Weather
Homeowners should look out for scam artists posing as chimney sweepsby Cara Restelli, KY3 News
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
As the weather turns colder, homeowners will turn to their fireplaces for warmth. And scam artists will turn to them to make a quick buck. You should have your fireplace checked once a year for cracks and creosote build-up that could lead to a flue fire. Problem is, scam artists are playing on these fears in hopes of ripping you off.
When the temperatures drop, his business picks up. Cal Wittenberger is a chimney sweep making his annual rounds checking fireplaces across the Ozarks. “They need to be checked if not swept once a year,” he said.
But as he begins is rounds, so do scam artists. They’re going door to door offering to sweep chimneys for cheap. “Coming into winter season somebody must have got ideas to sweep chimney for 25-dollars. Now come on!” He said.
To get it done right, Cal says you should expect to pay at least $80 to have your chimney swept. If an unknown person offers to do it for much less, you should be suspicious. And it's not just about protecting your money. Cal says only a reputable chimney sweep company knows what hazards to look for. “Anybody can run brush down flue. There's just more to it. You're looking for cracks, types of creosote build-up. You get what you pay for.”
To protect yourself, only work with a reputable chimney sweep company. You can find complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office. Check to see if they're certified with the National Chimney Sweep Guild or the Chimney Safety Institute. And make sure you get multiple bids before hiring a contractor.
Most PopularMore Good Stuff |
YouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
StocksStock Quotes |
Most Popular
PollOn Demand
AP VideoLinks We Like
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
