Sweeping rules and maintenance tips for home chimneys in France

Autumn has arrived and colder temperatures are on the way. Here are five tips to ensure that your fireplace is safe and effective this winter.

1. Have it swept

This is mandatory.

The rules about sweeping chimneys serving wood and pellet heating systems are set on the national and departmental level as well as by your insurance company.

The national rules say you need to have your chimney swept at least once a year by a qualified professional (decree n° 2023-641).

However, many departments require chimneys that serve wood stoves to be swept twice a year: once at the end of the heating season, and once during the period when the chimney is in use.

Many insurance companies also require two sweepings a year for wood stoves and can refuse to pay out in case a chimney fire causes damage where this has not been done.

Chimneys for pellet stoves require sweeping once a year.

If in doubt, contact your insurance company.

The chimney sweep will clean the flue, check the seals and inspect your insert or fireplace. They will then provide you with a Certificat de ramonage, which you must show to your insurance provider should they request it.

This certificate will specify:

• Which flues have been cleaned of potentially flammable deposits in accordance with current standards

• That the cleaning has been performed properly and over the whole length of the flue (the certificate attests to the ‘vacuity’ of the flue)

• Any observations and anomalies (defects, damage or non-compliance) noted by the chimney sweep.

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You can find a sweep online, however make sure that they have the 81.22Z APE or NAF certification, as otherwise they will not be able to provide a valid Certificat de ramonage.

Be sure to get an invoice before accepting that they sweep your chimney. Their certification should be indicated on this.

You can also check their certification by searching for their name in the registry of companies, available here.

2. Keep it clean

The fireplace or insert (including the glass) itself needs to be kept clean to ensure that air can circulate to ensure effective combustion. 

Empty the ash pan and clean the grate regularly but leave a small amount to coat the inside of the firebox, as this can help to insulate it and preserve combustion.

Remember to remove the grate along with all the metalwork that you can during this process. Use a vacuum to get any piles of ash that are inaccessible with a brush. 

3. Check your equipment

The chimney sweep has a responsibility to check the flue (and ensure that it is correctly sealed), however you are ultimately responsible for your own safety equipment. 

Remember that all equipment is subject to wear and tear (or battery life) and should be checked regularly.

A fire alarm - test it to ensure that it works.

A carbon monoxide detector- this is not mandatory, but could save your life. Carbon monoxide is released during the incomplete combustion of certain fuels in a heating appliance. If you have one, test it.

Masonry - Check any masonry that houses the fireplace or insert for cracks. While the chimney sweep should check the chimney conduits, they will not necessarily comment on loose brickwork, which can mean lower resistance to heat. This can be fixed by applying specialised mortar and sealant.

A fire guard - This prevents children or animals from approaching the fireplace. Make sure that it has not been warped by heat and is stable.

Stove fans - Handy magnetic fans are made to be robust, but they can run very hot. Before you use one for the first time in the year, check for warping and that it is in good working condition and not dusty.

Log holders - Ensure that these have not been damaged and that they are stable.

4. Consider upgrading

Before you start your first fire of the year, consider purchasing a more effective stove or insert. 

Look for the ‘Flamme verte’ label, which indicates that a stove is more efficient.

The highest efficiency rating is a seven star ‘Flamme verte’ label.

You could also change to a pellet or biomass system.

5. Check your fuel

A clean and functioning fireplace is of little value if your wood is of low quality or wet.

If you have more wood delivered make sure to use last winter’s wood first, and consider purchasing wood from an environmentally friendly producer that has the PEFC label.