Fuel systems
Wood, gas, and pellet — different paths through the flue
Each appliance type sends heat and exhaust through the chimney in its own way. Manuals and labels — not guesswork — define cleaning intervals and venting parts.
Wood-burning
Open hearths and wood inserts produce creosote and ash at different rates depending on burn habits and wood moisture. Flue size, liner material, and chimney height all influence draft — details a sweep can evaluate during an on-site visit.
Gas appliances
Direct-vent units may bypass a masonry flue entirely; B-vent and vent-free designs carry separate clearance rules. Ceramic logs, pilots, and blowers each have service notes in the manual.
Pellet stoves
Hopper, auger, and ash pan rhythms differ from cord-wood fires. Vent pipes are smaller and need periodic brushing per the manufacturer’s chart.
Records worth keeping
Installation year, liner type, fuel changes, and dates of sweeping visits fit on one page in a household binder. Those notes travel well when you change sweeps or sell the home.