How often should I clean my chimney?
Short answer. Clean your chimney whenever buildup in the flue reaches about 1/8 inch or shows glazed creosote, which for most homes that burn wood regularly means once a year, and less often for occasional fires. Signs it is overdue include a campfire smell in the house, smoke spilling into the room, black flakes in the firebox, and fires that are harder to keep burning.
Signs your chimney is overdue
- A strong smoky or tar smell, especially on humid Georgia days or when the air conditioner runs.
- Smoke drifting into the room instead of drawing up the flue.
- Black, flaky debris falling into the firebox.
- Fires that are hard to start or keep going.
- Animal sounds or nesting material, which block the flue.
- A thick, shiny black coating on the damper or smoke chamber.
A simple check you can do
With the fire out and the firebox cold, shine a flashlight above the damper and scratch the flue wall with a fireplace poker. If the groove is about 1/8 inch deep, or the coating is shiny and hard, it is time for a sweep. If you cannot see well, a sweep's camera inspection will tell you.
Habits that keep it cleaner longer
- Burn only seasoned, well dried wood; wet wood makes far more creosote.
- Build hotter, brighter fires rather than long smoldering ones.
- Never burn trash, cardboard, or painted or treated wood.
- Keep a chimney cap on to block rain, leaves and animals.
- Keep the damper fully open while burning.
Creosote sweeping logs can loosen some buildup, but they do not replace a professional sweeping and inspection.
Rain and the chimney
Water entering a chimney mixes with creosote and causes odors, rust and masonry damage. A cap and sound flashing keep the inside drier. See chimney leaks and crickets and roof maintenance checklist for Georgia.