Always Hire a Certified Expert

Our founder, Louis Lee proudly serves as the Vice President of the O.C.S.A. , and we encourage homeowners to hire certified experts. You can learn more by visiting the Oregon Chimney Sweep Association.

We strongly recommend that people take a few steps when considering which chimney sweep will perform an annual inspection or related service on their chimney or vent. Because proper care and attention to service can help protect people from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisonings, it is important to choose the professional wisely. While the O.C.S.A. recommends that people consider a O.C.S.A. Certified Chimney Sweep, there are additional questions that should be asked to ensure that the person hired is a credible service technician:

How long has the company been in business?
Do they offer current references?
Are there any unresolved complaints filed within the city or state consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau?
Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
Does the company ensure that a O.C.S.A. Certified Chimney Sweep will be on the job site?​​​​

To ensure that homeowners receive a certified sweep at every job, all chimney sweeping companies promoting themselves as “O.C.S.A. Certified” or displaying the O.C.S.A. Certified Sweep logo are required to have a O.C.S.A. Certified Chimney Sweep sign off on every job.

Accreditation
The O.C.S.A. meets the highest of educational standards.

Longevity
The O.C.S.A. credential was established in 1983 to provide homeowners a means to measure a chimney sweep’s technical expertise.

Code of Ethics
In addition to passing a rigorous examination, each person wishing to hold a O.C.S.A. certification must also agree to abide by a stringent Code of Ethics. We feel this is critical to protecting homeowners from potential scams. If a O.C.S.A. Certified Chimney Sweep is found to be in violation, their certification may be revoked.

​Focus on Public Safety and Industry Advancement
O.C.S.A. does more for the industry than certify chimney sweeps. O.C.S.A. ’s mission includes public and professional education with a commitment to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other chimney-related hazards that result in the loss of lives and property.

​Continuing Education
O.C.S.A. Certified Chimney Sweeps must re-certify through examination or continuing education credits every three years. Since the industry is constantly evolving, O.C.S.A. does not believe in providing a “one-and-done” lifetime certification.

Reciprocal Affiliated Trades Relationships
O.C.S.A. devotes its resources to educating the public and related industries through traditional and social media and its relationships with affiliated trades such as home inspectors, realtors, and homeowner associations. Many of these same trade groups promote O.C.S.A. ‘s mission through their own channels.

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