When is the Right Time to Clean Your Chimney?

Just before the burning season is the best time to clean your chimney. Well, when is that? – you may ask. The burning season is when you start using your fire regularly, which begins around the winter months, September or October. This means that the ‘right time’ to clean your chimney would be when you stop using your fire which is anywhere before and after burning season, i.e. spring, summer or autumn.

Chimney on home needing clean

How often should I clean my chimney?

This all depends on the type of fire you have and how regularly you use it. For those with gas fires and oil fires, cleaning your chimney once a year is standard but for those with wood burners, you’ll want to clean your chimney at least a couple of times a year. 

You’ll want to clean your chimney to prevent creosote or soot build-up because this will reduce your fire’s efficiency, so you’ll want to make sure that everything is safe and in full working order. Even if you use smokeless fuel, you’ll need to clean your chimney at least once a year to get rid of any deposits that build up and sit inside the flue.

What happens if you don’t clean your chimney?

  • It can be more expensive to run the fire 
  • It will be less efficient 
  • It can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning
  • It can cause a chimney fire
  • It can bring soot and dust into your home
  • It can cause chimney corrosion

Signs that’ll tell you when your chimney needs a professional clean

There are times when your fire will tell you that it’s ready for a thorough clean, this includes:

  1. Small, poorly burning fires
  2. Strong odours
  3. Obvious smoke from burning fire
  4. Greasy fireplace and visible soot
  5. Unclean damper
  6. Hearing animals or birds

Only ever use a registered company to complete chimney cleaning

Chimney cleaning can be dangerous and messy work, which is why it’s always better to seek out professional help when it comes to ensuring your chimney is clean and ready for the burning season.

It’s important to search for a registered chimney cleaning company because they will have trained experts who will work within all-important health and safety regulations to ensure you’re left with a clean, fully functional and ready-to-use fire. 

Roofer UK Network Ltd Network is a family-run company that takes pride in all services we have to offer. Thanks to our hard-working team of experts, we have gained a sterling reputation and loyal custom because we understand that customer care always comes first. If you’re looking for chimney work in the Watford, Hampstead and Highgate areas, contact our friendly team today to organise your free survey and quotation