Consumer Alert: Get Your Chimney Cleaned but Be Cautious of Chimney Sweep and Repair Scams Ahead of Home Heating Season

HARTFORD - The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Connecticut Fire Academy are reminding homeowners to get their chimney cleaned soon, but to be wary of scams targeting cleaning and repair services.

Since last fall, DCP received 48 complaints involving chimney-related services. Some homeowners reported being approached by door-to-door solicitors that offered a low estimate to fix an urgent structural issue that did not actually exist.

"We want to remind homeowners that chimney maintenance should not be avoided and that with all home-related projects, to err on the side of caution," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "We recommend that homeowners take advantage of the available resources when hiring local and qualified personnel, but to be cognizant that chimney services are in high demand right now. Be proactive by verifying credentials, asking your community for recommendations, and declining unsolicited offers."

"Every year in the United States there are nearly 25,000 chimney fires, causing over $125 million in property damage," said Connecticut Fire Academy Director of Training P.J. Norwood. "Heating fires are the second leading cause of residential fires, with many starting in chimneys and flues. A clean, well-inspected chimney is not optional when winter hits, it's one of the best defenses a homeowner has against becoming part of these statistics."

Chimney Repairs

Chimney repairs include installation or repair of a chimney cap, liner replacement or repair, and mortar replacement. Any individual conducting a chimney repair must hold an active Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration through the Department of Consumer Protection.

To verify if a chimney repair company has an active registration, homeowners can search the business name through eLicense.ct.gov. Detailed instructions on how to verify a Home Improvement Contractor registration are available on the DCP website.

Contractors are required to carry a Connecticut-issued home improvement registration certificate with them. We recommend asking a contractor for their identification and certificate before hiring.

Chimney Sweeps

• Professional chimney sweeps should thoroughly clean your fireplace and chimney, look for any debris that may restrict air flow, and check for damaged bricks or flue liners.
• Chimney sweeps can help identify defects, but they cannot perform repairs.
• The average cost of a chimney cleaning service can range from $240 to $380.

Signs of Scam Include:

• No one offers you a contract.
  • Home improvement projects require a written and signed contract. In Connecticut, consumers have a three-day right to cancel a home improvement contract, including a contract to repair your chimney.
• Salesperson or business arrives in vehicles with New York license plates.
  • Hire local. Ask your community for recommendations.
• High pressure sales tactics to make you act and/or pay immediately.
• A deal sounds too good to be true.
• Requests for payment via cash, wire transfer, or prepaid card.
• Unsolicited calls offering services, especially from an 800 number.

For more information on chimney services and what to know before you hire, visit DCP's website.

To file a complaint, contact the Department of Consumer Protection by emailing [email protected] or visit www.ct.gov/DCP/complaints.