earlier than other customers. Without this benefit we will fit you in based on availability.
Savings start when you sign up for a qualifying service plan.
Wood Fireplace Installation & Upgrades
Costs vary depending on chimney modifications and hearth requirements. We provide detailed estimates for sales and service of your new wood stove.
Yes. We install UL-listed stainless liners sized for your appliance.
Yes. We safely disconnect and remove outdated appliances then cap existing venting or replace it with a new system.
Yes. We handle safe conversion and proper venting installation as well as sales and continued service.
Yes. We ensure proper hearth protection, clearances, and venting. We also offer customer education on how to burn safely and correctly.
Yes. Inserts improve efficiency and safety while also offering ease of use and much greater heat output.
Wood Stove & Fireplace Repairs
Yes. A Level 2 inspection is required to assess damage before reuse.
Yes. Caps and crowns prevent water damage, we typically recommend getting a cap that covers both your crown and flues, call us for a quote!
Yes. We replace damaged firebrick to protect the stove body so that your steel does not warp or crack as well.
Yes. Proper door seals are critical for efficiency and safety.
Burning unseasoned wood, low burn temperatures, or poor draft can cause soot buildup. Burn hot fires and dry wood (between 6-20% moisture content). Have one of our technicians out for a cleaning and educational walk through.
Backdrafting can be caused by:
- Flue blockage
- Cold chimney
- Negative air pressure
- Improper chimney height
- Cap clogged
We correct draft issues to restore safe operation as well as educate you on how to best use your system.