Sweep chimney/flue after 1 season?

[Hunter8282]

So last winter was my first season with my BK stove. Everything was brand new, new house, etc.

I only burned very dry beech, oak, maple. Do I need to sweep the chimney/flue before this season?

 

[kborndale]

Yes, you have no idea how clean the new setup was burning.

 

[Max W]

Probably best just to clean it and start the new season with a good clean chimney but look to see what it looks like. How much wood did you burn?

 

[Hunter8282]

Probably best just to clean it and start the new season with a good clean chimney but look to see what it looks like. How much wood did you burn?

Approximately 1.5 cord.

 

[Max W]

If your wood was dry you may expect to to find very little buildup but but I would do a look see anyway.

 

[Jeff in Maine]

My chimney has a brush and cable setup inside the flue you hand crank the brush up and down from ground level. I too burn very well-seasoned wood, but I brush the chimney every month from December to March.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Yup, you only know what the baseline is…..when you know the baseline.
Once you see what you have in the chimney, then you will know how long to go between sweeps.
Over time I’ve learned that I can go a year between sweeps, probably closer to 1.5 years. I only know that after I’ve swept it myself a few times. If possible, sweep it yourself to save money and better know your maintenance needs. The Sooteater rotary tool is popular on this forum and reasonable priced.