How Often Should a Chimney Be Inspected?

The short answer is once a year, for almost everyone. The longer answer depends on how you use your fireplace and what's currently going on with your home.

The annual standard

Every major chimney safety organization recommends an annual inspection, even for light or occasional use. In Minnesota specifically, a genuinely long burning season means creosote and wear accumulate faster than in milder climates, which is part of why we treat annual as the floor rather than a suggestion. See chimney inspection.

When you need it more often

Heavier burners — multiple times a week through the season — or homes burning softwood or unseasoned wood tend to build up creosote faster and benefit from checking in more than once a year. The same goes for older systems with known prior issues that are being monitored.

Level 1 vs. Level 2, recap

Level 1 ($69) is a visual check of the readily accessible parts of the chimney — the standard annual maintenance inspection. Level 2 ($119) adds a full interior video scan of the flue and is typically required at a home sale, after a chimney fire, or when you change the fuel type or appliance connected to the flue. See our full breakdown in the FAQ.

Specific triggers that call for an inspection regardless of timing

• You just moved into a home with no maintenance history.
• You're buying or selling — this typically requires a Level 2.
• You just had a chimney fire, however small. See what to do after a chimney fire.
• You noticed any of the common warning signs.