New Year’s Resolution: Schedule Your Annual Chimney Inspection

What’s your New Year’s resolution going to be for 2026? Lose weight? Get organized? Finish that novel you’ve been putting off? Whatever it is, it’s probably not getting your chimney inspected. We get it; chimney inspections aren’t glamorous resolutions we can boast about on social media, but they’re not hard to stick to and can have a direct impact on your home’s safety and your fireplace’s heating performance. Here’s why putting a chimney inspection on your New Year’s resolution list is a good idea.

Why Chimney Inspections Matter

Take a look at your chimney from the outside, and it probably looks fine. It’s a solid, durable brick structure, so what could go wrong? Well, most of the serious problems develop internally where you can’t see them. Over time, creosote, a byproduct of burning wood, builds up inside the flue. It’s highly flammable, and even a small amount could turn into a disaster. Without regular inspections, creosote accumulation can go unnoticed until it becomes a fire hazard, which frankly, doesn’t take that long.

Inspections also help identify structural issues. Cracked flue liners, deteriorating mortar joints, damaged crowns, and loose bricks can compromise the chimney’s safety and performance. These problems don’t just increase the fire risk; they can allow toxic gases like carbon monoxide to leak into the home. Because carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, homeowners often have no warning until symptoms appear or an alarm goes off.

Another reason inspections are necessary is to identify water damage. Chimneys are constantly exposed to the elements, and even small cracks or gaps can allow moisture to seep in. Over time, that moisture, combined with the freeze-thaw cycle, can accelerate the masonry’s deterioration and cause metal components to rust. Catching these issues early during an inspection can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Protecting Efficiency and Performance

Beyond safety, a chimney inspection helps ensure your fireplace and chimney operate efficiently. Blockages from creosote, animal nests, and debris can inhibit airflow, making it harder for smoke and toxic gases to exit. A poor draft can lead to smoky rooms, unpleasant odors, and reduced heat output. An inspection confirms that the chimney is clear and functioning as it should.

Why Now is Better Than Later

Most homeowners wait until fall or early winter to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection, usually right before they plan on using the fireplace. Unfortunately, this is also when chimney professionals are busiest. Scheduling an inspection at the last minute can mean long wait times and inconvenient appointments, or having to delay using your fireplace altogether.

Resolving to get your chimney inspection out of the way in spring or early summer gets you ahead of the winter rush. Chimney companies usually are more flexible with scheduling earlier in the year, making it easier to book an appointment that works for you. If the inspection reveals a need for repairs or maintenance, you’ll have plenty of time to address those issues before the next burning season begins.

Scheduling early also reduces the pressure to make quick decisions. When inspections are done right before winter, you might feel rushed to approve repairs so you can use your fireplace. An early inspection gives you time to compare options, get estimates, and budget accordingly.

A Resolution That You Can Stick To

Unlike other New Year’s resolutions, scheduling a chimney inspection is as simple as calling your local chimney professional. It doesn’t take days or months to see results, like your new diet or exercise routine.

January is a few weeks away. Put chimney inspection on your New Year’s resolutions list now and set a reminder on your phone to call.