Chapter 1
Inspection and cleaning are different decisions
Inspection evaluates condition; cleaning removes appropriate deposits or debris. A professional may recommend one, both or further evaluation depending on the system and what can be observed.
The U.S. Fire Administration advises annual professional inspection and cleaning in its fireplace and wood-stove safety material. The exact work required at a visit still depends on the appliance, fuel, use and findings.
- Appliance and fuel
- Frequency and style of use
- Last known service
- Prior findings or chimney fire
- Changes to the building or venting
Chapter 2
Events that should reset the conversation
Do not wait for a calendar date after smoke entry, a carbon-monoxide alarm, a suspected chimney fire, storm damage, animal entry, an appliance change or a property purchase with unknown history. Stop use when a safety concern exists and ask which inspection scope is appropriate.
Chapter 3
Keep a maintenance record
Retain dates, invoices, reports, images, fuel changes and repairs. A history helps the next professional compare conditions and avoids treating every visit as a blank slate.
Field note: Write the appliance make, model and fuel at the top of the record.