For most homes with a wood burner and a flue liner, sweep your chimney once a year. If you run an open fire with heavy use, sweep twice a year. A lined stove flue stays far cleaner than an open fire, so it needs less frequent attention — but always sweep before the heating season starts.
Why it matters
- Burning wood creates creosote and soot that build up quickly and can ignite into a chimney fire
- A blocked or restricted chimney can push poisonous carbon monoxide back into the room
- A clean flue draws better — your stove burns hotter and more efficiently
Signs you need a sweep sooner
- Smoke lingers or drifts back into the room when you light the fire
- A sooty smell in the room or from the fireplace
- You hear birds or debris in the flue, or see nests
- It’s been more than a year since the last sweep
- The stove hasn’t been used all summer
What a professional sweep includes
A HETAS-approved sweep brushes the full flue, checks the chimney for damage, and advises on anything unsafe. Many sweeps — including ours — offer a CCTV survey to inspect the flue condition properly, and a pressure test after a liner is fitted. See our full chimney sweeping prices: a standard sweep is £70, sweep with CCTV £120.
FAQs
Do I need a sweep before selling my house? Not legally, but a swept, certified chimney looks after your buyers — and many solicitors and insurers will ask about the stove’s service history.
Can I sweep my own chimney? You can buy brushes, but a professional checks the flue and appliance for problems you can’t see — and HETAS sweeps carry the training to spot a dangerous installation.
What if I only light the fire a few times a year? Still sweep at least once a year before the first use — debris and birds don’t wait for a busy fire.
Book before the Christmas rush
Autumn is the busiest time for sweeps — book early to guarantee a lovely, safe roaring fire on Christmas Day. We cover Kent, Sussex and Surrey: call 01622 278160 or 07383670335, or email info@everwarmfires.co.uk.