Reference
How often should you sweep a chimney?
Have the chimney inspected and swept once a year, before you light the first fire of the season. That is the interval the HomeAlmanac app schedules for this job, adjusted for the systems your home actually has.
- How often
- Once a year
- Time needed
- 30 min
- Best time
- Fall
- Priority
- High
Why it matters
Creosote buildup in a chimney is a major fire risk. An annual sweep and inspection before heating season prevents flue fires.
How to do it
Hire a certified chimney sweep to clean the flue and inspect the cap, crown, and liner. Keep the damper and cap in good repair.
When to do it
Best done in fall, and the app schedules it for that season automatically.
HomeAlmanac schedules this one for you, works out the next due date each time you mark it done, and reminds you before it is late.
Build your free planQuick answers
- How often should you sweep a chimney?
- Have the chimney inspected and swept once a year, before you light the first fire of the season.
- Why does it matter?
- Creosote buildup in a chimney is a major fire risk. An annual sweep and inspection before heating season prevents flue fires.
- What time of year should I do it?
- Best done in fall. Doing it late is usually worse than doing it early.