homeowners: chimneys

[rh71]

Chimney maintenance companies have been calling for the past month asking to clean my chimney (for burner, not fireplace). At first, some companies were offering to do it for $35 or so and just now I got a place saying $55 ... but indicated people were arrested last week for doing people's chimneys for ~$35 (I hadn't told them about other offers I've gotten - they just happen to mention it under their breath)...

So I'd like to know:

1) Do you have to do this every year?
2) Does this make your burner/boiler more efficient?
3) How much should it cost and do you think they need to be fully licensed/insured?

We're new at this since we just moved into the house in December and the burner is about 8 years old with an efficiency of about 89% the last time they checked. We're using oil heat.

Thanks.

 

[KC5AV]

I'm not sure of anything dealing with the cost, but any business that sets foot in my house better be certified and insured. If not, it's just asking for trouble.

 

[Hoober]

Originally posted by: KC5AV
I'm not sure of anything dealing with the cost, but any business that sets foot in my house better be certified and insured. If not, it's just asking for trouble.

Ditto.

 

[Armitage]

Is it normal to clean oil-burner chimneys??
My dad has always heated with oil, but I don't ever remember him cleaning the chimney. Looking into it, it was black, but no buildup like is typical in a wood fireplace chimney.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: ergeorge
Is it normal to clean oil-burner chimneys??
My dad has always heated with oil, but I don't ever remember him cleaning the chimney. Looking into it, it was black, but no buildup like is typical in a wood fireplace chimney.

Come to think of it, my parents just had theirs done for the first time since we moved into that house... 1986. The soot (sp?) that came pouring out when they took it apart was overwhelming.

I guess I can accept the cost of a licensed outfit, but need to know how often this should be done...