At ECC Chimney Service, LLC, we’re committed to keeping you informed and safe with timely communication about your chimney cleanings and inspections. We use Housecall Pro to send automated text messages, like “On My Way” notifications, to ensure a seamless experience. However, some customers have questions about opting out of these texts and what it means for our ability to connect with you. Here’s a clear explanation of the opt-out function, how it affects our messaging, and why it matters for your chimney care.

What Is the Text Message Opt-Out Function?
Housecall Pro’s text messaging system follows Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines to protect customers from unwanted messages. When you receive a text from us (via our custom SMS number), it includes a note like: “Reply STOP to opt out.” If you reply with “STOP,” “Cancel,” or “Unsubscribe,” you’ll be opted out of receiving further SMS messages from ECC Chimney Service, LLC. This is an industry-standard feature to give you control over your communication preferences.

What Happens When You Opt Out?

• No More Texts: If you opt out, we can no longer send you automated text messages, including:
  • On My Way Notifications: Alerts letting you know our technician is heading to your home for a scheduled cleaning or inspection.
  • Appointment Reminders: Texts confirming your booking details, like date and time.
  • Job Updates: Messages about service completion or follow-ups (e.g., requesting a review after your cleaning).
• Blocked Messages: Any attempt to send you an SMS will be blocked by Housecall Pro’s system, and you won’t receive it.
• Other Channels Unaffected: Opting out only applies to texts. We can still reach you via email (if provided), phone calls, or our customer portal for updates and reports.

How Does This Impact ECC’s Service?
Our goal is to prevent fires, one house at a time, and clear communication helps us deliver top-notch chimney care. Text messages are a key part of that, especially for:

• Convenience: “On My Way” texts let you know exactly when to expect us, so you’re not waiting around.
• Safety: Appointment reminders ensure you don’t miss your annual cleaning, which includes a free Level 1 inspection (report valid for one year) to catch issues like creosote buildup or sulfuric acid damage from woodstoves or oil furnaces.
• Savings: We notify you about eligibility for discounted cleanings after your first full-price service, once your chimney is in a passed state, and our forward scheduling program for hassle-free maintenance.

If you opt out, you might miss these updates, which could lead to scheduling mix-ups or delayed awareness of safety needs. For example, without texts, we can’t quickly confirm our technician’s arrival for your cleaning, potentially disrupting your day.

Can You Opt Back In?
Absolutely! If you’ve opted out but want to resume receiving our texts, simply reply “START,” “YES,” or “UNSTOP” to our custom SMS number. This reactivates SMS communication, so you’ll get all the benefits of our automated notifications again, like “On My Way” texts and reminders for your free Level 1 inspection report.

What If You Don’t Want Texts but Still Want Updates?
We respect your preferences! If you prefer not to receive texts:

• Use Our Customer Portal: Log in at eccchimneyservice.com to manage appointments, view your free Level 1 inspection report (delivered post-payment with cleanings), and check service history.
• Email Us: Reach out to eccchimneys@gmail.com for updates or to confirm bookings.
• Call Shannon: Contact Shannon at (860) 336-1517 to handle scheduling or discuss your chimney needs personally. These options ensure you stay informed without SMS, though texts remain the fastest way to get real-time updates like technician arrival times.

Why We Encourage Staying Opted In
Staying opted in for texts helps us provide the best service possible:

• Real-Time Alerts: Know exactly when our team is on their way, so you’re ready for your cleaning or inspection.
• Fire Prevention: Timely reminders ensure you don’t skip critical maintenance, reducing risks from chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks.
• Exclusive Offers: Get notified about discounted cleanings and our forward scheduling program to save on annual care after your chimney passes inspection.

How to Manage Your Preferences

• Check Your Status: If you’re unsure whether you’re opted out, visit our customer portal or call Shannon at (860) 336-1517. We can check your SMS consent status.
• Opt Out Safely: If you choose to opt out, reply “STOP” to any text, and we’ll respect your choice while offering other ways to stay connected.
• Opt Back In Anytime: Reply “START” to our SMS number to resume texts and stay in the loop.

The Bottom Line
The opt-out function gives you control over text messages, but staying opted in ensures you get the full ECC experience—convenient “On My Way” notifications, reminders for your free Level 1 inspection, and alerts about discounted cleanings. We’re here to keep your chimney safe and your home protected, and texts are one of our best tools to do that.

Ready to book your next service? Visit eccchimneyservice.com, click the Housecall Pro button at the top left, log into our customer portal, or call Shannon at (860) 336-1517. Have questions? Email eccchimneys@gmail.com or check our message board for updates. Let’s prevent fires, one house at a time!