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Why You Should Clean Your Chimney Once a Year (Even If You Barely Use It)

  • tmkonig
  • May 17
  • 5 min read

The Honest Guide to Chimney Maintenance — Without the Fear Tactics

You probably don’t think much about your chimney.

It’s just… there. Quiet. Out of sight. One of those parts of the house that only gets noticed when something smells weird or smoke starts backing into the living room.

But here’s the truth: Your chimney is one of the most overlooked — and riskiest — systems in your home.

Let’s talk about why cleaning it once a year isn’t just “a good idea”. It’s basic safety. And why skipping it can cost you thousands (or worse).

First: What Actually Happens Inside a Chimney?

When you burn wood, gas, or any other fuel in your fireplace, you’re creating:

  • Smoke

  • Soot

  • Gases

  • Tiny unburned particles

Some of these go up and out of your chimney. But not all.

As the smoke cools on its way out, it leaves behind a thick, sticky residue called creosote. This stuff clings to the inside of your chimney flue — the internal shaft that carries smoke out of your home.

Over time, creosote builds up in layers. Think of it like cholesterol in your arteries — only this stuff can catch fire.

Why Creosote Is So Dangerous

Creosote is highly flammable. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, chimney fires cause over 20,000 residential fires every year in the United States.

Most of those fires? Caused by dirty chimneys.

And it doesn’t take a massive log fire to create danger. Even if you only use your fireplace a few times a year, that’s enough to leave behind creosote — especially if the fire burns slowly or the wood is not fully dry.

When creosote catches fire, it can:

  • Send flames shooting up your chimney

  • Crack or warp the flue liner

  • Spread into your attic or walls

  • Explode from the top like a blowtorch

It’s not dramatic. It’s real. We’ve seen it.

“But I Barely Use My Fireplace...”

We get this all the time. And we get it.

You think, “Why would I need to clean something I hardly use?”

Here’s the catch:

  • Even minimal use creates creosote.

  • Animals might build nests inside during the off-season.

  • Moisture gets in and can corrode the liner.

  • Chimney caps get damaged or fall off without you knowing.

  • Masonry starts to crack with weather changes.

Your chimney is always exposed to the elements — even when you’re not using it.

That’s why annual maintenance matters.

What’s Involved in a Chimney Cleaning?

A proper chimney sweep does more than just “clean soot. Here’s what a real, professional cleaning should look like:

1. Inspection

Before touching anything, we inspect the chimney:

  • Check creosote levels

  • Look for cracks, gaps, or blockages

  • Make sure the damper opens and closes properly

  • Examine the chimney cap and crown for wear

There are 3 levels of chimney inspection (defined by the National Fire Protection Association — NFPA):

  • Level 1: For annual checks (no known issues)

  • Level 2: If you've had changes to your system (new appliance, relining, or recent fire)

  • Level 3: In-depth, partial demo — used when serious hazards are suspected

2. Protect the Home

We lay down protective coverings to keep soot off your floors and furniture.

3. Brush and Vacuum

We use specialized brushes and HEPA vacuums to remove:

  • Creosote

  • Soot

  • Debris

  • Animal nests

  • Brick fragments

We clean from both inside the home and — when needed — from the roof.

4. Final Check

Once the chimney is clean, we do a second pass to ensure it’s fully cleared and safe to use.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean It?

Let’s break it down into categories:

🔥 Fire Risk

We covered this — creosote burns. Fast. Hot. And unpredictably.


🧱 Structural Damage

Moisture and acids from soot can eat away at the chimney liner or bricks. Cracks can let smoke and carbon monoxide leak into the home. Eventually, the whole stack may need rebuilding — we’ve seen $10,000–$30,000 repair bills.

🐦 Animal Intrusions

Birds, raccoons, and squirrels love chimneys. Nests block airflow. And when they get stuck? You’ll smell it. Fast.

🧊 Moisture Buildup

Without proper ventilation and cap protection, your chimney becomes a water trap. That leads to rust, rot, mold, and damage to your fireplace.

How Often Should You Clean?

The NFPA recommends at least once a year — regardless of how often you use it.

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

Fireplace Use

Clean Every...

Regular (weekly in winter)

Yearly

Occasional (a few times/year)

Yearly

Rare or seasonal use

Every 1–2 years max

Gas fireplace

Every 1–2 years (still produces buildup + vent needs inspection)

What About Chimney Inspections Without Cleaning?

Sometimes, your chimney doesn’t need a full cleaning — but still needs an inspection.

If we inspect and find no buildup? Great. You just paid for peace of mind.

If we find early-stage issues — small cracks, rusting caps, mild creosote — we can fix them before they become expensive.

Would you rather catch a $200 issue today… or a $5,000 one next year?

Can You Clean a Chimney Yourself?

Technically? Yes. But here’s why most people don’t:

  • You need special brushes sized for your flue

  • You’ll need a vacuum that can handle fine soot

  • Climbing onto the roof is dangerous

  • You might miss signs of damage or unsafe buildup

  • You probably don’t want your living room full of ash

Honestly, if you’re not in the chimney business… don’t risk it.

The Sootly Difference: No Fear. Just Facts.

Let’s be real: The chimney industry has a reputation problem.

Too many companies use fear tactics. Hey'll show you some black smudge on a napkin and say your house is about to explode.

We don’t do that.

At Sootly, we:

  • Explain exactly what we see (with pictures, if you want)

  • Show you only what needs fixing

  • Give you the estimate and let you decide

  • Never upsell. Never pressure.

It’s your home. You deserve honest info — not scare tactics.

Final Word: The Chimney is Part of Your Home

You maintain your car. You change the air filters. You clean the gutters.

Why ignore the fireplace?

One annual cleaning and inspection can:

  • Prevent fires

  • Save you thousands

  • Extend the life of your fireplace

  • Give you peace of mind all winter

✅ Your Chimney Checklist:

  •  Last cleaning was within 12 months

  •  Damper opens and closes smoothly

  •  No weird smells when not in use

  •  No visible creosote buildup

  •  Chimney cap is in place

  •  No signs of animal activity

  •  Flue is not rusting or cracked

Need help with one of these? We offer free estimates and $100 chimney sweep, guaranteed — and we’re straight with you from the start.

No gimmicks. No fluff. Just solid chimney service.[Schedule a visit with Sootly →]

 
 
 

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