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Chimney professional Tracy Zarriello says homeowners should match maintenance to their fireplace type, burn dry seasoned wood in wood-burning fireplaces and arrange a professional chimney inspection at least once a year. She warns that creosote can ignite and that chimney-cleaning logs do not replace inspection and cleaning with proper equipment.
Chimney professional Tracy Zarriello is urging homeowners to tailor fireplace care to the type of unit they use and to have chimneys professionally inspected at least once a year. Her advice, published by Family Handyman ahead of the heating season, focuses on reducing creosote buildup and spotting damage that may not be visible from inside the home.
For wood-burning fireplaces, Zarriello recommends burning seasoned hardwood, such as ash, maple or oak. She says wood generally should dry for six to 12 months or longer and have moisture content below 20 percent. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and creosote, a flammable residue that forms when smoke cools inside the chimney.
Before lighting a fire, homeowners should make sure the damper is fully open and keep it open while the fire burns. Zarriello says good airflow carries smoke upward and out of the home. She also recommends using a fireplace screen, removing ash only after it has fully cooled, and checking the firebox monthly during the burning season for cracked bricks or deteriorating mortar.
Gas fireplaces produce no wood ash and generally need less maintenance than wood-burning units, but Zarriello says their burners and venting systems still need regular inspection. Electric fireplaces produce no combustion byproducts and often include a heating element. She also cautions that an open wood-burning fireplace can draw heated indoor air up the chimney; a gas insert or an EPA-certified wood stove may be more effective for heating, she says.
Creosote buildup can become a fire hazard as deposits progress from flaky soot to a hard, shiny glaze. Zarriello says the glazed stage is difficult to remove and can ignite from a spark or a burst of hot exhaust. She says chimney fires can exceed 2,000 degrees, although some burn slowly inside the flue and may go unnoticed.
Even an unnoticed chimney fire can crack the flue liner or damage the structure, according to Zarriello. Damage to the flue may also allow dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to enter a home. These risks matter because much of the chimney system cannot be examined through a homeowner’s basic visual checks.
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Care Varies by Fireplace Type
The source describes three common fireplace types with different upkeep needs. Wood-burning fireplaces require firewood, tools, ash removal and regular chimney care. Gas units avoid wood ash and offer an on-demand fuel supply, while electric models simulate flames and can provide space heating without combustion.
Zarriello owns Queen Sweep Chimney, Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating Services and says she has worked in the chimney industry for most of her life. Her advice is based on common fireplace problems she has seen. The source does not provide independent comparative data on fireplace efficiency or fire risk.
““Creosote is a highly flammable residue created when wood smoke cools and condenses inside the chimney.””
— Tracy Zarriello, owner of Queen Sweep Chimney, Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating Services
A Visual Check Has Limits
The source does not establish how many chimney fires, injuries or home damage incidents occur nationally, or quantify how much the recommended habits reduce risk. It also does not give a publication date. Zarriello says homeowners cannot see most of the flue system without specialized equipment, so the condition of an individual chimney cannot be determined from the article’s general advice.
The article says some chimney-cleaning products may loosen light deposits, but it does not assess specific brands or provide independent testing results. It says hardened creosote requires proper cleaning equipment and cautions against relying on a cleaning log alone.
Schedule a Chimney Inspection
Homeowners who use a fireplace should arrange a professional chimney inspection at least once a year, Zarriello recommends. A qualified professional can examine the flue liner, check for creosote and water damage, assess masonry, and confirm ventilation. The article does not identify a specific inspection standard or provide a timetable beyond the annual recommendation.
During the burning season, homeowners can also check the firebox monthly and look at the chimney cap from the ground. A broken or missing cap can allow rain and animals into the chimney, Zarriello says. Any cleaning log should be treated as supplementary; it is not a substitute for inspection and cleaning when needed.
Key Questions
How often should a chimney be professionally inspected?
At least once a year, according to chimney professional Tracy Zarriello. She says a qualified professional can inspect parts of the flue system that homeowners cannot see without specialized equipment.
What kind of wood should I burn?
Zarriello recommends seasoned hardwood, such as ash, maple or oak. She says wood generally should dry for six to 12 months or longer and have moisture content below 20 percent.
Do chimney-cleaning logs replace a professional cleaning?
No. Zarriello says some products may loosen light deposits, but they do not remove hardened creosote from chimney walls. She recommends inspection and cleaning with proper equipment.
Can an open wood fireplace heat a home efficiently?
Zarriello says an open wood-burning fireplace can pull heated air out of the house. For homeowners focused on heating, she says a gas insert or EPA-certified wood stove is usually more effective.
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