How Often Should You Get Your Chimney Swept?

If you burn wood regularly, you should have your chimney swept at least once a year. Here is why, plus the warning signs you should never ignore.

Why annual sweeping matters

Every fire leaves behind creosote — a tar-like residue that coats the inside of your flue. Just an eighth of an inch is enough to fuel a dangerous chimney fire, which is why the industry standard is a yearly sweep and inspection for wood-burning systems.

What about gas fireplaces?

Gas produces far less residue, but it still needs an annual inspection and service every year or two to keep the burner clean, the pilot reliable, and the venting safe.

Warning signs to watch for

Call for a sweep sooner if you notice a strong campfire smell when the fireplace is cold, dark soot around the damper, smoke backing into the room, or a fire that is hard to get going.