CSIA Says, When You Heat Your Home: Cleaner is Greener

PLAINFIELD, Ind.--(Business Wire)--
As the weather gets cooler, trails of woodsmoke will soon become more prevalent
in the sky throughout most of the United States. That smoke is the result of
incomplete combustion, a tell-tale sign that the fireplace or stove can be
operated more efficiently. The Chimney Safety Institute of America reminds
homeowners that they can get more out of their home heating budgets this year by
learning to operate their systems more efficiently and by maintaining them on an
annual basis. Learn how to reduce emissions from your fireplace by building from
the top down.

"Learning how to operate your home heating appliances and then taking care of
them through routine maintenance are two of the best things a homeowner can do
to save money on heating this season," states Ashley Eldridge, Director of
Education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Factory-built fireplaces and stoves come with an operator`s manual just like an
automotive operations manual. Since most homeowners operate their heating
appliances for only a season or two and their cars or trucks year-round, it is
even more important to dust off that installation and operation manual and
review the basics. If you are unsure about how to operate your home heating
appliance and the owner`s manual cannot be found or does not make sense, call a
qualified chimney professional.

A qualified chimney professional, like a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®, can show
you how your heating and venting systems work and can help you do your part to
save the environment by burning cleaner and help you save money by heating more
efficiently.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection
Association recommend annual chimney inspections by a qualified chimney
professional and sweeping when necessary. (A good rule of thumb is that your
chimney needs to be swept when there is 1/8" of accumulated creosote in the
system. Learn more about chimney sweeping at www.CSIA.org.)

Annual inspections by a qualified chimney professional can also help you
identify potential issues with your chimney which may need to be addressed,
including creosote buildup, obstructions like bird nests or cracks which may
cause heat and noxious gases to be released inside the home. (Learn more about
the three levels of chimney inspections at www.CSIA.org.)

For further information on chimney and venting safety, chimney inspections, what
to expect when you hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and to locate a CSIA
Certified Chimney Sweep, homeowners are encouraged to visit www.CSIA.org.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, established in 1983, is a non-profit,
educational institution, dedicated to educating the public about the prevention
of chimney and venting safety hazards. The CSIA recommends annual inspections be
performed by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. These chimney professionals have
earned the industry's most respected credential by passing an intensive
examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction
and maintenance of chimney and venting systems.

Chimney Safety Institute of America
Melissa Heeke, Director of Communications, 317-837-5362
mheeke@csia.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009