Its advisable to schedule an annual chimney inspection conducted by a reputable chimney sweep organization, such as Fixcent. The frequency of your fireplaces wood-burning usage will determine the accumulation of creosote residue within your chimney. Several factors, including the airflow volume into your chimney and the use of improperly seasoned wood, can contribute to this buildup.
There isnt a fixed, one-size-fits-all rule regarding the frequency of chimney cleaning. The best way to determine whether your chimney, whether its made of masonry or metal, requires cleaning is through a thorough examination by an experienced chimney sweep.