You can extend the life of your fireplace by cleaning the chimney regularly. You should also have it checked once a year by a certified chimney sweep.
A chimney sweep can show you how to inspect the chimney yourself as well as provide tips for burning cleaner fires that produce less mess.
In general, you should have your chimney cleaned when 1/8" of soot builds up on its walls. If 1/4" of soot builds up, you are at risk for a chimney fire. Expect to pay a sweep at least $100 to clean each fireplace.
One tip for cleaner fires is to use small pieces of wood (figure A). Your wood should be split and dried for at least a year before you burn it. That way there will be less chance for creosote (figure B) to form on the inside of your chimney.
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