What is the best time of year to have a chimney swept?
Have the chimney swept before your first fire of the season, which in Minnesota means late summer or early fall. A chimney can be swept in any month, though, including January. If it has been a while and the fireplace is in use, do it now rather than waiting for a better season.
Why before the first fire?
Soot and creosote are what a chimney collects during the burning months. Left in place, they sit in the flue through summer. Sweeping before the season means your first fire goes up a clean flue, and any damage the sweep uncovers can be repaired before cold weather sets in.
Is the end of the season a good time too?
Yes. Sweeping after your last fire clears out the winter's buildup while it is fresh. It also takes away the smoky smell some fireplaces give off on humid days. If you sweep in spring and burn lightly after, the chimney can go into fall in good shape.
Is a winter sweep any different?
The work is the same, and the cold does not stop it. Snow and ice on the roof can mean extra care or a wait for safer footing. If you burn through winter and your chimney is dirty, call. Burning on a dirty flue all winter is the bigger risk.
| Season | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Late summer to early fall | A clean start before the first fire | Book ahead of the first cold snap |
| Spring | Clearing the season's buildup | Repairs have the whole summer |
| Winter | A flue that has run dirty and still burns | Roof conditions can set the day |
What about gas fireplaces?
A gas fireplace needs a yearly service rather than a sweep, and fall is a natural time for it so the unit is ready when the weather turns. If the unit is acting up, gas fireplace service or repair depends on what it is doing, and a call sorts out which you need.
What you can check safely
- Note how many fires you have burned since the last sweep.
- Look at the firebox for soot buildup or flakes on the floor.
- Notice a smoky smell when the fireplace is cold.
Stop and call: if you hear a roar from the chimney or see flames at the top, get everyone out and call 911. After any chimney fire, or if smoke comes into the room, stop using the fireplace and call us. The NFPA heating safety page has more on fire safety.
Our chimney sweep service covers wood-burning fireplaces across the east metro, including Grant and White Bear Township. We book same-week appointments, evenings and weekends included.
Timing questions
Short answers first.
Can a chimney be swept in summer?
Yes. Summer is quiet for most fireplaces, and any repair the sweep turns up has months to get done.
Will my chimney be okay if I only light a few fires?
Light use builds up slowly, but the flue can still be blocked by animals or cracked. A look before the season tells you either way.
Can heavy snow stop a sweep from happening?
Sometimes. Roof work needs safe footing, so we plan around conditions and confirm the appointment by phone.
Do I need a sweep after a long summer without a fire?
If you did not sweep in spring, yes. The buildup is still there, and an animal may have moved in over the summer.
Planning your first fire of the season?
Call and tell us how much you burn, and we will plan the sweep.