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If you’re looking to cut heating costs while keeping your home warm and inviting, pellet stoves offer one of the best returns on investment in home heating. These modern, efficient appliances combine powerful heat output with cost-effective operation, making them a favorite for homeowners who want both performance and savings. What Makes Pellet Stoves So Efficient? Pellet stoves burn compressed wood or biomass pellets that are engineered to burn cleanly and consistently. Unlike traditional wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, which can waste much of their energy through heat loss, pellet stoves are designed for maximum combustion efficiency—often achieving efficiency ratings of 70% to 90% or higher. Most pellet stoves also feature automatic feeding systems that control the rate pellets are delivered into the fire, ensuring a steady temperature and avoiding wasted fuel. Advanced models even include programmable thermostats and remote controls, giving you complete control over your heating needs. Save Money While Staying Warm Because pellet stoves are so efficient, they can significantly reduce your reliance on central heating systems, especially in colder months. Many homeowners report savings of hundreds of dollars per year on energy bills. And with pellet fuel often costing less than oil, propane, or electric heating, the long-term savings quickly add up. Clean, Convenient, and Eco-Friendly Pellet stoves are not just efficient—they’re environmentally friendly too. The pellets are typically made from recycled sawdust and other wood waste, making them a sustainable fuel source. Plus, thanks to their clean burn, pellet stoves produce fewer emissions compared to traditional wood stoves. They’re also incredibly convenient. Just load the hopper, set your preferred heat level, and enjoy hours of warm, steady heat with minimal maintenance. The Bottom Line If you’re ready to upgrade your heating solution, a pellet stove is a smart investment that blends comfort, cost savings, and eco-conscious performance. Whether you’re heating your whole home or just one room, the efficiency of a pellet stove pays off every time you light it. Interested in making the switch? Message or call us today to schedule a consultation with a technician who can show you our selection of high-efficiency pellet stoves and let us help you find the perfect model for your home. - (330) CHIMNEY!

A few months ago, our owner Corey Taylor Flowers, a Certified Chimney Professional, had the honor of speaking with our local fire department about a topic we both care deeply about: chimney fires . While firefighters are on the front lines saving lives and property, chimney professionals work behind the scenes to prevent those emergencies from happening in the first place. But when chimney fires do break out, understanding how they start, behave, and leave behind danger—even after the flames are out—is crucial for everyone’s safety. Here’s what we covered in our training session: 🔥 How Chimney Fires Start Chimney fires are almost always preventable. They typically start from the ignition of creosote—a highly flammable byproduct of wood-burning fires. When smoke cools as it travels up the chimney, it condenses and forms layers of creosote along the flue walls. If that build-up gets too thick and the chimney gets hot enough… boom. Literally. We explained that even a spark or ember from the fireplace can ignite creosote in a dry, neglected flue, especially in chimneys that haven’t been regularly cleaned or inspected. 🚨 What Happens During a Chimney Fire To the untrained eye, a chimney fire might go unnoticed—or sound like just another crackling fire. But to professionals, it’s a serious emergency. We taught the firefighters how to recognize signs of an active chimney fire, including: Loud roaring or popping sounds Intense orange flames shooting from the chimney top Heavy smoke or sparks pouring from the flue Superheated masonry or metal that could crack or warp Some chimney fires burn explosively, while others smolder slowly and silently, damaging the chimney liner or structure over time without ever alerting the homeowner. 🧯 What Happens After – And How to Help Even if the visible fire is out, the danger isn’t gone. We emphasized that post-fire response is just as critical. A chimney that has experienced a fire must be inspected by a certified chimney professional before being used again. Cracks in the flue, damaged liners, or compromised masonry could let heat or flames escape into nearby walls or attics. Homeowners may also be able to file an insurance claim with their homeowners insurance company to get damages covered. We encouraged the department to: Educate homeowners on the importance of professional inspections after any chimney fire Watch for hidden damage during house calls (like smoke stains or warped flashing) Refer homeowners to certified pros for detailed Level 2 chimney inspections & to assist with the insurance process 🤝 A Partnership in Prevention We’re incredibly grateful to our local firefighters—not just for their bravery, but for their willingness to learn more about fire prevention. It’s partnerships like these that keep our community safer, one chimney at a time. If you’ve had a chimney fire or haven’t had your chimney inspected in a while, give us a call - (330) CHIMNEY. It’s always better to prevent the fire than fight it!

At the Ohio Chimney Co., we know firsthand how quickly a small chimney issue can turn into a major headache—especially with Ohio’s ever-changing weather. Whether you’re in Warren, Canton, Hermitage, or anywhere in between, keeping an eye on your chimney can save you from costly repairs and help keep your home safe. Here are the top 5 signs your chimney needs professional attention: 1. Cracked Masonry or Chimney Crown Ohio winters are tough on chimneys. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause bricks and mortar joints to crack, and a damaged crown lets water seep into your chimney system. Left unchecked, this can lead to serious structural damage—or even collapse. Ohio Chimney Co. Tip: If you spot cracks, call us right away. Our skilled masons can repair and waterproof your chimney before the damage spreads. 2. White Staining (Efflorescence) on Brick Notice a white, chalky substance on your chimney? That’s called efflorescence, and it’s a clear sign that water is penetrating the masonry. Moisture is the #1 enemy of chimneys—especially here in Ohio where damp conditions are common. What to do: Schedule an inspection. We’ll track down the moisture source and recommend a solution—like a new chimney cap or a fresh sealant treatment. 3. Rusty or Damaged Fireplace Components Rust on your damper, firebox, or other metal parts is a sign that water is getting into your chimney. This is often due to a missing or damaged cap, cracked crown, or leaking flashing. Why it matters: Rust can lead to stuck dampers and unsafe burning conditions. Ohio Chimney Co. can repair or replace affected parts and stop the leak at its source. 4. Foul Odors from the Fireplace If your fireplace smells like wet ash, mildew, or even a campfire, something's off. It could be creosote buildup, animal nesting, drafting issues, or trapped moisture—any of which can lead to bigger problems down the line. Get it checked: We offer thorough chimney sweeps that will leave your system clean, safe, and smelling fresh. 5. Smoke Entering Your Home A properly functioning chimney should direct smoke outside. If smoke is coming back into your living space, you might have a flue obstruction, poor draft, or a damaged liner. Don’t ignore this: Smoke and carbon monoxide backflow are serious health risks. Give us a call immediately, and our techs will diagnose the issue and restore proper ventilation. Chimney problems don’t fix themselves—and they can be especially risky when left unnoticed. At Ohio Chimney Co., we recommend an annual inspection and sweep to keep your home safe and your fireplace ready for every cozy night in. 👉 Need service or an inspection? Call or text Ohio Chimney Co. at (330) CHIMNEY or fill out our online form today. We proudly serve homeowners across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, delivering trusted, certified chimney care—rain, snow, or shine.

There’s something timeless and cozy about a crackling fire on a chilly day. But building a fire isn’t just about tossing in some logs and lighting a match — a good fire starts with the right setup. Whether you’re using a fireplace or a wood stove, here’s a simple guide to get it right every time. 1. Start with Dry, Seasoned Wood Good firewood is key. Use hardwood like oak, maple, or hickory that’s been split and dried for at least 6–12 months. Avoid using green (fresh) wood or anything damp — it won’t burn well and creates more smoke and creosote buildup. 2. Clean the Firebox First Before each fire, make sure the firebox (where you build the fire) is clean. Remove old ashes, but leave about an inch of ash for insulation if you’ve had recent fires. Also, make sure the damper is fully open to allow airflow. 3. Use the Top-Down Method Instead of the traditional bottom-up stack, try building your fire top-down — it burns cleaner and requires less tending. Step 1: Place the large logs on the bottom. Step 2: Stack smaller logs or split pieces on top of the large logs. Step 3: Add kindling (small sticks or wood slivers) on top of that. Step 4: Place crumpled newspaper or a firestarter at the very top. Light the newspaper or firestarter. The fire will burn downward, igniting the kindling and then the logs below. 4. Keep the Airflow Going Once the fire is lit, make sure air can flow freely. Keep the glass door slightly open or use vents (if your stove has them) to control the burn rate. More air = hotter fire. Less air = slower, longer burn. 5. Stay Safe Never leave a fire unattended. Use a fire screen to catch sparks. Keep flammable items away. Install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A properly built fire burns hotter, cleaner, and safer. With a little care and the right technique, you’ll enjoy a warm, relaxing fire that your chimney — and your home — will thank you for. 🔥 Stay warm and burn smart! At the end of the burning season, give Ohio Chimney Co. a call to get your chimney inspected and swept for next season - (330) CHIMNEY!

After a storm, it’s important to inspect your chimney for damage. High winds, rain, and debris can cause significant issues that may not be immediately visible. Here’s why you should schedule a chimney inspection: 1. Missing Chimney Cap Strong winds can blow off your chimney cap, leaving your chimney exposed to debris, animals, and water. This can lead to blockages or water damage. 2. Water Damage Heavy rain or snow can seep into cracks, causing rust, mold, or weakening the chimney’s structure. This moisture can erode masonry and lead to expensive repairs. 3. Cracked Chimney Crown Cracks in the chimney crown allow water to enter, causing further damage to the structure. Fixing these cracks early can save you from costly repairs later. 4. Missing or Loose Bricks Storms can loosen or knock off bricks, weakening the chimney and creating safety hazards. Missing bricks could also block proper venting, increasing the risk of a fire. 5. Hidden Safety Hazards Damage to the chimney liner or flue can be hard to spot but may cause carbon monoxide leaks or chimney fires. A professional inspection ensures your chimney is safe. Act Fast! Don’t wait—delaying an inspection can worsen any hidden damage. A quick inspection after a storm can keep your chimney safe and working properly. A chimney inspection after a storm ensures your chimney is secure and ready for use. Call us today at (330) CHIMNEY or (330) 244-6639 to schedule your inspection and keep your home safe!

Ohio Chimney Co. is a family owned, third generation business that has been around since 1981. Pictured above is all three generations to have owned and operated the business, bottom center is the man who started it all Dave Taylor, top left is second generation owner David Taylor, top right is current owner and third generation operater Corey Taylor Flowers. We are proud to be family owned for over 40 years and thankful for each and every customer who has supported us along the way! From the Ohio Chimney Co. family to yours, here is to 40 more years of keeping our valley residents safe! Feel free to check out our awesome customer Google reviews from over the years! Thank you all for the continuous support!

As the weather gets warmer, we come into prime animal mating season. To prevent an incident, have us out sooner than later to ensure your chimney cap is adequate to keep out critters. If you find yourself hearing strange noises from the chimney or fireplace, you already have some critters in there. Our friends at Saner Solutions can help with any animal removal needs, give them a call at (330) 980-1572. Then call (330) CHIMNEY to have us out to clean up the mess and cap the chimney off to avoid another incident! Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and other animals nesting in chimneys pose significant risks to both humans and pets. These animals can carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and parasites like fleas and ticks, which can spread into the home. Their nesting materials and droppings create fire hazards and can block proper ventilation, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Additionally, distressed or trapped animals may become aggressive if they enter the living space, posing a direct threat to both residents and pets. Pets, especially curious cats and dogs, may be exposed to bites, scratches, or disease when encountering these intruders. To prevent these risks, homeowners should install chimney caps and regularly inspect their chimneys for signs of wildlife activity.

We promise we aren't the chimney police *but* the National Fire Protection Agency states that each flue "shall be inspected annually". If you have gone more than a year without an inspection of your chimney, you are officially overdue! Thankfully, you have us here at Ohio Chimney Co to help you out with that! All of our inspection technicians are certified chimney sweeps and are ready to inspect your chimney. Whether the chimney services a fireplace, multiple fireplaces, or a hot water tank/furnace, we are the company for you! We find all sorts of issues with chimney systems including blockages creating a venting issue (this means CO in your home!), major creosote buildup (which can cause a chimney fire!), water intrusion from the chimney into the home, even animals like birds, bats, squirrels, and raccoons! Be diligent with your inspection schedule and ensure that it becomes one of your routine home maintenance tasks.