If your winter home life includes sitting by a crackling fire, or feeling the warmth of a woodstove, there’s almost a 100% chance that you need to clean your chimney – now. That’s because the creosote and soot that built up over the last winter season needs to be cleaned out before you light up again this year.

There may also be obstructions in your chimney that could impede air flow. Hiring a chimney sweep is generally the best option for being sure your chimney is clean and safe. Bob Vila offers this helpful guide to finding a chimney sweep and what to expect in terms of cost, time and services. Keep in mind that now is the prime season for chimney work, so it’s a good idea to call and schedule you cleaning soon. That way you’ll be ready to settle in beside the fire and enjoy football, the holidays, staying in on a snowy day and all the coziness of flickering flames in your home, sweet, home.

Tags: chimney, chimney sweep