How often does my chimney need sweeping?

DEFRA / UK Air guidance says a chimney should be swept “each year”. HETAS says a chimney should be swept “at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels”. NACS says a chimney burning wood and bituminous should be swept quarterly when in use.

The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps provides the frequencies below for guidance. Frequency will depend on a number of factors including: Type of fuel, appliance used, duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel, type of chimney. Your Guild sweep will be able to advise on sweeping frequency during the appointment, the sweeping frequencies below are for guidance.

Landlords, when was the last time you had your chimney swept?