All fires and stoves produce smoke, soot and gases which can be dangerous to you, your family and your home. The purpose of a chimney is to provide a direct route for these products of combustion to leave your home safely. This is why it is essential that your chimney is well maintained. I have summarised below the main reasons why you should have your chimney swept and my recommendations for how often it should be done.

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I can sweep open fires, wood and multi fuel burning stoves and gas flame effect fires. I am fully insured, professional, diligent and dedicated to delivering the highest standard of service.

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I recommend the following sweeping frequency based on the type of fuel used:

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• Smokeless fuels – at least once a year

• Bitumous coal (ordinary house coal) – at least twice a year

• Wood – quarterly when in use

• Oil – once a year

• Gas – once a year

 

Sweeping should always be carried out at least once a year, before you start using your fire or stove, to remove any soot and debris that has built up inside the chimney and to make sure it is not blocked. If you use your fire or stove regularly, have it swept more regularly.

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If you are lighting a fire for the first time after more than a year, or you are opening up an old chimney, you should always have it swept to ensure it is not blocked,  as harmful smoke, soot and gases like carbon monoxide could seep back into your house instead of escaping through the chimney.

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It is also good practice to have the chimney swept again at the end of the season to remove soot or debris that has built up during the use of the fire or stove, so it doesn’t fall down into the room when the chimney is not being used.