About Chimney Cleaning:

   Chimney cleanings are needed periodically to maintain efficiency and to reduce the risks of chimney fires. Creosote build up and soot accumulation are both the most common contributors to chimney fires. The build up of both substances blocks airflow needed to allow chimney smoke to escape, so, in effect, the smoke will enter the household instead. Creosote is a flammable substance that can easily fuel a chimney fire.
Chimney cleaning or ‘sweeping’ requires that the inside of the chimney be physically brushed to dislodge any built-up material. How often a chimney should be cleaned depends on how it is maintained. Habitually damping the fire down so that it burns longer deprives it of oxygen, leading to more creosote build up and thus more need for cleaning-perhaps at least once a year.