A chimney sweep’s primary role is to prevent fires related to fireplaces; wood burning stoves; gas, oil and coal heating systems.

1. Get an annual checkup. The National Fire Protection Association recommends at least an annual chimney inspection. You can go every two or three years if you use your chimney sparingly. Just make sure the chimney can do its job of properly venting hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide from the heating system to the outdoors.
2. If you notice a smoky or burnt wood smell emanating from the fireplace when the A/C is on, the chimney probably needs a sweep. In hot weather, a chimney can draw air into the house through the damper. If you smell that, you’ve got a sooty chimney.
3. Your chimney is used the most during cooler months, but so is everyone else’s. Schedule cleaning for spring or summer. If a chimney repair is needed, you won’t be inconvenienced if your fireplace is out of commission for a few days. It’s easier to schedule in spring or summer, and you may end up getting a discount.
4. Make sure the chimney sweep checks for any damages caused by storms, lightening or even ground shifting. Related: Chimney sweeps offer maintenance advice
5. Have your chimney waterproofed to prevent long-term corrosion and masonry damage.
6. Getyour chimney flashing inspected (the seal between the chimney and the roof). Flashing prevents rain water and snow melt from entering your home and causing costly water damage to your walls and ceilings.
7. Have a sealing damper installed in your wood-burning chimney to save energy dollars and eliminate unpleasant off-season odors.
8. Install a high quality, long lasting chimney cap to keep out debris and prevent birds, animals and insects from nesting in your chimney.
9. Make sure you have an appropriate chimney liner. This is something your service company can check for you. Chimney liners are required in new construction to separate hot heating system emissions from the structure of your home.
10. Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn of harmful gases that may be entering your home because of a blocked or damaged chimney.

Tips to keep your chimney clean:

• Avoid burning pine, any sappy woods or unseasoned wood. Seasoned wood is best because it will help reduce creosote build-up in your wood-burning chimney system.
• Wood should be dried for at least 12 months in an area protected from moisture.
• Wood that hisses, sizzles or foams when burned is moisture-laden, and builds up soot and potentially flammable creosote more quickly.
• Don’t let your fire burn for 24 hours.