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Fireplace Cleaners FAQs
For chimneys with regular usage, schedule sweeping yearly. Professionals may recommend more frequent cleaning for chimneys with high usage, with burning several times per week or more. Infrequently used chimneys may need less frequent cleaning but don’t neglect this maintenance task. Without regular usage, animals may be more likely to nest in and damage your chimney.
The chimney sweeper cleans the chimney of debris and buildup with specialized rods and brushes and visually inspects the system for signs of damage. They may start inside at the fireplace or stove, from the roof, or from both points. Deeper cleans may involve chemicals to remove creosote buildup.
The total time for chimney cleaning depends on the chimney type, its condition, the number of flues, and other factors. A basic cleaning, which involves a sweep and a visual inspection, typically lasts one to two hours. Deeper cleans may last three hours or more.
Signs that your chimney needs cleaning include excessive soot and creosote buildup, smoke entering your living space while the fireplace is in use, rich tar smells emanating from your fireplace, and a weakly burning fire.
Chimney sweeping has many benefits for both safety and efficiency. These include preventing chimney fires, improving airflow and ventilation, and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Cleaning also helps your fireplace burn wood and heat your home more efficiently, and it keeps smoke out of your living space to protect your household and belongings.
