How Often Should You Get Your Chimney Cleaned in North Carolina?

Jason Mack
Jul 28
2 min read

Updated: Aug 3

The answer: once a year — or more often if you use your fireplace heavily.

Annual chimney cleaning isn't just a recommendation — it's a safety essential. According to the NFPA and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), every fireplace — whether wood-burning or gas — should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

🧹 Why Annual Cleaning Matters

Even if you only use your fireplace occasionally, soot and creosote still build up. That residue can:

Reduce airflow and efficiency
Trigger bad odors or smoke pushback
Lead to chimney fires if ignored

Homes that burn wood regularly — especially in colder regions of North Carolina — may need cleaning twice a year.

🪵 Burning Wood? You May Need Cleaning Twice a Year

If you use your fireplace 3+ times a week in the winter, or burn softwoods or unseasoned wood, creosote builds up faster.Once it reaches 1/8 inch thick, it becomes dangerously flammable.

That’s when a second sweep — usually in spring — can help keep your home safe and your system running efficiently.

🔌 What About Gas Fireplaces?

Gas fireplaces don’t create creosote, but they can still suffer from:

Blocked exhausts
Dust buildup
Sensor issues
Animal nests in vents

Annual inspection is still a must — even if the cleaning is quick and easy.

⚠️ Signs You Shouldn’t Wait:

Smoky smell, even when not in use
Trouble lighting or maintaining a fire
Excessive soot or black stains
It’s been more than 12 months

📍 Local Service You Can Count On

At Chimney Masters, we serve homes across Charlotte, Huntersville, Salisbury, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem — with certified technicians and detailed service reports every time.