How Often Should You Clean a Chimney in Minnesota?

Why Minnesota winters build creosote faster

Minnesota's heating season runs roughly October through April, one of the longest in the country. The more you burn, the more creosote, a tar-like flammable residue, coats your flue. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends cleaning once creosote reaches one-eighth of an inch of buildup, which for regular wood burners means at least once per season.

The once-a-year rule

Both the CSIA and NFPA recommend a chimney inspection every year, with a cleaning whenever there is significant buildup. For most Minneapolis-area homeowners that works out to one cleaning per year, booked before the first fire.

When you need it more than once

Schedule a second cleaning if you burn more than about three cords a season, burn unseasoned or wet wood, use the fireplace as a primary heat source, or notice a strong campfire smell and poor draft mid-season.

Wood vs. gas

Wood fireplaces create creosote and need annual sweeping. Gas fireplaces produce little creosote but still need a yearly safety inspection of the venting and burner, because a blocked or cracked vent can let carbon monoxide back inside.

Frequently Asked Questions