How Often Do I Need Chimney Sweeping Services?

Using your fireplace even a couple of times a year influences the air quality inside your house. The fireplace on the outside may look clean, but your chimney may already have harmful particles of ash, soot and other substances that negatively  impact the health of you and your family. A dirty chimney blocks those particles from leaving your house and releases them back into the air you breathe.

So, how often should you hire us to stop the harmful elements from entering your living space?

For fireplaces, it is recommended to have a professional sweep the chimney at least once a year. If you regularly burn wood or coal in your fireplace – a sweep with the change of every season is highly advised.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states under Standard 211 (2019) for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, that:

“Chimneys, fireplaces and vents shall be inspected at least one a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

Here are 8 quick signs your chimney needs sweeping:

• You just moved into a new house. 

• After a fire, you can smell smoke inside. 

• The area surrounding your fireplace has turned black. 

• There is a strong smell coming from your fireplace. 

• Animals are nesting in the chimney. 

• There are visible deposits of black particles on your chimney. 

• Maintaining a strong fire is more difficult than it should bey and burning wood creates more smoke than usual.

Stay safe and make sure to contact us to get your chimney swept if any of the signs apply to you!