Keeping your chimney on a regular inspection schedule isn’t just maintenance, it’s quiet insurance against fire hazards, carbon monoxide, and expensive structural damage. For oil systems, an inspection every 12 months is essential due to heavier soot and buildup, while gas systems should be checked every 16–18 months to catch blockages, venting issues, or hidden corrosion before they turn serious.
There are three standard inspection levels defined by the National Fire Protection Association.
A Level 1 inspection is a basic visual check of the readily accessible parts of your chimney and is recommended for annual maintenance when no changes have been made.
A Level 2 inspection is more detailed and includes a camera scan of the flue, typically required when buying or selling a home, after a system change, or if a problem is suspected. A Level 3 inspection is the most extensive, involving access to concealed areas of the chimney structure, and is only performed when serious hazards or damage are suspected.
