Blog>Expert Advice>How often should a chimney be swept?
Last updated: 13 August 2024
How often should a chimney be swept?
The start of autumn is prime time to get your chimney cleaned in preparation for more frequent use over the winter. But how often should a chimney be swept and why is this a home maintenance task you mustn't overlook?
Regular chimney sweeping is recommended for both safety and efficiency, but how often should a chimney be swept, who should you call upon for this task, and what's the going rate? We cover all this and more in our guide to chimney sweeping.
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How often should a chimney be swept?
For a good chunk of the year, it's likely you don't use your open fire or wood-burning stove. But as we head into autumn, we start to think about cosy evenings by a roaring fire.
If you're fortunate enough to have this option in your home, you're wise to consider how often your chimney should be swept. However, this varies depending on several factors.
1. Type of fuel you use
Different fuels (wood, coal, gas, etc) will burn differently - some producing a 'cleaner' burn than others, producing less soot, creosote, and smoke.
Soot, creosote, and debris left to build up in a chimney can increase the risk of a chimney fire; the type of fuel you burn, therefore, impacts how often you should get your chimney cleaned.
The recommendation from the NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps) is:
At least once per year for fires burning smokeless fuel
Quarterly (when in use) for fires that burn wood or bituminous coal
Once every year for gas and oil-burning appliance chimneys
Want to know more about smokeless fuels and Smoke Control Areas? Check out our complete guide to log-burning stoves.
2. How often your fire is used
Some people rely on their stove for heating, while others simply enjoy the ambience of an open fire. If you use your fireplace or stove frequently, you may need to have your chimney swept more often.
Contact an approved, professional chimney sweep
If you notice any signs of a blocked chimney, such as the smoke not drawing properly or a strong smell, or are simply in need of a regular clean, contact an accredited chimney sweep without delay.
Search for chimney sweeps in your area by entering your postcode, below.
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The importance of getting your chimney swept
If you use your open fire or wood-burning stove, having your chimney swept is a necessity rather than a luxury.
There are several important reasons why you must get your chimney swept before you start using it regularly.
1. Chimney fires
As we touched upon earlier, burning fuel releases soot and creosote, which, if left to build up inside the chimney, can cause a chimney fire.
2. Air quality
Your chimney plays a crucial role in drawing harmful gases and particles up and out of your home, including carbon monoxide. If your chimney is blocked or dirty, these unwanted substances could back up into your room.
3. Efficiency
A clean chimney allows for better airflow. This, in turn, improves the efficiency of your fireplace or stove, which means you'll use less fuel to warm your home (and save money in the process!).
4. Early detection
The other unexpected benefit of getting your chimney cleaned regularly is that a chimney sweep could spot minor issues (e.g. cracks in the flue) early on, before they become more serious and costly to repair.
What to look for in a professional chimney sweep
We now know how often you should clean your chimney and the potential risks of putting off this home maintenance task. But what should you look for in a reputable chimney sweep?
Accreditation
In the UK, reputable chimney sweeps are accredited by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) or the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps.
Looking for these memberships offers reassurance that your chimney sweep adheres to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. They can also issue an insurance-accepted certificate once your chimney has been swept.
Insurance
Check your chimney sweep has relevant insurance to protect you and your property while they're working in your home.
All Checkatrade members must hold public liability insurance to be listed in our directory.
Qualifications and experience
Look for years of service, qualifications for specific training, and recommendations from friends or neighbours.
On Checkatrade, you can check all of this and more on a chimney sweep's member profile.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
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Additional tips from the experts
We spoke with one of our experts - David Johnson, of Safer Chimneys who gave this advice on using and maintaining your chimney:
Fuel: Seasoned logs will give an efficient burn while minimising damage to the environment. Smokeless coal fuels are best if burning coal
Regulations: Always check whether you live in a Smoke Control Area and the restrictions on what you can burn
Storage: Don't store logs next to your fireplace or wood-burning stove - it's a fire hazard
Plan ahead: Chimney sweeps get busier as we get further into autumn/winter, so plan ahead and get your chimney sweep booked in for September
Getting your chimney swept: Everything you need to know
Before you cosy up beside your first open fire, you'll need your chimney sweeping. This practical guide explains what's involved with a chimney sweep and how to prepare. And it's not as messy as you might think!
What to expect when you have your chimney swept
If you've not had your chimney swept before, you might have a few questions about what the process involves. Let's take a look...
How does a chimney sweep access the chimney?
A chimney sweep will access the chimney from the fireplace/wood-burning stove, so ensure there's a clear passage for them and remove any items or ornaments from the hearth and mantelpiece.
Is chimney sweeping messy?
Some homeowners worry that sweeping a chimney will create lots of mess in their home.
However, fear not, an accredited chimney sweep will seal your appliance to protect your home from any falling soot and use a high-powered vacuum to capture soot and debris as it's dislodged from the chimney.
How long does it take to sweep a chimney?
This largely depends on the size and type of chimney and when it was last swept. Generally, you're looking at between 45 minutes to an hour to complete the job.
What else can you expect from your chimney sweep?
Once your chimney has been cleaned, your chimney sweep will inspect the chimney to make sure it's clear of blockages and in good condition. If all is well, you'll be provided with an insurance-accepted certificate.
Your chimney sweep may also advise on maintaining your chimney in between sweeps.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
How much does chimney sweeping cost?
The average cost of having your chimney cleaned is around £110.
Most chimney sweeps will charge a fixed rate for the job, but this will vary depending on where you are in the UK, how many chimneys need to be cleaned, and whether there are any issues with accessibility.
Chimney sweep: Cost breakdown [year]
A regular chimney sweep keeps your fire burning bright and guards against hazardous chimney fires. But how often should you clean your chimney? But what are the costs involved? Our expert guide has all the answers.
Find an approved chimney sweep near you
For safety, peace of mind, and to avoid the winter rush, book your chimney sweep in with an approved local chimney sweep. Simply enter your postcode below to get started.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job