For most homes, a professional chimney cleaning once per year is the safest baseline. If your fireplace is used heavily through winter, or you burn resin-heavy wood, your system may need more frequent service to prevent creosote buildup.
General Cleaning Frequency
The National Fire Protection Association recommendation is annual inspection, with cleaning completed as needed. In real homes, this usually means at least one sweep per year for wood-burning fireplaces. Even occasional use can still produce soot and creosote that narrow the flue and reduce draft performance.
If you burn daily during cold months, or use unseasoned wood, schedule service sooner. A quick inspection before burn season can confirm whether your flue is ready and safe.
Signs It Is Time to Schedule Sooner
Do not wait if you notice strong smoky odors, smoke entering the room, dark flaky residue in the firebox, or visible debris falling from the flue. These are common warning signs that buildup or blockage is affecting safety and performance.
Annual maintenance protects more than just the chimney liner. It also helps preserve damper function, improve airflow, and reduce risk of costly repairs caused by neglected moisture and acidic soot deposits.
If you are unsure where your system stands, start with a professional inspection and cleaning plan tailored to your fireplace type and seasonal usage habits.