Even if you use your chimney only for a central heating system, be sure to clean it. Soot can build up in the chimney, and birds may nest in it during the summer.
Clean your chimney prior to each heating season and when inspection reveals a buildup of Va” or more of creosote. A chimney positioned on the exterior of a house will generally require cleaning more frequently than one on the inside. If you use your chimney daily, check it every 2 months until you become familiar with how often it should be cleaned.
When inspecting a chimney, check for leaks as well as creosote buildup. You’ll know your chimney is in trouble if you see smoke leaking out between the bricks. Another bad sign is when you look up your chimney and see light from sources other than the top. To check your chimney for leaks, block off the cap, light a small fire and watch where the smoke comes out. Those are the spots that need repair. Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, call a mason to do the work.
An easy way to examine a flue is to hold a small mirror underneath it at a 45° angle. If you have a clean-out door in your chimney, you’ll find that door at the base of the chimney, in the cellar. Open it to gain access to the flue. If you have a stove and no clean-out door, you’ll need to take down the stovepipe to get at the flue.
It’s best to examine your flue on a sunny day, when the maximum amount of light is in your chimney

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