This is a Hammer

THIS IS A

HAMMER

Don’t Wait Until Fall to Get Chimney Cleaned

Q: I told my neighbor I was thinking of hiring a fireplace cleaner — a chimney sweep, I guess — this month, and he said I was crazy to schedule one at this time of year because they’ll charge me an arm and a leg. He said I should wait until fall when they’re busier. What do you think? — Janice C., Syracuse, N.Y.

A: I think you should go ahead and schedule the fireplace cleaning. Worrying about the possibility that the cleaning company will charge you more than usual is silly when you can get a written estimate before they start the...