This is a re-post from the blog of Debbie Kelly from the examiner.com

I wanted to re-post this to get the word out.

In New England many people have oil heat, which means summer is the time to schedule the free system cleaning that most oil companies include with any paid service contract.  It's also likely that you might be thinking about having your chimney cleaned to get your home ready for the heating season ahead. 

The CT Better Business Bureau recently issued a warning to alert consumers about many unlicensed companies trying to scam people by advertising a low cost cleaning, which then results in a recommendation for costly, unnecessary repairs. Click this link for the full warning from the better business bureau.  http://ct.bbb.org/article/connecticut-better-business-bureau-warns-consumers-about-chimney-cleaning-con-game-11653

Always check the reputation of a chimney cleaner at www.ct.bbb.org before hiring them for work.  Many oil companies are starting to offer this service as well.  If you're happy with your current provider, it's worth inquiring about having them do it for you.