Fireplace maintenance

How often should the chimney be swept? And what other maintenance should be done regularly? Dh and I are living with my mil and he can't remember anyone ever doing work on it or getting it checked out. I have two very young boys and I would just feel safer knowing that everything is okay with it before we light the first fire of the season. What should I do?

Re: Fireplace maintenance

We have ours cleaned every 2 - 3 years. We use our fireplace a few times a week during the winter.

We use Chief Chimney and have been happy with their service. They do a real cleaning and inspection, not one of those $49 specials where they tend to try and upsell you on other "services" you supposedly need. Here's what they list on their page for cleaning:

How often do I need to have my chimney cleaned?

The chimney should be checked after 1/2 cord (a "rick") to 1 cord of wood has been burned in your system. A "cord" of wood is 4' high x 4' wide x 8' long. A "rick" of wood is 1/2 that amount. The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual inspection and cleaning when necessary.


Chief Chimney

Fireplace maintenance

I have mine cleaned right before every season. We use it's pretty regularly in the winter

Fireplace maintenance

Dbl post

Message edited 9/17/2012 11:05:43 AM.

Fireplace maintenance

Call Bestway Chimney...they will check it out for you and are SO honest!! I had them recommended to me and they actually came and inspected for free, and told me no work was needed. My IL's called them after that and they recommended a slight cleaning (under $40). They don't try to take advantage at all!