Having your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned regularly is one of the most important things you can do to prevent a house fire, but it can be hard to know how often you should hire a professional chimney sweep service. At Woodall Heating & Cooling, the highly trained technicians have nearly 40 years of experience with everything from heating and air conditioning system installation to garage door repair.

A family-owned and -operated company, Woodall Heating & Cooling is committed to making sure all families in the Enterprise, AL, area have safe fireplaces. Here are some frequently asked questions they get about fireplaces and chimney sweeps.

FAQ About Cleaning Your Chimney & Fireplace

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Swept?

You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, you should have your chimney checked midway through the winter season, too. Another rule of thumb: If there is more than 1/8 inch of creosote buildup in your fireplace, then it’s time to clean your chimney.

What Happens During a Professional Chimney Sweep?

During an inspection, the chimney sweep experts will clean the fireplace, check the smoke chamber and flue, and inspect the chimney exterior. They’ll also look for birds, pests, twigs, and leaves that might have made their home in your chimney over the summer. Removing the sooty buildup and other things that obstruct the chimney reduces the likelihood of a chimney fire and also extends the life of your chimney. It also allows the chimney sweep experts to identify any necessary repairs.

Can I Clean It Myself?

You can attempt to remove the buildup yourself, but it’ll save you time and money to call a professional chimney sweep service. Not only do they have the training and tools necessary to do a thorough job, but they also inspect the fireplace for deterioration or venting problems.

If it’s time to have your chimney swept, call the fireplace experts at Woodall Heating & Cooling. In addition to chimney inspections and cleanings, they also offer fireplace installations. For more information about the best heating contractors in Enterprise, AL, visit their website, or call (334) 347-1243.