If you just moved into a home with a fireplace, you may have no idea when the chimney was last serviced. Before you light your first fire, run through this simple safety checklist to make sure it is safe to use.
1. Get an inspection before your first fire
You do not know the history of a chimney in a home you just bought. Start with a Level 1 inspection — or a Level 2 with a flue scan if you skipped one during the purchase — to confirm the liner, masonry, and flue are safe before you burn.
2. Have it swept if needed
If the inspection finds creosote buildup, have the chimney swept. Previous owners may have burned often without regular maintenance, leaving flammable buildup you cannot see.
3. Check the cap, crown, and masonry
- Is there a cap on the flue, and is it intact?
- Is the crown at the top cracked or crumbling?
- Is the exterior masonry sound, with no missing mortar or spalling brick?
- Any water stains inside near the chimney?
4. Test detectors and learn your fireplace
Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near the fireplace and on every level. Learn how your damper works, keep seasoned wood on hand, and clear anything flammable away from the hearth. When in doubt about anything, ask the technician during your inspection.
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Call (708) 432-5330Frequently asked questions
What should I do before using a fireplace in a new home?
Get a chimney inspection first. You do not know its history, and a Level 1 (or Level 2) inspection confirms the liner, masonry, and flue are safe before you burn.
How do I know if the previous owner maintained the chimney?
You often cannot, which is exactly why an inspection matters. It reveals creosote buildup, damage, and whether the chimney was properly cared for.
Do I need a sweep or just an inspection?
Start with an inspection. If it finds creosote buildup, add a sweep. The inspection tells you what the chimney actually needs.
Where should carbon monoxide detectors go?
Near the fireplace and on every level of the home, including near sleeping areas. Test them monthly.
Written by Adam Evans, owner of Chimney Sweep Brothers and a chimney technician with 12 years of experience serving La Grange, IL and the western suburbs.