Having regular chimney cleanings is a good way to ensure your chimney is clear of soot and debris and ready to work well for the coming colder months. But how often should you have your chimney cleaned? And what should you do to prepare for the cleaning?
Frequency
When it comes to how often you should schedule chimney cleaning, the answer is simple. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an annual chimney cleaning, no matter how much you use or don’t use your fireplace. It’s also a good idea to get an annual inspection at the same time, as one of our professional staff members from The Chimney Sweep can also tell you if any additional action is needed to keep your flue, chimney cap, liner, or mortar in top condition.
Preparation
Chimney cleaning is best left to a professional crew who can safely and thoroughly clean your chimney of all the ash and soot that build up with time. But there are a few things you can do to help the process run smoothly.
- Fragile objects: If you have any personal mementos, delicate vases, or other precious knickknacks on your mantelpiece, go ahead and remove them before your chimney cleaning crew arrives. While we’ll of course respect your home and treat your space with care, this will eliminate any possibility for accidents.
- Clear pathway: You won’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess of soot and ash after we leave, but you can do a little picking up before we arrive. It’s normal for furniture, pillows, and other possessions to clutter up the fireplace area during the warm months, when the fireplace isn’t in use. So, before your chimney cleaning crew arrives, make sure nothing is in the way of accessing the fireplace and chimney.