Have you checked your carbon monoxide alarms lately? Do you have at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your home? When is the last time you tested it?

I was exposed to carbon monoxide this fall. It is an invisible odorless gas that starves the body of oxygen. It's a good thing that I follow the standard recommendation of having my furnace inspected and tuned up each year, just as it’s also recommended your chimney be inspected, and cleaned if necessary, annually.

When the HVAC Tech showed up he noticed that the PVC pipe had come apart, pumping carbon monoxide into my home. I was very lucky. It could have been a fatal mistake if I had waited because I rarely frequent the area in my basement where the furnace is located. I had relied on the safety of my carbon monoxide alarm to let me know if there was a problem. As it turns out, the alarm didn't work.

What most people don’t know is that the sensors in carbon monoxide alarms have a limited shelf life of usually 3 – 7 years. Mine was about 5 years old. And, last fall when I changed the batteries in my smoke detector I forgot to test the carbon monoxide alarm. It had beeped in the spring time when I tested it so I know it was working then. This fall was the ONE TIME that I didn't do this and it could have cost me my life.

I recommend that you have at least two working carbon monoxide detectors in your home at all times. One should be in the sleeping area(s) of your home. If these are in different wings or on different levels then keep adding carbon monoxide alarms till you have one on each level and wing. Each spring and fall when you change your smoke detector batteries please use the test button on your alarms to make sure they are still working!

Stay tuned for more articles on carbon monoxide.

We frequently get questions about what the difference is in fireplace dampers.

The old-fashioned fireplace dampers are usually installed when a masonry fireplace is built. It is usually made of cast-iron which means that eventually it can rust. If you look up the chimney you will usually see a long oval or rectangle metal opening. It will have either a "poker" type control that looks kind of like a fish-bone and has slots or may have a round knob that you turn to open the damper. When the damper is closed it forms a metal to metal seal.

Chimney top dampers, like the Energy Top Damper, fit on the top of the chimney. A stainless steel cable drops down the chimney, attaches to a handle which secures into a bracket in the firebox when closed. These dampers are made of rust-proof cast-aluminum and stainless steel. Dampers like the Energy Top have a rubber "refrigerator style" gasket which provides for a tight seal. These dampers save on energy dollar.

One more type of fireplace damper is found in factory-built fireplaces. These dampers are usually rectangular or round and are made of metal. They almost always have a metal to metal seal. To open them there is usually a handle in the top middle of the fireplace.

If you have more questions please feel free to ask your chimney professionals when they are at your home. We will be glad to talk to you about your damper and any other concern you have regarding your fireplace damper. If you are having problems with your fireplace damper please feel free to check out our troubleshooting page. To contact us click here.

At Lindemann Chimney Service in Northern Chicago and Southern Wisconsin we like to make you aware of news and information that we feel can be beneficial to you.

There have been several issues in the news regarding house fires as a result of ashes/embers that have been improperly disposed of. Ashes can contain embers that are hot enough to ignite combustibles DAYS after having a fire. Here are some of the problems related to hot ash disposal.

The biggest story in recent news is the loss of grandparents and three grandchildren on Christmas in Stamford, CT as a result of smoldering ashes/embers that were cleaned out of the fireplace and taken to the back part of the house a couple of hours before the fire started.

Another recent fire was a result of a man putting ashes/embers around a telephone pole to fill in an open area. The hot ashes/embers ignited a plastic covering that protected the ground wires and almost ignited the home.

In another recent situation a man cleaned out his fireplace, put the hot ashes/embers in a bag, then in a cardboard box and set it on his balcony. A fire broke out in his apartment building displacing about six families.

Smoldering embers have burned through plastic buckets igniting numerous house fires. Also, carrying an open container through the home has also caused hot embers/sparks to leap out of the bucket and ignite inside the home.

Garbage cans, garbage trucks, garages, homes and grass fires are just some of the situations in which hot embers have ignited and caused massive damage. Here are some tips for dealing with hot ashes/embers:

• Ashes/embers can stay hot for days after a fire.
• When disposing of ashes outside DON'T dump them on a combustible surface.
• Use water to wet the ashes/embers to make sure they are completely out.
• Only use an approved metal ash bucket. It should have a tight fitting metal lid and a double-bottom.
• Don't dump ashes outside on a windy day. The wind can whip up what may have seemed cool embers, making them fiery hot and sending them traveling to ignite nearby combustibles.
• Never burn garbage, wrapping paper, plastic, cardboard or anything not specifically approved for use in a fireplace. These items can lead to a chimney fire, can cause large embers to exit the flue igniting nearby combustibles AND the ashes/embers can be unpredictable.
• NEVER dump ashes into a plastic container, cardboard box, bag, or anything or place where combustible fluids of fumes are present.

By using good common sense many of the above fires could have been avoided. Enjoy your fireplace or woodstove but always dispose of the ashes wisely.

All of my staff and I at Lindemann Chimney Service would like to wish you a Merry Christmas. During this Christmas season we hope you enjoy the time you spend with loved ones as you partake in the season's festivities. May your holiday travels be safe and your memories of this Christmas be warm.

We will be closed Monday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Recently Mike Ruehrdanz of Lindemann Chimney Service ran into Santa while cleaning a chimney on the north shore of Chicago. As it turns out, Santa was checking out chimney sizes and which chimneys were clean so he knew which parents might get naughty or nice gifts. Mike took this once in a lifetime opportunity to interview Santa.

Mike: So Santa, I've always wondered, how do you get up and down the chimneys?

Santa: At each chimney I say "Ho ho ho!!!" to push the air out of my lungs. Then with a jump I slide my quivering mass down the chimney.

Mike: What is the strangest thing you have ever found in a chimney?

Santa: Have you seen the photos with me and the animals? These are critters that I rescue when I find them in the chimney. Squirrels, birds, raccoons, etc. Just like in the pictures, I feed and adopt these critters.

Mike: I've got to know. Me and the sweeps have debated this time and again and I have to know. What is your favorite type of cookie?

Santa: I love all cookies! One of my new favorites is the chimney cake. I understand there's a place in Chicago that makes them called "Chimney Cake Island".

Mike: I've heard that some people leave you healthy snacks instead of cookies.

Santa: Yeah, some can't get past thinking that I need healthier snacks. But maybe they live a pretty bland life and I leave them educational toys or puzzles.

Mike: What about the milk? Wouldn't you rather have eggnog?

Santa: Ho ho ho!! While I like eggnog I still have a sleigh to drive and I never drink eggnog while I'm on the road. Mrs. Claus made me promise to drive responsibly.

Mike: So what kind of milk do you like?

Santa: Any kind of milk will do. After all, I have to keep my strength up. In some parts of the world I get rice milk. In others, real fresh cow's milk. This way I never get tired of the same thing.

Mike: What is the hottest new toy this year?

Santa: One of the biggest request I've received is for an iPAD 2. This mostly comes from the tweens and adults. It's kind of sad. Some parts of the world the request is for food, housing or better health for a loved one. I always try to fulfill every wish to the best of my ability. When it comes to requests for someone sick I turn that over to the Big Guy. The best solution for those situations is prayer.

Mike: So do you really have reindeer that pull your sleigh?

Santa: Reindeer are the best! Instead of gauging motors by horse power they should have used reindeer power. Have you ever seen a horse fly? I didn't think so.

Mike: Do you have any words of wisdom for children and adults?

Santa: It's important during this time of year to keep in mind the real meaning of Christmas. It's become so commercialized and I've become such an icon that people forget the real meaning of Christmas. It goes centuries back to Bethlehem and the Christ Child that was born and placed in a manger. In these days when people are focused on the latest techno gadgets and talking dolls it's important to remember that there are people out there who will spend this Christmas on the streets or in huts similar to Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child's first Christmas. It's up to us to care for these people who often either can't care for themselves or are in a situation where they don't have the opportunities that you do in the USA. So remember the less fortunate. AND there's still time to get put on my nice list. So help your folks and your fellow man and see what kind of spin it puts on your holiday season. I guarantee it will be jolly!

Mike: That's a really important message. I have one last question. Does Rudolf really have a red nose?

Santa: Where do you think they got the idea for lighthouses? Of course he has a red nose! Although I've also added the ultra ion sensitizationalized bright beam light for those extra foggy or snowy nights. It snaps on the front of his harness.

Mike: Any last words for the folks?

Santa: Ho!! Ho!! Ho!! Merry Christmas! And a jolly good new year!! Get those chimneys cleaned or I'll put you on the naughty list!

Have you picked up your free firewood? If you are a Lindemann Chimney Service Customer on the north shore of Chicago or southern Wisconsin then you are entitled to free firewood in our Free Firewood for Life Program.

Make sure you pick it up just in time for the holidays! Our wood is already seasoned, clean and comes in a mesh bag. It makes it easy to start your holiday fires to gather with your loved ones.

Make sure your chimney has been inspected and cleaned and observe holiday safety tips when using your fireplace.

For more information on our Free Wood for Life Program click here. To contact us please click here.

One of our staff at Lindemann Chimney Service found this video on fireplace safety which is especially important around the holidays. It is presented by the US Fire Administration and has some valuable information.

In addition, remember that guests may not be familiar with fireplace safety and this time of year may warrant extra precautions. Here are some additional fireplace safety tips.

• Appoint a responsible person to be in charge of the fireplace when guests are coming. This person can monitor the fire to prevent guests from trying to be too helpful.
• Keep children away from the fireplace. Keep in mind that they may not be familiar with fireplace safety tips.
• Look for obstacles near the fireplace that might cause persons to trip - particularly small children and the elderly who aren't as sure footed.
• Never overfill the fireplace. A couple of logs at a time are usually sufficient. Too much wood can cause the firebox to overheat and when the logs start to burn down they can shift which may lead to logs rolling out in to the room.
• Always safely dispose of ashes in an approved metal ash bucket with a tight fitting lid. Many house fires start with people carrying what they thought were cold ashes outside in paper or plastic bags. Sometimes hot embers burn through before they get outside. In other cases, people put hot ashes on or near combustibles which can start a structure fire or ignite surrounding grass, etc. In fact, it's a good idea to douse any ashes with water when dumping them outside. Never dump fresh ashes into a trash container. This can also start a fire.
• Never burn cardboard, wrapping paper, holiday greenery, etc. These can create sparks or large embers which will increase the chance of a chimney fire or floating embers which may ignite combustibles on the exterior of the home or elsewhere.
• NEVER use combustible liquids to start a fire in your fireplace. Combustible liquids such as gasoline have a flash point which means that the fumes can ignite at a certain temperature. What then happens is that the fumes trace back to the fuel source within a split second and can ignite the gasoline causing an explosion. So even if you haven't put the gasoline on the fire it could explode in your hands if you are even near the fireplace. Starting a fire with combustible fluids can also cause an explosion. This is why they don't want persons to light up a cigarette at a gas station.
• Keep combustible materials (stockings, wood, greenery, etc., ) away from the opening of the fireplace. Sparks and heat can ignite these combustibles.
• Make sure your fireplace and chimney is inspected annually and cleaned, if needed.
• Always keep the fireplace spark screens closed when burning.
• Never let children or anyone touch the glass on a fireplace door. This glass gets extremely hot and can burn a person pretty quickly.

Enjoy your fireplace! Use it as a focal point and a gathering place for your family and friends. It will be the most important form of relaxation and enjoyment for the holidays while creating many valuable memories for years to come. Just use it wisely.

Note: To view the video click here. For tips on fireplace trouble-shooting click here. To contact us for an inspection or additional help click here.

Have you had your furnace chimney inspected this year? Up her on the Northern Shore of Chicago and Southern Wisconsin our furnace chimneys are exposed to a pretty harsh environment. As per the Chimney Safety Institute of America, Lindemann Chimney Service 

When moisture enters the chimney from the exterior it can wreck havoc on your chimney. This could be due to lack of a rain cap, damaged mortar joints, spongy brick, a cracked chimney crown, a leaky chimney or other problems. In our area, when moisture freezes it expands and can cause cracks and damage to appear or worsen. We are in a prime freeze/thaw zone.

Moisture can be found in the chimney from other sources. For every cubic foot of gas burned it can produce two cubic feet of water vapor. If the furnace pulls in chlorides from the laundry, fluorides from new carpet or other fumes it mixes with moisture to create hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, etc. This can eat at the interior of the chimney flue and damage mortar joints as it moves to the exterior. It can also wreck havoc in freeze/thaw conditions.

Chimney blockages are another problem that can occur. Without a chimney cap birds nests, squirrel nests, bees nests, wasp nests, chimney debris, leaves and other types of debris can all accumulate in a chimney. If this fills up the thimble area at the bottom this could block off the area where the vent enters the chimney.

Sometimes new appliances may be incorrectly vented. This can lead to quite a few problems with the furnace and/or water heater not venting correctly.

The results of operating a furnace chimney with damage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure this doesn't happen to you or your family. Our team will visually inspect your chimney with state-of-the-art video inspection equipment. With this equipment we can pinpoint problem areas and make repair recommendations if needed. To have your chimney inspected and cleaned or repaired, if needed, please contact us by clicking here or call us at 847-918-7994.

It's hard to believe a year has come and gone and the holidays are once again upon us up here in the northern shore of Chicago. I have much to be thankful for this year as I pause to remember the important people in my life.

Customers - Without you we would not be in business. I understand that you have many options available and I'm thankful that you chose us. We enjoy the opportunity to serve you.

Employees - Our employees differentiate us from other companies. We amazingly talented team that truly embody our core values. I'm consistently amazed, humbled and proud of what we accomplish together.

Veterans - Thanks to our veterans and their families for the sacrifices you had made for us. You have made this a great country!

Family – I've been blessed beyond words here.

Thanks to God for making all of this possible.

I wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving as you and your family celebrate.

Rob Lindemann, CEO Lindemann Chimney Service

With Thanksgiving just a few days away Lindemann Chimney Service in Northern Chicago and Southern Wisconsin would like to remind you of some holiday safety tips when using your fireplace.

• Have your chimney and fireplace inspected annually and cleaned if the sweep determine it needs cleaning.
• Make sure your flue damper is open before lighting a fire.
• Use seasoned dry wood (check out our Free Wood for Life).
• Don't leave your fireplace unattended.
• Always use a fireplace spark screen on the front of your fireplace when burning.
• If your fireplace has a glass door don't let children or anyone touch the glass - it's hot.
• Don't let children near the fireplace.
• Make sure the pathway in front of the fireplace is clear so no one trips.
• Keep decorations away from the fireplace when it's in use.
• Always dispose of ashes into an ash bucket with a tight fitting lid and double-bottom.
• Don't stack the logs too high - sometimes they have a tendency to tumble when they burn down.
• With gas logs always make sure that your "brother-in-law" didn't rearrange the logs while you were in the kitchen cooking. This can affect not only the flame of the logs, but can also cause sooting.

Please keep these safety tips in mind when using your fireplace this Thanksgiving. And enjoy using it! With proper care, maintenance and attention you can use it for years to come.

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! You will find our staff at Lindemann Chimney Service in Northern Chicago and Southern Wisconsin ready to help you prepare for the holidays.

Have you had your chimney inspected and cleaned? We don't want you to have any bad holiday surprises like a blockage, smoky fireplace or a chimney fire. Give us a call so you can rest assured that you will be ready to go!

Do you have enough wood for our holiday gatherings? Our customers are eligible for our Free Wood for Life Program. Give us a call and come pick up your free firewood. It's in clean bags and ready to go (please see photo)! Click here for more info on this program.

Are you looking for more convenience like a gas log or a gas fireplace insert? Do you want to still enjoy the appearance of a fire with a click of a remote? We can help you out!

Whatever your fireplace desires are for the holidays please let us help you prepare. Please click here to contact us or give us a call at 847-918-7994. It would be our pleasure. Happy Thanksgiving!

Lindemann Home Services, a division of Lindemann Chimney Service, in Northern Chicago, Southern Wisconsin would like to remind you that if you haven't had your gutters cleaned then don't wait any longer! Full gutters can lead to major repair costs on your home.

A clogged gutter causes water to splash everywhere. It's like filling a bowl full of water and dropping an ice cube or stones into it. Water splashes in all directions. The same thing happens with your gutters only water splashes back into your fascia board and soffits. Over time this can lead to rotting wood and insect infestation with carpenter ants, termites and other undesirables.

Foundation damage to your home can also be a result of clogged or leaking gutters as well as damage to landscape, driveways and other structures. Water can even funnel to the inside damaging ceilings, walls and even coming in around windows. Clogged gutters also retain ice and snow and can also cause damage to the shingles along the lower part of the roof.

To get your gutters cleaned and inspected please phone us at 847-918-7994 or click here to contact us.

Lindemann Chimney Service in Northern Chicago and Southern Wisconsin would like to provide you with some fireplace and woodstove safety tips:

• ALWAYS use a fireplace screen that is made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Keep children away from the fireplace or woodstove. Fireplace or woodstove screens or glass doors can become hot and could possibly burn them.
• Don't clutter the hearth. This includes debris, decorations, and flammable materials.
• Kindling, fire logs, and wood should be kept at least three feet from any heat source.
• Never use a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene, or gasoline to start a fire. Instead use a proper firestarter such as newspaper, kindling, or specially manufactured starters designed for indoor use.
• Never burn charcoal in your fireplace. It can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide and could also damage your fireplace.
• If you have a woodstove, install a stovepipe thermometer to help monitor flue temperatures. Not having a thermometer is a little like driving a car without a speedometer and it helps you to burn more efficiently.
• Fireplace and woodstove ashes can remain warm for days after they appear to be out. Allow these ashes to cool before disposing of them.
• Use a tightly covered metal container to dispose of ashes. Place the container outdoors, at least ten feet from the home and any other nearby buildings. Never dump ashes on anything combustible AND don't dispose of ashes on windy days.
• Last but definitely not least, have your fireplace, woodstove installation, chimney and woodstove flues inspected and cleaned each year by a CSIA Certified Sweep (all our sweeps are certified). We will inspect the flue for blockages, creosote deposits, soot build-up, or physical damage using a video camera system designed especially for chimneys. If cleaning or further maintenance is needed we will be happy to discuss this with you and answer your questions.

Mother Nature is very unpredictable. At Lindemann Chimney Service in Northern Chicago and Southern Wisconsin we want to help you be prepared for this winter's onslaught. If you haven't had your chimney inspected and cleaned then NOW is the time!

Many firefighters have been called out on chimney, fireplace and woodstove related fires since the "Snowtober" storm in the northeast. This storm not only broke snowfall records, but also damaged trees which led to power line failures all up and down the affected area. Also, carbon monoxide (CO) illness and deaths have also happened as a result of clogged chimneys this last week. What makes this extra sad is that it didn't have to happen.

In all but a few cases, if their chimney had been inspected and cleaned, there wouldn't have been a fire, wouldn't have been CO illness and lives would have been saved. There's no way to put a price on this. Be prepared for Mother Nature's next move. Give us a call at 847-918-7994 or click here for an inspection and cleaning and be prepared for winter's next turn of events.

At Lindemann Chimney Service on the north shore of Chicago and southern Wisconsin, we strive to give you the best service available and we love to save you money. If you have a woodburning fireplace built of masonry materials, chances are the it also has a traditional cast-iron damper. When your fireplace was new the damper provided a metal-to-metal seal. Back when these dampers were first designed energy costs were lower and it was way before the energy crisis of the 1970's. Having a tight-fitting seal wasn't a necessary consideration.

Today there are chimney top damper/chimney cap combinations like the Energy Top+ available that effectively and efficiently seal off the top of the chimney when it's not in use. They are usually made of cast-aluminum and stainless and won't rust. These dampers have various types of seals. Some are stainless steel that have a metal to metal seal. Other dampers incorporate a flat silicone gasket or an injected silicone gasket. The ultimate seal is designed with a refrigerator-type gasket. This seal is very flexible and provides the best, tightest seal.

Installing one of these chimney top dampers can save up to 8% of your home heating costs depending on the type of seal and the size of the home. This savings will pay for the cost of the damper usually within 2-5 years andit has a lifetime warranty.

Chimney top dampers are easy to use. The lid of the damper is attached to a stainless steel cable that drops down the flue and into the fireplace firebox. This cable has a spring handle at the bottom that fits into a bracket that's attached to the firebox when closed. To open the damper just tug down on the handle, release and the damper pops open. These dampers are only designed for woodburning fireplaces and should be fully open when in use. They should be closed only when the fire is completely out and there's no smoldering or hot coals left.

To find a chimney top damper for your fireplace give us a call at 847-918-7994 or click here to contact us. We believe in them so strongly we keep them on hand and can install one on the top of your chimney to start saving you energy dollars quickly.