In New Jersey and New York, we all know how important it is to keep your chimney in working order for the winter. There are some important facts to know about chimney cleaning. Freshly cut woods tend to build up creosote faster than hardwood Creosote is a carcinogen and it can be deadly. If you have a stove or fireplace insert, you will have to clean your chimney more often. The way you handle your fireplace also affects the cleanliness of it. The location of your chimney in your house and the construction of it make a big difference too. Both of these have an affect on how much creosote builds up. A good rule of thumb is to not ever assume your chimney is functioning properly even if you rarely use it. Many problems can make your chimney a potential threat to your family and safety. Cracks, lightning strikes, daily use, moisture issues, and pests can cause big problems for your chimney. The most important reason to clean your chimney is chimney-induced fires. Every year hundreds of houses burn down because of dirty chimneys. These are fires that could have been avoided. It is also possible that insurance companies won't pay your claim if they find you were negligent in maintaining your chimney. Even though you rarely see it and almost never think about it, your Chimney Liner is among the most important parts of your house. The chimney liner?s main function is to carry combustion gases safely out of your house, but it also protects your chimney and fireplace from water damage, minimizes cold air infiltration into your home, reduces operating expenses and helps to conserve fuel. A properly installed and maintained chimney liner will last many years, but there may be times when you will find it advisable to replace your existing liner. You should have your entire chimney system inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Here are 5 reasons why you might need to replace your chimney liner