When should I get my chimney swept?

To ensure the safety and efficiency of your chimney, it is recommended to have it swept on a regular basis. The frequency depends on the type of fuel you use.

How often when burning smokeless fuels?

When using smokeless fuels, it is advisable to have the chimney swept at least once a year. This regular maintenance keeps the chimney system efficient and safe.

How often when burning wood?

When burning wood, HETAS-style guidance is at least twice a year. Regular sweeps remove soot, debris and creosote, reduce the risk of chimney fires and improve the performance of the wood-burning system. Fire Brigade and HETAS notes on the sweeping page also mention every three months when a wood stove is in heavy use — we will advise for your household after the first visit.

When in the year?

Ideally, schedule a sweep just before the start of the heating season so residue from the previous season is gone. If the stove has sat unused through the summer, have it swept before lighting again. If you sweep twice a year, the second visit is often after the peak of the main heating season.

HETAS and professional bodies

HETAS publishes advice on burning better, biomass boiler safety, carbon monoxide awareness and log-burner ventilation. Further leaflets are on the HETAS website. HETAS works with bodies such as APICS, the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, NACS and Sweep Safe.

Happy Chimney Sweep issues a sweeping certificate for the flue we have swept. Local prices: stove £60*, fireplace £70*.