According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), annual chimney inspections are a critical part of maintaining the safety and efficiency of your home’s heating system.

NFPA 211 Standards

NFPA 211—the standard for chimneys, fireplaces, vents, and solid fuel–burning appliances—recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once per year. This applies whether or not the chimney is in regular use.

The goal?

-Ensure structural integrity

-Check for creosote buildup or blockages

-Prevent chimney fires

-Identify potential issues before they become expensive repairs

CSIA Guidelines

The CSIA reinforces these recommendations and outlines three levels of chimney inspection depending on the situation:

Level 1: For systems with continued use under the same conditions. A basic visual inspection.

Level 2: Required during real estate transactions, after changes to the system, or following an operational malfunction or external event (like a chimney fire or earthquake). This includes video scanning.

Level 3: When serious hazards are suspected and hidden areas must be accessed.

Why It Matters

Neglecting regular inspections can lead to:

-Chimney fires caused by creosote buildup

-Carbon monoxide leaks into your living space

-Moisture damage and structural deterioration

-Hidden cracks or defects in the flue lining

Regular inspections not only protect your home and family, but they also comply with insurance requirements and can extend the life of your chimney system.

Beware of FREE chimney inspections

If a company wants to do a free inspection, give that offer some thought. Free is nice, but is it really? In the end, are you going to truly benefit from this? Especially with a real estate transaction. We have the tools and equipment that allow us to do deep dive inspections. We find issues many companies can't see. If you call a home inspector before buying a home, is that service ever free? A chimney inspection is a specialized inspection that home inspectors recommend be done by CSIA certified chimney sweeps.

Do your homework. Don't get taken for a ride.