Just how often should you get your chimney swept?

If you find yourself wondering how often should you get your chimney swept, the standard rule of thumb most professionals and fire departments will give you is at least once a year. It sounds like one of those "better safe than sorry" chores, but there's actually quite a bit of science and common sense behind that annual recommendation. Whether you use your fireplace every single night during the winter or just light a couple of logs on Christmas Eve, the state of your flue matters more than you might think. ...

April 23, 2026 · 7 min · Diez Anderson