By: Tom Regis, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional
5 Reasons to Clean Your Chimney in Spring
Find out why it's important to have your chimney inspected & serviced every year
Last Updated: January 6, 2026
As the end of winter draws nearer and you’re getting ready to retire your fireplace for the season, it’s time to start thinking about scheduling your annual chimney cleaning and inspection.
Your fireplace and chimney may look perfectly fine from the outside, but there could be a whole host of issues going on inside that can affect how well the chimney works and the safety of your home.
Routinely taking care of your chimney at the end of the burning season — right before warmer weather kicks in — will give you plenty of time to address and repair any problems your chimney may have before the winter months.
Read on to discover the top reasons spring is the perfect time for chimney maintenance.
#1: Prevent Chimney Fires
Most chimney fires are so small they go unnoticed. In fact, you may not realize you’ve had one until your next chimney inspection.
The main cause of chimney fires is the buildup of creosote. Creosote is a highly-acidic residue that’s created when hot combustion byproducts mingle with cool air in the chimney and produce condensation. This condensation sticks to the interior walls of the chimney, leaving a residue.
Creosote can range from brown to black in color and have a consistency that’s light and flaky, sticky and tar-like, or smooth, shiny, and hard. Hard creosote is the most advanced and can cause extensive damage to your chimney, or even lead to a blockage if it’s not removed.
Creosote is highly combustible and if left to accumulate, a chimney fire can and will occur. The very best way to prevent creosote buildup, and ultimately a chimney fire, is to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep, at least once a year.
#2: Stop Blockages, Buildup, & Debris
Soot and creosote buildup, bird and critter nests, and other debris can create blockages in your chimney. Having your chimney inspected by a licensed professional will ensure these get taken care of before they cause a major problem, such as blocked airflow, a chimney fire, or a deadly house fire.
Wood, gas, and oil fireplaces, furnaces, and stoves can produce a variety of toxic air pollutants and combustion byproducts, such as smoke, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, soot, acidic water vapor, tar fog, and hydrocarbons. A properly functioning chimney ensures these toxic gases are safely carried out of the home.
If your chimney has a blockage or something is constricting the airflow, then toxic gases won’t be able to escape properly and will leak back into your home. A buildup of toxic gases can cause a potentially deadly situation, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
You can easily prevent chimney blockages and ensure the health and safety of your home environment, by maintaining a regular cleaning schedule.
#3: Keep Odors Out
If you’ve noticed an increase in odor coming from your fireplace, you may have an excessive buildup of creosote, soot, or another residue.
The buildup of residue or blockages in your chimney can lead to odors – even when your fireplace isn’t in use.
Clearing out any buildup at the end of the burning season will significantly reduce the amount of odor emanating from your fireplace during the spring and summer months while increasing airflow and improving overall air quality.
#4: Fix Damaged Flue Tiles, Liner, & More
Broken or damaged flue tiles, a cracked chimney liner, a warped damper, and any other inconsistencies in the interior and exterior of your chimney all contribute to poor chimney performance and, in some cases, will result in a house fire.
Having your chimney inspected at the end of the burning season will alert you to any issues and gives you enough time to schedule a chimney repair before the next burning season kicks off in fall.
Pro Tip:
Stainless steel liners are an affordable way to repair damaged masonry chimneys.
#5: Wider Availability of Chimney Sweeps
If you’re proactive about scheduling your chimney inspection during the spring, chances are you’re going to have a much easier time finding a professional chimney sweep who can accommodate your schedule.
Chimney sweeps tend to be extremely busy during the fall since the majority of people wait to get their chimneys cleaned and inspected right before burning season begins. You can avoid the stress of the busy season altogether by scheduling your cleaning during the springtime!
Being proactive about chimney maintenance will not only keep your fireplace and chimney in good working order but will also keep your home and family safe from potentially life-threatening situations, like fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Give yourself the peace of mind you need to enjoy a lovely roaring fire on the very first cold day of the year by making chimney maintenance a priority this spring season.
FAQs
While you don’t need both, installing them together is ideal.
A chimney cap is essential for safety and protection, while a chimney shroud is more for aesthetic enhancement.
- Caps cover the chimney opening, preventing water damage from the weather and buildup from leaves, debris, and nesting animals.
- Shrouds surrounds the entire termination at the top of the chimney. While they do help shield the chimney chase, it’s biggest role is to hide exposed metal and add a polished, architectural look.
Check out a full breakdown on chimney caps and shrouds.
Common warning signs homeowners should look for include:
- Smoke backing up into the room
- Strong smoky odors
- Black soot around the fireplace or within the flue
- Visible cracks, rust, or missing bricks
- Damaged or non-functioning damper
Yes, chimneys can still develop issues from moisture, nesting animals, and deterioration even if they’re unused. We still recommend scheduling annual inspections.
Liners are designed to improve efficiency and safety. They protect the chimney masonry and home interior from heat and harmful combustion gases.
If your liner is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced before your use your fireplace again.
The damper is a metal plate that opens to allow smoke out and closes when the fireplace isn’t being used. It helps control airflow and energy efficiency.
Always make sure your damper is open before lighting a fire.
We're Here to Help
Do you have more questions about how to clean your chimney? We'd love to help! Call our team of NFI Certified experts today at (844) 284-0506 today!
More Resources
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Find out how to convert your traditional wood burning fireplace to clean-burning gas logs.
Keep your patio open well beyond the warmer months with our top-rated outdoor gas fireplaces.
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Thomas Regis has been a Technical Sales Representative at Woodland Direct for four years. An NFI-Certified expert, Thomas effortlessly directs his clients toward the perfect products, offering essential installation and safety advice. He's tackled projects of all sizes, from backyard fire pits to custom indoor fireplaces. He has even helped Amy Adams, owner of the Tennessee Titans, find a new fireplace for her home! Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas actively participates in community service projects and enjoys spending time on the basketball court. Call him or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904. |