Wood-burning fireplaces should be inspected, both inside and out, by a certified chimney sweep or inspector every year in the fall before using it.

Depending on how often the fireplace has been used in the past, it may or may not need to be cleaned annually.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Danny Lipford: One of the things people often ask this time of the year is, “How frequently should they have their fireplace inspected and cleaned?”

An inspection is a good idea before the beginning of each heating season. Although, depending on how often it’s used, a fireplace may or may not need to be cleaned that frequently.

A good inspection includes several things in addition to inspecting the firebox for damaged or missing motors, checking the damper for proper operation, and surveying the inside of the chimney for dangerous creosote buildup.

It’s also important to inspect the top of the chimney from the outside to ensure the cap is in good shape and that birds or rodents haven’t built nests that would obstruct the flue or pose a fire risk.

Even if you haven’t used the fireplace all year, these conditions could be present. So it’s important to look for them and have them corrected by a professional before the fireplace is used.


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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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