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‘You detect the smell of burned wood coming from the fireplace even when it isn’t lit,’ she says.Ģ. Use your nose! Cleaning is necessary if your fireplace smells like a campfire, says Gian Moore. Our advice is to call in a professional, and get the job done annually at least, but what are the signs that should indicate that cleaning a chimney is urgent?ġ. How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning? A professional can also advise on potential problems.
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Remember that a fire should burn well with smoke and fumes carried away via the flue.
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However, if fires are lit regularly it should be done more often. How often should a chimney be cleaned?Īim to clean your chimney at least once a year. In the UK chimneys should always be swept by a professional chimney sweep, and you can find one locally via HETAS (opens in new tab) or NACS (opens in new tab) (the National Association of Chimney Sweeps). ‘Make sure they are licensed and insured,’ says Andre Kazimierski, CEO, Improovy (opens in new tab). Note that a chimney can be swept from the bottom with the above issues, or the top, which entails working at roof height and has its own safety concerns.Ĭheck the credentials of the professional before going ahead. ‘From inside the fireplace, the person performing the flue cleaning is exposed to hazardous materials,’ explains Gian Moore, partner at Mellowpine (opens in new tab). Is it safe to clean your own chimney?Īsking how to clean a chimney because you want to DIY? You should call in a pro to do the job. While we’re talking safety be aware that it’s also vital to repair a chimney if it’s been neglected.