Do I really need to have my chimney swept if I’m not going to use it for months?

Yes, this is actually the most important time to have it swept. Creosote and debris left in your chimney over summer can absorb moisture, create odours, and cause corrosion to chimney components. Additionally, having your chimney swept after the heating season means you’ll be ready to go when autumn returns, rather than having to schedule during the busy autumn rush.

Can I just close my damper and forget about my fireplace until autumn?

While closing the damper is important, it’s only one step in proper shutdown. Without additional measures like cleaning and possibly installing a bird guard or chimney balloon, you risk issues with odours, pests, and energy efficiency. A complete shutdown process protects both your chimney system and your home.

Is it worth installing a bird guard if I don’t have one already?

Absolutely. A bird guard is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make in protecting your chimney year-round. During summer, it prevents animal entry, blocks rain, and reduces humidity levels in your flue. The cost of installing a quality bird guard is typically far less than addressing a single wildlife removal or water damage issue.

How can I tell if wildlife has entered my chimney during summer?

Signs of wildlife intrusion include unusual scratching or chirping sounds, debris falling into the fireplace, unpleasant odours, or visible nesting materials. If you suspect animals have taken up residence, contact us immediately. As chimney specialists, we can safely remove nesting materials and recommend the best preventative measures to avoid future intrusions.

Will closing up my fireplace make my house stuffy?

A properly shut down fireplace shouldn’t affect your home’s ventilation in any negative way. In fact, by preventing unwanted air exchange through the chimney, your home’s climate control systems can work more efficiently. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, consider other ventilation options like window opening schedules or mechanical ventilation systems.

Will my fireplace need any special attention if we’re away on holiday during summer?

Yes, if you’re planning to be away for extended periods during summer, it’s even more important to ensure your fireplace is properly shut down. Ensure the damper is in the appropriate position, consider using a chimney sheep or chimney balloon for open fireplaces, and have your chimney swept before departure. This prevents any odours from developing while you’re away and ensures wildlife doesn’t take up residence during your absence.

How to Leave Your Stove or Fireplace for Summer

When you stop using your fire for the warmer months, you do not need a complicated summer shutdown routine. The important things are to leave the appliance or fireplace clean, arrange sweeping or servicing if it is due, and make sure the chimney can still ventilate.

The right approach is slightly different for a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove and an open fireplace. Here is what we recommend.

In This Guide

How to leave a stove for summer
How to leave an open fireplace for summer
Should you have the chimney swept?
What about chimney draught excluders?
Before you use the fire again

How Should You Leave a Wood-Burning or Multi-Fuel Stove for Summer?

Once you have finished using your stove for the season, the basic routine is:

Have the chimney swept if it is due.
Clean the stove.
Have the stove serviced if a service is due.
Close the stove door.
Leave the stove’s air vents open.

Leaving the air controls open allows some airflow through the stove and chimney while they are not being used. Do not shut all the air controls simply because the stove is out of use for several months.

Clean the stove after the burning season

Once the stove is completely cold, remove the ash and give the accessible areas a clean. You can clean the glass and visually check the fire bricks, door rope and air controls for obvious wear or damage.

You do not need to routinely dismantle baffles, fire bricks or other internal components unless the manufacturer instructs you to and you are confident doing so. If the stove needs a more thorough strip-down and check, arrange a professional service instead.

Does the stove need servicing before summer?

Not necessarily. If the stove is due a service, the end of the burning season is a convenient time to have it done, but the appropriate interval depends on the stove, how heavily it is used and any manufacturer’s warranty requirements.

If your stove is still under warranty, follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule. You can read more in our guide to stove and chimney liner warranties.

How Should You Leave an Open Fireplace for Summer?

An open fireplace is even simpler:

Have the chimney swept if it is due.
Remove ash and clean the fireplace and hearth.
Leave the fireplace open so air can circulate through the chimney.

You do not need to “seal up” an open fireplace simply because you are not planning to use it for several months. Airflow through an unused chimney helps it ventilate.

The Simple Summer Rule

Stove: clean it, service it if due, close the door and leave the air vents open.
Open fire: clean it and leave the fireplace open for airflow.

Should You Have Your Chimney Swept Before Summer?

If your chimney is due to be swept, the end of the burning season can be a very convenient time to do it. You remove the deposits left by the winter’s fires and the chimney is then ready before you need it again.

That does not mean every chimney automatically needs an additional sweep simply because summer has arrived. How often a chimney should be swept depends on the appliance, fuel and frequency of use. Our chimney sweeping frequency guide explains this in more detail.

If you do arrange a sweep, remember that the appliance and flue need to be cold and should not have been used for at least 24 hours before the appointment.

What About Chimney Sheep, Balloons and Other Draught Excluders?

If you use a removable draught excluder in an open fireplace during colder weather, you can remove it for the summer to allow more airflow through the chimney.

A Chimney Sheep is made from wool and is not a solid airtight seal, but removing a temporary draught excluder when you no longer need it is a simple way to leave the fireplace open during the warmer months.

If you are deciding whether to use one, see our Chimney Balloons vs Chimney Sheep guide.

Before You Use the Fire Again

When you are ready to use your stove or fireplace again, check that nothing has changed while the chimney has been unused. If you notice twigs or nesting material coming down the chimney, for example, it should be swept before use.

For the checks to make before lighting your first fire — including what to do if a cold chimney is slow to establish a draw — see our First Fire of the Season guide.

Get Your Chimney Ready Before You Need It

If your chimney is due to be swept, arranging it outside the busiest autumn period means it can be clean and ready before you want to light the fire again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I leave my stove vents open during summer?

Yes. Once the stove is clean and no longer being used, close the stove door but leave the air controls open. This allows airflow through the stove and chimney while they are out of use.

Should I block my open fireplace during summer?

We recommend leaving an unused open fireplace open so air can circulate through the chimney. If you use a removable draught excluder during colder weather, you can remove it for the summer.

Is summer a good time to have my chimney swept?

Yes, if your chimney is due to be swept. Having it swept after the burning season removes the deposits left by your fires and means the chimney is ready before you need it again. It can also mean arranging your appointment before the busier autumn period.