How Often Should You Clean Your Fireplace? A Homeowner’s Guide

Aside from helping your wood burner perform better, fireplace cleaning also reduces the risk of chimney fires and protects your home from smoke damage and air quality issues. Wondering how often you need to clean? As a general rule, you should schedule an inspection and cleaning at both the start and end of the burning season, but you may need to clean it more than twice a year if you use your fireplace often.

 

Autumn is the best time to get ahead of the buildup before daily use kicks in. Schedule your seasonal cleaning with The Fireplace Technician now so your wood-burning can run safely and efficiently all winter.

 

What’s included in a fireplace cleaning service?

When our team visits your home for a fireplace cleaning, we:

·     Inspect the chimney and flue to ensure proper airflow and remove any blockages

·     Clean out the firebox and grate to prevent ash buildup

·     Check the door seal and gasket for signs of wear or air leaks

·     Test the damper to make sure it’s regulating airflow correctly

 

We also check your firewood.

Part of keeping your fireplace safe and efficient is using the right wood. Our team can test your firewood with a Protimeter to measure the moisture content. Wet or unseasoned wood burns poorly and creates creosote — a flammable, tar-like substance that builds up in the chimney. Creosote can ignite without warning, so it’s important to catch the problem early.

Book a chimney sweep while you’re at it.

Fireplace cleaning is also a great opportunity to book our chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote buildup, helping your fireplace run efficiently while improving airflow and reducing smoke issues.

At The Fireplace Technician, we’ve serviced chimneys across South Auckland for over three decades. With more than 50 years of combined industry experience, we’re proud to offer trusted, high-quality service. We also handle flue cleaning and general repairs to keep your fireplace in top condition.

Time for a clean? We’re here to help.

Let the professionals at The Fireplace Technician take care of your fireplace and chimney. Call 0800 024 324 for a free quote on fireplace cleaning. We’ll make sure everything runs safely and smoothly so you can enjoy a warm, worry-free winter season.

Transform Your Backyard: 30 Cosy Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Adding an outdoor fireplace to your backyard lets you bring all the best parts of a campsite into your own space. You can create a natural gathering spot where friends and family can relax and enjoy the warmth while spending time together!

 

The most inviting outdoor fireplace ideas do more than provide heat — they enhance your backyard’s overall look and reflect your style. And here at The Fireplace Technician, we specialise in custom-built fireplaces that elevate outdoor living while bringing people together for memorable moments.

 

Here are some cosy outdoor fireplace ideas to help get you started if you’re looking for inspiration:

 

Traditional wood-burning outdoor fireplace

Nothing beats the timeless appeal of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. For those who love the rustic appeal, a dual indoor-outdoor fireplace is worth considering. These designs let you enjoy the glow and warmth from both inside and outside your home.

Keep in mind that proper ventilation is essential with this setup, so it’s best suited to homes where airflow has been carefully planned.

 

Covered patio fireplace

A covered patio with a fireplace adds year-round comfort to your outdoor space. This type of setup lets you enjoy your backyard even when the weather isn’t perfect. It also creates opportunities to include features like lighting and outdoor kitchens, turning your patio into an inviting extension of your living room.

 

Outdoor gas fireplace

If you want the warmth and ambience without dealing with smoke or ash, try an outdoor gas fireplace. These fireplaces are easy to maintain, deliver steady heat, and often feature modern, clean-lined designs.

New technology has made gas fireplaces even more convenient, with some models offering remote start functions or smart home compatibility.

 

Stone fireplace

Perfect for those who love entertaining or want to make a bold design statement, full-height stone fireplaces with mantles create a beautiful focal point. You can personalise the space further with built-in seating or outdoor kitchen elements, making it ideal for hosting gatherings or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire.

 

Talk to our experts for more ideas.

Ready to explore more outdoor fireplace ideas? Contact our team at The Fireplace Technician by calling 0800 024 324. We’re based in Flat Bush and proudly service the greater South Auckland area.

 

Whether you’re after a custom-built outdoor fireplace or stylish hearth and surround installations, we can help you bring your vision to life with high-quality workmanship and tailored advice.

Cosy Up in Style: Creative Ideas for Your Custom Wood Fireplace

There’s something really comforting about a wood fireplace. The crackling of the fire, the smell of the wood, and the warm glow all add a welcoming feel to any room. If you’re thinking about building one or giving your current fireplace a new look, it’s a great chance to get creative. This guide offers a mix of ideas, from modern designs to more rustic styles, to help you create a wood fireplace that works well and reflects your personal taste.

 

Custom outdoor coffee table

 

Why not order a custom wood fireplace that also works as an outdoor coffee table? We’ve created a few of these for clients, and they’re always a favourite. The built-in gas or electric fireplace adds a cosy vibe to your outdoor space, while the tabletop is perfect for holding drinks, snacks, or even a game night.

 

Room divider fireplace

 

Make use of the extra space in your living room, kitchen, or dining area by installing a room divider fireplace. This type of fireplace adds warmth to your home while serving as a stunning focal point and separating areas to create definition and flow in an open floor plan. Plus, you can choose from various designs and styles to complement your overall interior design.

 

Reclaimed custom wood fireplace

 

A reclaimed custom wood fireplace is a perfect addition to your home if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. We’ll make sure it’s tailored to your space, and we can make it using salvaged fireplaces that have been given a new purpose.

 

How The Fireplace Technician Can Help

 

At The Fireplace Technician, our goal is to provide you with the best fireplace solution for your home. We offer custom designs and installations as well as maintenance and repairs to keep your fireplace running efficiently. Call 0800 024 324 for a no-obligation quote.

The Benefits of a Clean Chimney for Your Home’s Efficiency and Comfort

At The Fireplace Technician, we know how much you enjoy the comfort of a warm fireplace during the colder months. But if your fire isn’t burning as well as it used to — or the room just doesn’t feel as warm— it might be time to call a chimney sweep.

 

Prevent chimney fires

To keep your fireplace running safely, schedule a chimney cleaning at least once a year. Regular sweeping clears away soot and blockages that affect performance — and more importantly, it reduces the risk of chimney fires. Even a small amount of creosote, a flammable byproduct of wood burning, can ignite if left unchecked.

 

A professional chimney sweep has the tools and expertise to remove creosote safely. They’ll also check for bird nests, debris, or any other blockages that could lead to poor ventilation or dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.

 

Improve heating efficiency

When creosote and debris clog your chimney, airflow becomes restricted—and that means your fireplace won’t heat your home as effectively. A clean chimney allows proper ventilation, helping the fire burn hotter and more efficiently. That can translate into better warmth and lower heating costs over time.

 

Protect the chimney structure.

Creosote and soot aren’t just fire hazards — they’re also corrosive. Over time, their acidic content can damage the chimney lining and weaken the structure. Calling a chimney sweep regularly helps prevent long-term damage and keeps your chimney in solid condition for years to come.

 

Breathe healthier indoor air.

 

When ash and soot have nowhere to exit, they can go into your living space and cause allergies and respiratory problems. Regular chimney cleaning helps reduce these risks, ensuring you can breathe clean and safe air indoors.

 

Are you due for chimney cleaning?

 

Just dial 0800 024 324 on your phone for a quote. We’ll dispatch a reliable chimney sweep to your home at your preferred date and time.

Why Regular Chimney Sweeping is Essential for a Safe and Efficient Fireplace

If you want your fireplace to perform at its best, hire a chimney sweep on a regular basis. You can count on our professionals here at The Fireplace Technician. Our fireplace cleaning experts are trained to thoroughly clean your chimneys and flues to prevent smoke and draft problems. They can also handle any necessary maintenance or repairs. And if replacement parts are needed, we use only high-quality components to make sure that your chimney or flue is not just clean but also safe.

When to call a professional chimney sweep

 

It doesn't take much creosote buildup to create a fire hazard. This is why we recommend chimney cleaning at least once a year to remove soot and blockages and to ultimately reduce the risk of chimney fires.

Ideally, spring is the best time to schedule your chimney sweep, but you can also schedule the service right after the heating season ends. It's best not to wait until after summer because soot and creosote can damage your chimney and cause unpleasant odours. Plus, autumn is our busiest season due to last-minute bookings, so booking early is always a good idea.

 

Keep your home insurance and manufacturer’s warranty.

 

Your insurance and fireplace manufacturer’s warranty may become void if you do not adhere to the required maintenance schedule. Be sure to hire qualified sweepers like The Fireplace Technician to meet those requirements and protect your coverage.

 

Ensure proper ventilation

 

A dirty or clogged chimney stops smoke from escaping, causing it to back up into your home and heavily polluting your indoor air. Plus, draft issues make your fireplace much less efficient.

Draft problems can be caused by anything obstructing your chimney — from bird nests to leaves or fallen bricks. We'll ensure your flue and chimney are completely clean, allowing for proper airflow.

 

 

Is it time for chimney sweeping?

 

Hire a professional chimney sweep from The Fireplace Technician. Call us at 0800 024 324 before the heating season starts! We’ll make sure your chimney is ready and trouble-free for a comfortable and safe winter. We’re based in Flat Bush and offer our services throughout Greater South Auckland.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fireplace? A Seasonal Guide

Your fireplace works hard during the winter and then sits idle for months. That extended period of inactivity may allow any existing creosote to harden and further accumulate, so make sure to schedule a fireplace cleaning before the colder months set in.

Cleaning and properly maintaining your fireplace will keep you and your home safe. So, don’t treat annual maintenance as an unnecessary expense. Besides saving you money, it helps reduce your home’s environmental impact.

 

But how often should you have your fireplace cleaned? And when is the best time to call us for the job? This guide has the answers and other insights you should know about cleaning your fireplace.

 

At least once a year

 

To ensure your fireplace and chimney’s efficiency and safety, call us at least once a year for professional servicing. We will thoroughly clean your unit so it runs safely and efficiently. We service all fireplaces regardless of who installed them, ensuring a thorough clean for optimal performance and safety during the heating season.

 

Are you a heavy fireplace user?

 

The recommended frequency of fireplace cleaning will also depend on how often you use it. If you use it heavily or usually see creosote or soot falling into the firebox, call us right away. We can advise you on which wood to use to minimise creosote build-up in your chimney.

 

When is the best time to clean a fireplace in New Zealand?

 

The best time for professional fireplace cleaning is in late spring, but you can also do it at the end of summer, too. We don’t recommend waiting until the weather gets cold, as it will be more difficult to book a service by then.

 

The importance of having professionals clean your fireplace

 

Cleaning your fireplace protects your insurance cover, which could become invalid if you can’t keep up with the recommended number of cleanings in your policy.

 

When you entrust fireplace cleaning to our professionals, you can be confident that your system will be serviced by experts who know what they’re doing. During the cleaning, we can also check your fireplace for problems and address them promptly before they become expensive repairs or require a full replacement.

 

Is it time to clean your fireplace?

 

The Fireplace Technician is just one phone call away. Request a quote or book our maintenance and chimney sweep service by calling 0800 024 324.

10 Reasons Why Regular Chimney Sweeps Are Essential for Your Home's Safety and Efficiency

We know how much you enjoy the cosy warmth and ambience of a fireplace, particularly during the cooler months. But fireplace use also comes with potential hazards — and regular maintenance, including a professional chimney sweep, is key to minimising these risks.  Whether you use your fireplace frequently or just now and then, maintaining a clean chimney is vital for both comfort and safety. Here are ten important reasons why:

 

1. Avoid chimney fires

One of the crucial reasons to clean your chimney is to get rid of the creosote that accumulates inside. This highly flammable substance is a byproduct of wood burning, and even the thinnest layer can ignite and cause fires. A professional chimney sweep can remove it.

 

2. Increase fireplace efficiency

A clean chimney functions more efficiently. Plus, it promotes better draught (draft) that lets the fire burn cleaner and hotter, enhancing the heat output and minimising the amount of wood to burn.

 

3. Better air quality

A dirty and blocked chimney can cause poor indoor air quality. Anything from animal nests and debris to soot can obstruct airflow and cause smoke and toxic gases to enter your home.

 

4. For a good-smelling home

A dirty chimney can cause a musty odour to spread through your home, especially in the warmer months. This makes a chimney sweep essential to eliminate any unpleasant smells that may come from your fireplace.

 

5. Address potential issues right away

Annual chimney cleaning is a chance for professionals to check for problems such as signs of wear or damage. It’s important to detect these issues early so they don’t become costly repairs.

 

6. Extend your chimney’s lifespan

Routine chimney sweeping will prolong its lifespan. Too much moisture, creosote, and debris buildup can damage and corrode the chimney’s liner and masonry over the years. The only way to prevent that is by keeping it well-maintained and clean.

 

7. Protect the environment

Did you know a dirty chimney is harmful to the environment? That’s because it releases toxic pollutants outside. Thus, regular cleaning lets you do your part in protecting the environment and ensuring healthier outdoor air.

 

8. For insurance purposes

Most insurance companies need proof that you're taking steps to keep their property safe. A regular chimney sweep may even help you qualify for lower insurance premiums.

 

9. Compliance with building regulations

Routine chimney sweeping lets you comply with local fire safety regulations. This ultimately helps protect not just your property but also your family from the risk of chimney fires.

 

10. Improve your home’s value

A well-maintained chimney can add to your home’s resale value. Knowing your fireplace and chimney are well-maintained can give you more edge during negotiations and setting a more competitive price when you decide to sell your home.

 

Is it time to clean your chimney?

 

You won’t have to look elsewhere for a professional chimney sweep in Auckland. Contact us here at The Fireplace Technician, and we will take care of it! Get a no-obligation quote by calling 0800 024 324.