It’s widely known that the cornerstone of chimney maintenance is having an annual inspection completed, along with regular chimney sweepings. Commonly, fireplace users schedule these maintenance tasks in spring or summer, so all is well before the burning season sets in. This helps ensure that everything is in tip-top shape for a season of cozy fires.
But what if the previous winter was mild? Is a sweeping really necessary if your chimney hasn’t endured a season of frigid temps and heavy snowfall?
Short answer: Absolutely. Let’s get into it.
Annual Chimney Inspections: Mild Winters Don’t Stop Creosote Build Up
While it’s true that the cycle of freezing and thawing can provoke wear and tear on a chimney, the importance of chimney sweeping isn’t diminished by a mild winter – even if you used your fireplace less often as a result. In fact, having your chimney swept after a year with lower temperatures is just as critical – if not more so – because of the way creosote accumulates.

What is creosote? Creosote is a tarry, combustible substance that forms when wood is burned – especially if that wood isn’t well seasoned. The resulting smoke can condense in the chimney, causing creosote to form and accumulate on the walls of the flue.
Because it’s so combustible, having creosote in your chimney drastically increases the risk of a chimney fire. And while hosting fires in your firebox is, of course, an acceptable thing to do, a chimney fire can cause serious damage to your chimney and home in general. Creosote can also inhibit proper ventilation because it blocks up your chimney, potentially leading to weaker fires and to smoke or combustion gases backing up into your living space.
Creosote can build up in your chimney regardless of the severity of the weather.
When you have your chimney swept, your technician expertly removes stubborn creosote, as well anything else that may be obstructing your chimney, such as nesting materials, leaves, and other debris.
Creosote can build up in your chimney regardless of the severity of the weather. Any time you burn wood, some level of creosote will be created and need to be regularly removed. Many factors impact creosote accumulation, such as the type of wood, temperature of the blaze, chimney length, and difference between indoor and outdoor air temperature. Without actually looking inside your chimney flue, it can be difficult to know how much creosote is present. And at the end of the day, even a thin layer of creosote presents a risk and needs to be cleared out.
Less intense winters can give chimney owners a false sense of security – assuming that since we are less frazzled by frigid temps and severe weather, our chimney is likewise less in need of TLC. This simply isn’t the case, and is a dangerous misconception.
Warmer Winters Can Increase Chimney Buildup
Chimneys are all about keeping things moving. Draft is the flow of air that draws smoke and combustion gases up and out of the chimney, rather than letting it linger in your living room. This upward movement is impacted by the difference in temperature between the air inside your home and cooler outside air. This creates a pressure difference in which the heated air rises.
During a cold winter, the temperature differential between the outside and inside air causes the warm air to rise more rapidly – in other words, you get a stronger draft.
…a mild winter means a less pronounced temperature differential and weaker draft. And if your smoke is lingering longer inside the chimney flue, there’s more opportunity for creosote to form.
Why is a strong draft good? Remember what you’re removing – hot combustion gases and smoke. As smoke cools, it condenses and forms creosote. When the draft is strong, smoke will rise more quickly. This can help reduce the amount of creosote buildup in the chimney.
On the flip side, a mild winter means a less pronounced temperature differential and weaker draft. And if your smoke is lingering longer inside the chimney flue, there’s more opportunity for creosote to form. In other words, it’s possible that a mild winter could leave you more in need of a chimney sweeping than a more intense one.
Other Considerations About Chimney Sweeps & Mild Winters
It’s important to remember, too, that creosote isn’t the only challenge chimney technicians are tackling. Nests, twigs, leaves, and other debris can make their way into your flue just as readily in a mild winter as in a severe one.
And beyond the immediate risks of fire and air quality, neglecting chimney maintenance can cause long-term damage. Creosote can contribute to corrosion of the chimney liner and other components, and if such damage goes unchecked it can become more severe and costly to remedy down the line.
When you have your chimney inspected and swept regularly, you’re making a small investment in your chimney’s well-being that will substantially pay itself off over the life of your home. These proactive steps help preserve the integrity of your chimney, and they help you enjoy higher levels of efficiency and safety in the present.
Call Lou Curley Today
If you have questions about chimney maintenance or are in need of a sweeping, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our techs are ready to answer your questions and ensure your system stays in great shape for the long haul.