If you have an open fire or a stove that you plan on using then you should be booking a chimney sweep. HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme) recommend you should get your chimney swept at least once a year if burning smokeless fuel and twice a year if burning wood or coal.
When should you get your chimney swept?
The best time to have your chimney swept is just before the colder months start for winter and after the peak of heating system in the late spring/early summer or if your stove/open fire has been unused for a prolonged time - even if it was swept after you stopped using it, debris can build up in the chimney stack still.
What happens to an un-swept chimney?
A chimney carries all the poisonous fumes and smoke upwards and out of your house. If there is a build up of soot or blockages then these fumes and smoke will not be able to go up and out and will instead leak out into your room. This puts you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation . A blocked chimney is also susceptible to catching fire!
How do I sweep my chimney?
You can DIY sweep your chimney if you choose. You will need rods, a chimney brush, old sheets, duct tape (to tape your sheets up), torch, a vacuum and masks and gloves.
If you are not confident in your abilities, have any safety concerns, need a certificate for insurance purposes or other reasons then hire a professional chimney sweep.
How do I find a professional chimney sweep?
If you live in the UK you can use HETAS online search function to find approved stove installers and chimney sweeps near you. All HETAS Approved Chimney Sweeps will provide an identity card when asked. Always ask to see ID before a sweep enters your home and carries out any work.
If you are in the Norfolk area, then Intelligent Chimney Solutions Ltd are your local, trusted, HETAS approved stove installer and chimney sweep. Visit their website for information about their services or for further advice about buying a stove.