It’s recommended that wood burning stoves are swept up to four times a year, depending on usage. Most house insurers will void your insurance if you don’t have your chimney swept at least once a year, even if you haven’t used your fire at all. If you live in a thatched property, at least twice a year is recommended. It’s important to book an annual sweep not only for the health of your appliance and flue system but also for the health of you and your family as unswept flues can become degraded or blocked from build-ups like tar or creosote, this can lead to hazards like chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.