2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Happy Memorial Day!

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Memorial Day, which is observed on the final Monday of May every year, is an opportunity to honor and commemorate those military personnel who have fallen while serving their country. The day began in the aftermath of the American Civil War, when the country was damaged and in need of remembrance. Originally called Decoration Day, owing to the flowers that would decorate gravesites, its principal purpose has been to mourn those who have died during service; but it’s also a time to come together as a country and take stock of the way that our soldiers have shaped this country.

There is a national moment of silence and various events throughout the day. You may see volunteers putting flags up at your local cemetery or flowers decorating war memorials. It’s also a reprieve from our work schedule that should be enjoyed in tandem with remembrance. We wish you all the best this Memorial Day.

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Minneapolis Fireplace Tip: Heating and Fireplace Efficiency

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Having an efficient fireplace in your Minneapolis, MS area home will ensure that you minimize energy waste in your home during the winter. Having a reliable and efficient heating system means that you get even greater comfort throughout the coldest winter months. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. any time to learn about our fireplace installation, maintenance and fireplace repair services. We also offer annual chimney sweeping and chimney inspections, so call today if you haven’t had your chimney cleaned this year.

Here are a few ways you can help maintain the efficiency of your fireplace when heating your home.

Use Chimney Dampers

When your fireplace or gas logs are not in use, be sure to close the damper in your chimney so that you aren’t losing heat. If you have a gas furnace that is being vented through the chimney, the damper should remain open as long as your furnace is being used. Be sure that you know how to operate the damper to make sure that it is securely closed or open all the way when using a fireplace or gas heating system.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance for your fireplace will entail many tasks. First, you can visually check your fireplace and firebox for any damages. Cracks in the masonry or damaged fire boxes can increase the chances of air leaks through these cracks. Calling a Minneapolis chimney technician for an annual chimney cleaning and inspection is the other huge part of preventing repair needs and maintaining efficiency.

Burn Seasoned Wood Only

For wood-burning fireplaces, burn seasoned wood only. If you are burning green or treated wood, it can cause a number of problems. First, it can lead to excess creosote build-up inside the flue liner. This can damage the liner and hinder proper ventilation. In addition, it will cause smoky or smoldering fires that will not heat the home as well, and you’ll end up using more wood than normal.

If you would like to know more about heating your home efficiently with a fireplace, call the Minneapolis fireplace and chimney experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys for all your fireplace and heating efficiency needs.

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Minneapolis ChimneyTips: Safety Reminders

Monday, February 4th, 2013

The most important heating safety reminder we can give you is to have an annual chimney inspection by one of our Minneapolis chimney technicians. This will reduce the chances of hazards by eliminating any hidden safety concerns. No matter what type of heating system you own, always hire a heating contractor you can trust, such as 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. to perform an annual tune-up or chimney inspection in Minneapolis.

If you have ductwork in your home, it’s a good idea to routinely vacuum out your vents and make sure the vents are not damaged. This will ensure that there’s proper airflow and remove any excess dust or other particles that could eventually damage your system. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have a gas heating system or gas logs. If you have a boiler, check for leaks, corrosion, or other damages.

On gas boilers, furnaces and gas logs, make sure you know how to locate and light the pilot light. Check your owner’s manual or call a heating professional if you don’t. The pilot light should burn blue and steady. If it is yellow, orange, or the flame flickers, call one of our chimney experts to troubleshoot the issue. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, make sure you know what type of wood to burn, and always burn seasoned wood that has been drying for at least six months.

Every home should have a working smoke detector. Test your smoke detector occasionally to make sure it is working. Change the batteries at least once a year, even if they are not dead. If you remove the detector to test it or change the batteries, make sure you know how to properly reinstall the device. This is an important safety device designed to protect you and your home.

Call the Minneapolis chimney specialists at 2nd Generation Chimneys if you have any questions about heating safety. Call today if you have not scheduled your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys!

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Happy New Year’s Eve!

Monday, December 31st, 2012

Everyone at 2nd Generation Chimneys wants to wish you a very happy New Year! We hope you have a fun (and safe!) time saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new.

If you are a person who makes resolutions, why not try to upgrade your fireplace next year? Upgrading your fireplace can reduce the amount of energy you need to keep your home comfortable. You can also save energy by adding insulation to your home. Having a new fireplace installed can save you money by reducing your utility bills. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your fireplace.

Have a great New Year’s Eve!

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Happy Holidays from the Minneapolis chimney specialists!

Friday, December 21st, 2012

Everyone at 2nd Generation Chimneys wishes you a very happy holiday! We would like to take a moment to thank all our wonderful customers who make it possible for our business to thrive. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Have a wonderful celebration, and enjoy this time with friends and family!

As a quick reminder, make sure you’ve scheduled a chimney inspection this winter, if you haven’t yet. Annual maintenance will not only cut down on repair costs, but it also ensures that your chimney is running as efficiently as possible, which lowers utility bills. A comfortable, efficient home is a gift that everyone can appreciate.

Happy Holidays from 2nd Generation Chimneys!

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Holiday Preparation Starts Now!

Friday, September 21st, 2012

It’s mid-September and that means colder weather and the holiday season is just around the corner. With colder weather, brings the need to keep warm, so having your chimney cleaned and ready to operate is a necessary task to get scheduled now. Holidays most likely means company, so don’t smoke the family out of the house on Thanksgiving because you didn’t get a proper chimney cleaning in. Give 2nd Generation Chimneys a call today to schedule your chimney clean and inspection. Keep your family safe, warm, and smoke free this season!

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Fear of heights? No problem! We are here to help…

Friday, September 14th, 2012

No need to climb that ladder yourself when the experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys are available to do the cleaning for you! It is important to get your chimney cleaned at least once a year to ensure proper function. With holiday’s just around the corner, remember to schedule your chimney clean now before you run into the unfortunate event of a smokey Thanksgiving. Plan ahead and give us a call today!

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Another Happy Customer!

Friday, August 17th, 2012

Here is a recent testimonial we received from a satisfied customer:

“Excellent in every respect, from the initial estimate through completion of the job. I especially appreciated the clear, prompt, and courteous communications, the responsible follow-up—they do what they say they’ll do—and the outstanding quality of the work. From Lisa in the office to Dave and the workmen on site, I felt confident at every stage. This is a first-class operation and I would recommend them without hesitation.”

– Gary T.

Thank you, Gary for the kind words!

Our #1 goal and priority is to offer outstanding, quality service from start to finish. If you are in need of Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Repair, or Chimney Inspection, we are here to help! We offer full service inspection, cleaning, repair, and installation at competitive pricing with expert craftsman trained to do it right the first time. Give us a call today at 1-888-PIXLEYS!

If you have already received service from us, let us know how we are doing by taking our Online Survey. Your feedback is valuable to us and is used to continue improving our service to you day after day.

Our trucks are clean and organized, just like our work!

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Win a $100 Giftcard!

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Check out our Facebook page for a shot at winning a $100 Gift Card!

 

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Dryer Vent Cleaning – Experts At Work

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

If you don’t have the right tools for a Dryer Vent Cleaning  job, then it is impossible to effectively remove the build up and maintain the function and safety of your dryer. Clothes dryers cause house fires all the time due to the unattended buildup of lint in the ventilation system. Keeping your dryer vent clean will prevent the possibility of a house fire and will also save you money on your energy bill! Never a better time than now to ensure your dryer is functioning properly. Give us a call today!

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