The best way to know when it’s time to sweep your chimney is to have it professionally inspected on an annual basis. It is best if this is performed before you burn the first fire of the season to make sure that no problems or blockages have developed over the course of the summer.

A chimney blocked by debris can cause major problems, including: inefficient heating, smoke buildup inside your home, deadly carbon monoxide buildup in your home, and even a damaging chimney fire. Performing a chimney sweep regularly provides you with the peace of mind that your chimney is clean and operating as safely as possible. Think of it like changing the oil on your car — it is just part of the process of owning and operating a fireplace.