Sweeping chimneys? How often?

[MrFibble]

Title says it al really. How often should one get ones chimney swept? We burn wood here and have a fire 3 to 4 times a week in autumn / winter / spring. Should we sweep once a year? Once every 2?

[HelenofSparta]

Hello, they should be swept once a year. The sweep issues us with a certificate that lasts for a year - ie insurance would pay out if there was a chimney fire whilst this was valid.
PS This is for our open fire - our gas fire is done less often, but we tend not to use it if has not been done.
x

[MrFibble]

Oops. Better get on the phone to the sweep then. It's been at least 3 years since we had the chimney swept. Thanks.