One common question we often receive is: How often should I have my chimney cleaned? The simple answer is once a year.

According to the National Fire Protection Association Standards, it is recommended to have your chimney, fireplaces, and vents inspected annually.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) suggests that open masonry fireplaces should be swept once they have accumulated ⅛” of sooty buildup, or sooner if there is glaze in the system.

Another theory is to clean your chimney after burning every two cords of wood.

At US Chimney, our recommendation is to have your chimney cleaned annually. Even if you don’t use your fireplace or stove frequently, an annual chimney inspection provides professional insight into the condition of your heating systems, venting systems, chimneys, stoves, and furnace flue. This inspection offers peace of mind regarding the safety of your home during the winter months.

As a homeowner, you might not be able to identify a ⅛” buildup, but you can certainly tell when the season has changed and it’s time to bring in a chimney sweep to inspect and potentially clean your chimney, fireplace, and/or stove. If you rely on wood as your primary source of heat, you might consider a mid-season chimney cleaning after burning two cords of wood.

Contact us today to schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning. We are here to ensure the safety and functionality of your chimney.