Chimney Scammers on the Rise

As winter arrives in San Diego, many residents enjoy their gas and wood-burning fireplaces to take the chill out of the cold evenings. It’s also the time of year when we see a rise in chimney scams. As fraudsters become more sophisticated—using fake online reviews and high-pressure sales tactics—it is becoming harder for homeowners to spot a scammer until it’s too late. An improper repair is more than a financial loss; it can also have dangerous consequences, including house fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

We’ve prepared this handy checklist to help homeowners be on the lookout and stop chimney scammers before they get ripped off.

How to Identify a Real Chimney Sweep Professional

The chimney and hearth industry is largely self-regulated, meaning there are no specific national licensing requirements. So, homeowners need to be on the lookout for scammers.

A Certified Chimney Sweep® is a professional technician who has undergone rigorous training and testing to earn credentials from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). These are the two most respected credentialing organizations in the United States.

What to look for:

• The Badge: A certified sweep will proudly display their CSIA or NCSG credential.
• Verification: You can verify a technician’s status in seconds on the CSIA website.
• Professionalism: They will arrive in a marked company vehicle and wear a clean uniform.
• Written Estimates: A chimney professional will provide itemized written estimates before performing any work. 

Only Hire Certified Chimney Sweeps

The best way for homeowners to protect themselves from scammers is to ensure the individual they are letting into their residence is a certified chimney professional. Use this checklist to verify that the individual standing at your front door is the real deal:

• Door Knockers: Someone knocking on your door soliciting your business is a red flag. A legitimate sweep will never show up at your home without an appointment.  
• Verify Certification: Is the technician certified by the CSIA or NCSG?
• Check Liability Insurance: Request proof of insurance. It will protect you if the worker is injured or damages your property.
• Years in Business: How long have they been in business? “Professional” scammers regularly change names.
• Request Photo Evidence: A certified sweep will gladly document any areas of concern with photos and explain why a repair or cleaning is necessary.
• Check Local Reviews: Look for long-term reputations in San Diego. Scammers often change business names every season to outrun bad reviews.

Call Chimney Sweeps Inc. for Certified Inspections in Greater San Diego

Don’t get scammed! Let our licensed and certified chimney sweeps inspect, clean, and repair your chimney. We strictly adhere to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Rule 211 standards and local fire codes. This standard is your assurance that your chimney, vents, and connected heating appliances are structurally sound, clean, and free from health or safety hazards. We proudly serve San Diego County, including Oceanside, El Cajon, Warner Springs, La Jolla, and Poway. Contact Chimney Sweeps Inc. today to schedule your visit with a fully certified professional!