ProSweep Devon, your trusted, local chimney sweep based in Bovey Tracey, shares his expertise on the optimal time for chimney sweeping. With years of experience in chimney sweeping in Devon, he recommends scheduling chimney sweeps during the shoulder seasons, typically spring and autumn. These periods offer a balance between the colder months when chimneys are heavily used and the warmer months when they may be neglected. By sweeping your chimney during these times, you can help prevent creosote buildup, a leading cause of chimney fires, and ensure optimal airflow for efficient heating.
The busy season for chimney sweeps, often referred to as the “silly season,” typically spans from September to Christmas. As the colder months approach, demand for chimney cleaning services surges, with October proving to be the busiest month. Many homeowners find themselves facing long wait times if they delay scheduling their chimney sweeps until the last minute. However, is the conventional wisdom of rushing to book a chimney sweep in September truly the best strategy? Let’s explore whether there’s a more optimal time of year to have your chimney swept.
Autumn
Autumn is a popular time for chimney sweeping as it prepares the chimney for the peak usage period, ensuring it’s clean and safe. However, the high demand for chimney sweeps in autumn can lead to long wait times, it is not unusual to have to wait 4 weeks or more before an appointment is available Additionally, the unpredictable nature of temperature drops can leave users unable to use their fireplaces until the chimney is swept, making timely scheduling crucial.
Winter
Sweeping your chimney in winter ensures it’s clean and safe during the peak usage period, reducing the risk of chimney fires. Despite these advantages, the high demand during this season can lead to longer wait times, often up-to 6 weeks. Additionally, users must ensure their stove has cooled down before the sweep appointment, which can be inconvenient for those who rely on it for heating.
Spring
Spring is an excellent time to schedule a chimney sweep as demand is typically lower, making appointments easier to secure. Sweeping the chimney at the end of the heating season removes all deposits from the flue, which can extend the life of the liner by preventing the formation of “corrosive slurry.” This also helps to avoid unpleasant chimney odours in summer, caused by the reversal of chimney draw in warm weather. However, as the chimney is not in regular use during this period, there may be less immediate feedback on its performance.
Summer
Summer offers the lowest demand period for chimney sweeping, making it the easiest time to schedule an appointment. Having the appliance swept early allows ample time for any necessary repairs to be completed, especially for modern stoves that may require sourcing spare parts before the upcoming heating season.
Conclusion
As the experts at ProSweep Devon recommend, the best time to schedule a chimney sweep is when your fireplace or stove isn’t in use; Spring or Summer.
Whether you need routine chimney maintenance, flue cleaning, or stove repair services, ProSweep Devon Ltd is here to help. Benefit from our expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in chimney and flue cleaning. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference with ProSweep Devon Ltd.