Protecting Your Home, Your Heat, and Your Safety

No matter the fuel type, every venting system needs regular evaluation and cleaning to stay safe and perform properly. This includes wood‑burning fireplaces, wood stoves, gas fireplaces, gas inserts, pellet stoves, furnaces, and water heaters.

Our CSIA Certified team starts with a level I chimney evaluation at every home. This is an opportunity to Identify initial exterior chimney problems and evaluate the safety of the home appliance system. They'll assess the chimney from top to bottom, including the cap, crown or chase cover, and the chimney structure weather vent pipe, chase, brick or block and the system set up and location within the home including those aspects that are visually accessible. 

The level II evaluation includes a video scan of the entire flue. This is where a specialized camera, called a Chim‑Scan, is lowered through the chimney to check for cracks, gaps, missing mortar joints, or hidden damage. Then inspection of accessible areas around the chimney like the attic, basement, crawlspace, or other areas where the chimney passes through. Homeowners receive a detailed report showing the condition of the chimney from top to bottom.

Whether you’re maintaining your current chimney system or evaluating a chimney in a home you plan to purchase, Level I and Level II inspections provide the safety and peace of mind every homeowner deserves. A Level II inspection is recommended for real-estate transactions and can save the home buyer money and headache from problems that are found after the closing date.

Serving Mid‑Michigan Communities, Dennis Hearth & Home proudly serves homeowners across Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Eaton Rapids, Okemos, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Brighton, and the surrounding Mid‑Michigan region.

When you schedule your maintenance visit, a technician arrives with the tools needed to perform a complete inspection and cleaning. The process begins with a visual assessment of your fireplace interior, chimney exterior, and venting components. In Mid-Michgian, technicians frequently identify creosote deposits from heavy winter use and weathering from freeze-thaw cycles that affect masonry and flue liners.

Dennis Hearth & Home LLC uses rotary brushes, cameras, and vacuums to remove buildup and inspect hidden areas for cracks, blockages, or deterioration. Draft meters confirm proper airflow, ensuring smoke exits your home safely. The team checks gaskets, dampers, and seals, making adjustments or replacements as needed to maintain efficient operation.

Once cleaning and inspections are complete, you'll receive a summary of findings and suggested next steps. Most visits take two to three hours, depending on system type and condition.

Homeowners want to know what regular maintenance prevents and how it protects their investment. These answers cover the most important aspects of annual fireplace care.

How does regular maintenance reduce repair costs?

Annual inspections catch small issues like cracked tiles or worn gaskets before they worsen. Fixing minor problems early prevents expensive structural repairs and keeps your system running smoothly.

What does a camera inspection reveal?

Cameras show creosote levels, liner condition, blockages, and masonry damage inside the chimney. You see exactly what the technician sees, making it easier to understand needed repairs.

Why is creosote buildup a concern in Battle Creek?

Heavy winter burning leads to faster creosote accumulation, which increases fire risk. Cold weather also slows draft, allowing deposits to form more quickly on flue walls.

Can maintenance plans cover gas fireplaces too?

Yes, inspections include venting checks, burner cleaning, and control testing for gas systems. Regular service ensures safe ignition and efficient heat output.

How often should I schedule a maintenance visit?

Annual visits are recommended for most systems. If you burn wood frequently, consider scheduling sweeping twice per year to manage creosote buildup.

Preventive care protects your home, prolongs appliance life, and gives you confidence that every fire burns safely. Reach out now to enroll in a maintenance plan and secure your annual visit.