Fireplace Maintenance Tips: Boost Efficiency, Longevity & Beauty

Industry standards, including those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend that all fireplaces and chimneys be inspected at least once a year, even if you don’t use the system frequently – and even if you don’t use your fireplace at all.

Why are annual chimney inspections so critical?

• For wood-burning systems, creosote, a sticky and highly flammable byproduct of wood combustion, can build up inside the flue over time.
• Birds, squirrels, and other animals may build nests in the flue during warmer months, blocking ventilation.
• Masonry joints, liners, and dampers can crack or deteriorate with temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure – damage that’s best spotted early.
• Severe weather, freeze/thaw cycles, seismic activity, and general aging can deteriorate masonry, flashing, caps, and crowns.
• Animals, water intrusion, or shifting brickwork may impact function or safety over time.
• Annual inspections catch minor issues before they turn into major repairs.

All of this not only threatens performance and safety (for frequent fireplace users), but also affects the value and integrity of your home (for non-frequent fireplace users).

Do gas fireplaces also need annual inspections?

You bet. Although they burn much cleaner, gas fireplaces still benefit from a yearly check to ensure that vents, liners, and components are in good working order. Debris, dust, and insects can block vents or burner ports, and an inspection helps ensure the gas line, ignition, pilot assembly, and venting components are functioning as safely as possible.

We can all agree that one sweep and inspection per year needs to be the bare minimum for our fireplace systems. But are more sweepings ever necessary? Sometimes.

Your chimney sweeping frequency depends on how much you use the fireplace and the type of fuel you burn. For example, if you burn wood three or more times per week during the heating season, you may need a sweep two or even three times a year to remove creosote and soot.

On the flip side, homeowners who use their fireplace only occasionally might get by with an annual cleaning after the burning season is complete.

In short, schedule one professional inspection every year without exception, and follow your sweep’s recommendation for cleaning frequency based on actual usage and fuel type.

It can be tempting to try and save money by tackling fireplace cleaning yourself. After all, there are chimney cleaning kits online and in some hardware stores, so it’s probably possible…right? Well, not exactly. There are important distinctions between basic cleaning with a DIY kit and a true chimney sweep service.

The big takeaway: No – homeowners should not substitute a professional sweeping with any DIY attempts or kits.

Homeowners can and should handle routine tasks like removing cooled ashes from the firebox, wiping down glass doors with an appropriate cleaner, and brushing soot off the hearth or decorative surrounds. These simple steps keep your fireplace looking neat, help reduce everyday messes, and even boost performance.

But regular professional service offers more than cleanliness. A certified chimney technician can spot cracked liners, loose mortar, failing dampers, or other hidden issues before they become expensive repairs or safety hazards.

In addition, creosote deposits inside the flue are sticky, highly flammable, and often hidden in bends or joints you can’t reach with household tools. Attempting to scrape or vacuum these deposits yourself can spread dangerous dust into your living space or leave behind hidden pockets of buildup that continue to pose a fire risk.

All in all, certified chimney sweeps use specialized rotary brushes, high-powered vacuums with HEPA filters, and video scanning equipment to clean thoroughly while keeping your home spotless. They also check for structural issues, proper draft, and code compliance, which are beyond the scope of DIY care. Skipping professional service may seem cost-effective in the short term, but a single chimney fire or carbon monoxide incident can be far more expensive and dangerous. Worth the risk? We think not.

Even with annual professional service, the way you use your fireplace every day has a big impact on how quickly soot and creosote build up. A few simple habits can make a big difference!

• Burn the Right Fuel. Use seasoned hardwoods, and avoid softwoods (like pine or spruce) for regular use, as they burn cooler and create more creosote. And never burn trash or treated wood, which can release toxic fumes and sticky deposits.
• Build Hot, Efficient Fires. Start fires with dry kindling and newspaper rather than chemical starters, then keep airflow open by fully opening the damper until the fire is burning steadily. As a rule, burn smaller, hotter fires instead of long, smoldering ones.
• Perform Routine Cleanup. Remove ashes once they reach about one inch deep, leaving a thin layer behind to insulate new fires and protect the firebox floor. In addition, clean your glass doors regularly.
• Ensure Good Ventilation. Keep a window cracked slightly during a burn if your home is tightly sealed, which helps the chimney draft properly, and make sure room vents and ceiling fans aren’t creating negative pressure that pulls smoke back into the house.
• Regularly Check the Firebox for Issues. Glance inside the firebox, around the grate, and near the damper periodically. Catching early signs like unusual residue, peeling masonry, or discoloration can prevent larger issues between professional visits.

What is chimney creosote? It’s the dark, sticky byproduct of burning wood…and it’s the primary cause of dangerous chimney fires. While avoiding creosote altogether isn’t a possibility, there are practices you can implement to slow down how quickly it accumulates.

• Burn seasoned hardwoods only.
• Avoid burning green or unseasoned wood.
• Never throw trash, cardboard, or treated lumber in your fires.
• Build small, hot fires rather than slow, smoldering ones.
• Keep the damper fully open until logs are burning steadily.
• Don’t overload the firebox.
• Crack a nearby window if your home is tightly sealed to improve draft.
• Ensure the chimney cap and flue are clear of debris or nesting animals.
• Schedule yearly inspections and cleanings.

Smoke entering your living space is more than a nuisance – it’s a warning sign that your fireplace or chimney isn’t drafting properly. The cause may be simple to address, like opening a closed damper, or require more extensive care, like tackling a blockage or structural issue.

Take these steps immediately:

• Open the damper fully if it’s fully or partially closed.
• Crack a nearby window or door to relieve negative air pressure and improve draft.
• Reduce the fire’s intensity by closing the fireplace doors slightly or letting it burn down naturally. (Never throw water on an active fire unless there’s an emergency.)
• Turn off exhaust fans, range hoods, or HVAC systems that may be competing for airflow.

Once the smoke is under control, consider these common causes of backdrafting for next time:

• Is your chimney flue too cold? Walls of cold air can push smoke back into your home, so on those extra cold days, warm the flue beforehand. Simply hold a lit rolled newspaper near the damper for a few minutes to establish an upward draft.
• Are blockages present? Birds’ nests, leaves, or creosote buildup can partially or fully block the flue, in which case you may be due for a professional chimney sweeping.
• Is your home too tight? Newer homes are very well insulated, which is great for energy savings, but can lead to trouble when running your fireplace. With no make-up air coming in, your fires will backdraft, so find ways to combat the negative air pressure.

In the end, persistent smoke is a sign that something in the system needs attention. Promptly addressing the cause not only restores comfort, but also prevents dangerous carbon monoxide exposure and potential chimney fires.

A chimney is essentially an open tunnel from the outdoors into your home. Without proper safeguards, it can become a nesting site for birds or squirrels, a collector of leaves and twigs, and a direct channel for rain or snow. Over time, these can cause blockages, water damage, and even carbon monoxide hazards.

What can you do to reduce blockages and damage in your chimney flue?

• Install a Quality Chimney Cap: A stainless steel or copper chimney cap is the single most effective way to keep animals and weather out. Look for a design with a mesh screen that blocks birds, raccoons, squirrels, and bats, while still allowing smoke to escape.
• Maintain the Crown & Flashing: The chimney crown (the sloped concrete top) directs water away from the flue, but cracks or gaps can allow moisture to seep into the masonry. Have a pro reseal or repair any cracks with a professional-grade water-repellent sealant, and check the nearby flashing to ensure it remains watertight.
• Practice Good Seasonal Maintenance: Clear leaves, twigs, and ice from the roofline and gutters so debris can’t blow into the flue, and keep nearby tree branches trimmed to reduce falling debris and deter animals. After major storms, look for signs of loose caps or damaged screens.
• Book Professional Inspections: Schedule an annual chimney inspection to confirm that your cap is intact, your flashing is sealed, and moisture hasn’t penetrated the masonry.

Yes, when chosen and installed correctly, glass doors, screens, and inserts can significantly improve your fireplace’s safety, energy efficiency, and day-to-day convenience.

• Glass doors help prevent warm indoor air from escaping up the chimney when the fire is dying down, reducing heat loss and lowering energy bills, as well as help you maintain a controlled airflow (which reduces creosote buildup). They even can protect against sparks and rolling logs, keeping curious pets or children safer.
• Wire or mesh screens are simple, affordable guards that stop embers from popping out into the room. They also allow good draft to still occur, while offering a measure of safety, making them ideal if you enjoy the open-hearth look.
• Fireplace inserts are essentially high-efficiency stoves that fit inside your existing firebox and offer a dramatic boost to efficiency. Many come with fans or blowers that circulate warm air into the room, turning a decorative fireplace into a serious heat source.