The short answer
Apex Premier Chimney Services inspects and cleans chimneys, dryer vents and air ducts across Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Boerum Hill and Williamsburg. We follow the NFPA 211 guideline of a yearly chimney inspection and help buildings plan chimney work for oil-to-gas boiler conversions.
Apex Premier Chimney Services provides chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and air duct cleaning throughout Brooklyn. We work in Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Boerum Hill and Williamsburg, in row houses, converted lofts, walk-ups and larger apartment buildings. Our certified technicians look at the whole venting system, explain what they find in plain terms, and tell you what needs attention now and what can wait.
Chimney Inspections and Cleaning
The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. Inspections come in three levels. A Level 1 inspection fits a system that hasn't changed. A Level 2 inspection applies when something changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when a home is sold. A Level 3 inspection is for cases where a hidden hazard can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.
Cleaning removes soot and creosote from wood-burning fireplaces and clears debris, nests and other blockages from flues serving boilers, furnaces and water heaters.
Oil-to-Gas Conversions and Chimney Liners
Some Brooklyn buildings still heat with oil, and owners converting to gas need to plan for the chimney. In New York City, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of an oil-to-gas boiler conversion. A new liner is often needed, because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. We inspect the flue, document its condition and explain your liner options before the new boiler goes in.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Lint collects in the duct behind the dryer and along long vent runs, which are common in apartments and row houses. Watch for these warning signs:
- Clothes needing more than one cycle to dry
- The dryer or laundry area feeling unusually hot
- A burning smell while the dryer runs
- Weak or no airflow at the outside vent hood
Air Duct Cleaning, Explained Honestly
We follow the U.S. EPA's guidance on air duct cleaning. It recommends cleaning when there is substantial visible mold growth, signs of vermin, or excessive dust and debris in the ducts. The EPA also notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, so we won't present it as a cure for allergies. Before hiring anyone, research how the work will be done, be wary of very cheap advertised offers, and ask questions about any chemical treatment that is proposed.
Planning Around Heat Season
New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31, when building owners must keep apartments heated to the city's minimum temperatures. Scheduling chimney and flue work in late summer or early fall leaves time to finish any repairs before the boiler is needed. For co-ops, condos and rental buildings, we can coordinate access with building management or the super.