Get your chimney inspected once a year and cleaned whenever creosote or soot builds up. For a wood-burning fireplace used regularly in winter, that is usually once a year. Wood stoves and daily fires may need cleaning more often; gas and oil flues need a yearly inspection and cleaning as needed.
The rule of thumb
The NFPA 211 standard says chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year and cleaned as needed. In practice, "as needed" means when there is about 1/8 inch of soot or any glazed creosote in the flue.
By fuel type
- Wood fireplace (occasional use): inspect yearly, clean about once a year.
- Wood stove or insert / daily fires: inspect yearly; you may need a cleaning mid-season too.
- Gas fireplace or furnace: inspect yearly; clean when debris, nests or corrosion are found.
- Oil furnace: inspect and clean yearly — oil soot is acidic and can damage the flue.
Signs your chimney is overdue
- A campfire smell in the house, especially in summer or on humid days
- Smoke entering the room when you light a fire
- Black flakes falling into the firebox
- Fires that are hard to start or burn poorly
Best time of year
Late spring and summer are the easiest times to book and give time for any repairs before winter. If you're already in burning season and haven't had a cleaning, don't wait — book one now.
More questions
Can I go two years without cleaning my chimney?
If you burn wood, it's not recommended. Creosote builds every time you burn, and the yearly inspection is what catches cracks, blockages and animal nests.
Do gas fireplaces need chimney cleaning?
Gas doesn't create creosote, but gas flues still need yearly inspection for debris, nests, corrosion and venting problems.
Need a professional?
Chimney Champs provides chimney cleaning & sweeping across PA, NJ, DE, NY and CT. Call (856) 300-9215 for a free estimate.
Keep reading
- 9 Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
- Chimney Inspection Levels 1, 2 and 3 Explained
- What Is Creosote? The 3 Stages and Why It Causes Chimney Fires
- Why Is My Chimney Leaking? 6 Causes and How to Fix Them
- What to Do in a Chimney Fire (and How to Prevent One)
- Chimney Liner Types: Clay, Stainless Steel, Aluminum and Cast-in-Place
- How to Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter: A 10-Step Checklist