Burning Wood All Winter? Here’s How Often Your Chimney Really Needs Cleaning

Nothing beats a crackling wood fire during the colder months. That is, until your house starts smelling like smoke, your fire won’t stay lit, or you notice black soot stains around your hearth. If you’re burning wood regularly, you need to know how often to clean your chimney.

When it comes to cleaning chimneys, it boils down to usage, wood type, and what’s lurking in your flue. Here’s what homeowners burning wood all season need to know about chimney cleaning frequency, why it matters, and how to stay safe.

Why chimney cleaning isn’t optional when burning wood

When you burn wood, your chimney gradually accumulates creosote, which, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), is a highly flammable byproduct of incomplete combustion. Even seasoned firewood produces creosote, though less than green or wet wood.

If left uncleaned, creosote builds up in layers. Over time, this creates a thick, sticky glaze along the chimney liner that can block proper draft, pulling smoke back into your home. It can also cause harmful gases like carbon monoxide to seep indoors, and worst of all, it can catch fire and lead to catastrophic chimney or house fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of house fires. Many are caused by preventable creosote buildup, which makes regular chimney cleanup and maintenance an essential part of keeping your home safe.

How often should you clean your chimney?

If you’re burning wood daily or several times a week throughout fall and winter, you’ll likely need a chimney cleaning at least once a year. Twice is good practice, especially if you use it regularly.

Here is a general guide on how often you should schedule chimney cleaning.

For homeowners who burn wood all season, scheduling cleaning mid-winter is a smart move. That way, you don’t let buildup from early use accumulate into a dangerous level, reducing the risk of a chimney fire.

Warning signs that your chimney needs cleaning

Even with a regular cleaning schedule, things can build up faster than expected. Keep an eye (and nose) out for:

• A strong campfire or burnt smell even when the fireplace isn’t in use
• Smoke backing into the room
• Black soot or creosote dripping around the fireplace
• Difficulty starting or maintaining a fire
• A low, rumbling sound from the chimney (a potential sign of creosote igniting)

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Call a certified chimney sweep immediately to inspect and clean your chimney.

Factors that affect how fast creosote builds up

Chimney cleaning is equal parts how often you burn and how you burn wood. Several factors can increase creosote buildup:

• Type of wood: Unseasoned or green wood produces more smoke and sap, leading to faster buildup. Use only dry, seasoned hardwoods. An article from the 373rd issue of Fuel highlights that wood with lower moisture burns more efficiently, with experts suggesting a maximum moisture content of 20% for wood.

• Fire temperature: Smoldering or low-heat fires don’t fully burn wood, causing incomplete combustion and adding to your creosote buildup.

• Poor airflow: A closed damper, poor chimney draft, or obstructions (like a dirty cap or nest) can trap smoke, speeding up creosote formation.

• Stove or fireplace type: Wood stoves and inserts with smaller flues may require more frequent cleaning than open fireplaces.

By using seasoned hardwood, maintaining strong airflow, and burning hotter fires, you can slow down creosote buildup and reduce the risk of dangerous blockages. But even with perfect burning habits, regular chimney inspections are still essential to make sure buildup is avoided.

DIY vs. professional cleaning: the pros and cons

You’ve likely seen chimney cleaning logs on store shelves that promise to reduce creosote buildup. While these logs can help loosen light deposits and may reduce surface-level buildup with regular use, they‘re not a substitute for professional chimney cleaning.

A certified chimney sweep provides a much more thorough and safety-focused service.

Using specialized brushes, vacuums, and inspection tools, professionals can remove Stage 1 through Stage 3 creosote, identify hidden damage like cracked flue tiles or rusted dampers, and spot early signs of chimney fires or structural deterioration. They also provide detailed written reports, which are valuable for insurance purposes and future home sales.

As a general rule, always hire a sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America or the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Having certification gives you the peace of mind that your chimney technician has the right training, tools, and safety knowledge to protect your home.

Best practices to reduce creosote and keep things safe

Even with regular cleaning, you can slow down creosote buildup by practicing smart burning habits:

• Burn only seasoned hardwood (oak, maple, and ash), never green or painted wood
• Keep fires hot and well-ventilated
• Use smaller loads of wood for cleaner burns
• Don’t burn cardboard, wrapping paper, or trash because they create more residue or buildup
• Make sure your chimney has a properly fitted cap to keep debris and animals out

Following these best practices won’t eliminate the need for professional cleanings, but they’ll make each cleaning more effective and reduce your risk of buildup between service appointments. The cleaner your burn, the safer your chimney.

Make chimney cleaning part of your home maintenance

If you rely on wood to heat your home during the cold season, chimney cleaning is non-negotiable. It protects your home and family, and it also helps your fires burn hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.

With certified chimney professionals, you can stay ahead of creosote buildup through inspections, expert cleanings, and repairs, if necessary. Book your chimney cleaning with Brown Chimney today and enjoy a safer, more efficient burn all season.

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