Protect Your Home This Fall
Beware of Fake Chimney Companies
September, October, and November—what we call the “prime season”—are the months when homeowners across Chicagoland are preparing their fireplaces for the colder nights ahead. This is the time when most people who haven’t yet scheduled a service are finally picking up the phone. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when fake chimney companies flood Google Maps.
The Problem: “Businesses” That Don’t Exist
Every fall, dozens of so-called chimney sweep businesses suddenly appear online. Many of these listings have:
- Stock or fake photos
- Dozens of suspicious reviews
- Professional-sounding names
On the surface, they look real. But here’s the truth:
- They are not licensed to work in Illinois
- They exist only for a few months during busy season
- Their goal is to collect leads and sell them to uncertified, seasonal workers
These individuals often lack training, tools, and certification. They don’t perform proper inspections, rarely use chimney cameras, and may miss (or ignore) serious safety hazards.
Why This Matters
Your fireplace and chimney are safety systems. If a sweep cuts corners, you risk:
- Hidden cracks that could cause a house fire
- Improper venting that can lead to carbon monoxide entering your home
- Costly damage that only gets worse with time
How to Protect Yourself
Before letting anyone into your home, take a few simple steps:
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Call the company directly – Real businesses answer their phones and have a physical presence in the community.
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Ask for a certificate of insurance – A legitimate company should have no problem providing proof of coverage.
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Check memberships – Visit the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) website to see if they’re listed as members.
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Look beyond Google Maps – A real company has a professional website, a track record of reviews, and is active year-round.
Why Choose Chimney Monkey
At Chimney Monkey, we are:
- Fully licensed and insured in Illinois
- A professional, year-round business (not seasonal)
- Committed to performing thorough inspections with video camera technology
- Members of national and regional chimney organizations
When you book with us, you’re not just hiring someone to sweep out soot—you’re hiring trained professionals who treat fireplace safety seriously.
✅ Be careful this fall. Do your research. And make sure the people working in your home are true professionals.
