When wood is burned, not all the smoke escapes from the chimney. Some will cool down and become solid, producing creosote. Sweeping the chimney removes this flammable creosote residue. Further, creosote is corrosive to the flue tiles in the chimney and can cause unpleasant odors in your home. Ideally, the chimney should be swept in the spring time just after the winter burn season is over.

Another important reason to have your chimney swept is chimney fires. A truly scary aspect of chimney fires is that they often occur without the homeowner's knowledge. Chimney fires tend to happen most often within a short time of adding wood to a burning fire or upon lighting a new fire. Often people heating with wood are adding fuel to the fire before going to bed or leaving for work and are unaware that the chimney has caught fire.

When looking for a chimney sweep, there are important questions to remember. Ask for their qualifications. Are they certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (C.S.I.A.)? The National Fireplace Institute (N.F.I.)?

While many fine companies and chimney sweep technicians may not have either credential, having them shows their knowledge has been recently tested and that they met the training standards for accreditation.