The concept of “spring cleaning” is likely rooted in nature. Look around. You might see robins and sparrows gathering twigs and string to make nests. It’s not exactly spring cleaning, but you get the idea. After a winter of more or less hibernating, creatures get busy. We humans are no different. That’s why it is wise to put Old Smokey’s on your dance card as soon as possible for chimney, fireplace, or dryer vent inspections or improvements.
(Ever wonder what a dance card actually is? Back in the 19th century at a formal ball, a man wishing to dance with a woman would pencil in his name on an elaborately decorated booklet, or dance card, the woman carried with her. The woman recorded the names of her prospective dance partners on the dance card. Rules of etiquette made it difficult for her to refuse the dance offer.)
Old Smokey’s doesn’t want to say no to your inquiry or your prospective need for our professional services. Our first appointment scheduling tip is simple and direct: Get to us before our dance card is full!
Along those lines, Old Smokey’s also has some practical suggestions. These are recommendations that will help us to serve you better. You might say it’s akin to saying, in the 1800s, make sure you have a pencil and a dance card. Simple but practical.
First, schedule nonemergency services during the spring and summer months. That’s why we’re talking to you about this now. You won’t believe how busy things start to get — for you and for us. Sure, emergencies are never planned, but routine maintenance can be. Schedule it today.
Here’s another suggestion: do not use your fireplace and chimney in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment. Remove all ash from the firebox. Complying with these requests will help assure the safety of our technicians. (Old Smokey’s thanks you in advance for this courtesy.)
Finally, if you have breakable or delicate items in the 5- to 6-foot area surrounding the appliance being serviced, please move them before the appointment. That’s common sense and practical. (Thanks, again.)
Actually, before we leave this topic, a few other thoughts about appointments come to mind, some more whimsical than others:
Do not (repeat, do not) tie a string on your finger as an appointment reminder. That stuff never worked, not even in the days of dance cards. Some retro things are cool, but not tying a string on your finger.
You do not have to physically walk into our offices in Ashley, Indiana to make an appointment. However, if you do stop by to make an appointment, that’s fine. Glad to see you. We like visitors.
It is okay to mark your wall calendar at home with an appointment date or secure a note on your fridge with a magnet. Nevertheless, if you want to go all modern with some sort of appointment app reminder on your smartphone, go right ahead.
Schedule your appointment now by calling 260-424-0009. You can also book an appointment online. The advantage of booking online is that you have an opportunity to tell us a bit about the specific services you need, and why.
Tell us which dance (um, service) you want to be penciled in for. We won’t say no.