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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-yard-annual-chimney-inspection

How often does the U.S. Fire Administration say a professional should inspect and clean a chimney?

Each year.

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  1. Each year ✔
  2. Only when smoke is visible indoors
  3. Once every twenty years

Why: Annual professional inspection and cleaning help identify chimney hazards before fireplace season. Waiting for an obvious problem is too late.

Huh, didn't know that: The same USFA card says to keep anything that can burn at least three feet from a fireplace or wood stove.

The dad joke
Why did Santa go down the chimney? Because it sooted him.
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References

Answer: Each year. Annual professional inspection and cleaning help identify chimney hazards before fireplace season. Waiting for an obvious problem is too late.

  1. Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety, U.S. Fire Administration www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fireplace_woodstove_safety_card.pdf
    Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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