When is it time to clean?

 

There isn't a simple rule of thumb on how often your chimney, such as cleaning after 50 uses or one year.  The problem is, creosote can form when wood is burned incompletely. A smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors that can condense inside the flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a chimney fire.You can reduce creosote buildup in your fireplace by providing adequate combustion air, which will encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.