Black stove pipe (and furnace pipe, for that matter) should be securely fastened together at each joint with no less than three sheet metal screws or pop-rivets. Stove and vent pipe should be inspected at least yearly, and replaced when signs of rusting or wear are evident.

Putting a chimney cover or chimney cap on top of your flue can save you a lot of money in the long run. The covers keep out damaging moisture, which wears away masonry and steel chimneys -- not to mention that they keep those birds and other critters out.

Gas logs release a lot of water vapor when they are burning. You should be wary of mold and mildew, especially if you have asthma and respiratory problems, when using them for longer than a few hours. A CO detector is a great gas-log accessory. You can find one in many home-improvement and mass chain stores.

The National Fire Protection Association (in NFPA 211) recommends you have your chimney checked at least once a year, and cleaned if needed. Heavy users need more frequent check-ups.

Have your chimney checked every year (no matter how you heat your home) to make sure the chimney can do its job to properly vent hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide from the heating system to the outdoors.

If you have a newer EPA-rated woodstove, you might have a catalytic combuster in there somewhere. Make sure to check the owner's manual about cleaning it -- and stick to the schedule. Combusters should last 5 or 6 years, but a clogged or dirty one will fail rather quickly.

To help reduce creosote build-up in your wood-burning chimney system, burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. If you don't know how to build a hot, safe fire, ask your FLUEBIRD chimney sweep expert for tips on proper wood-burning techniques.

Do you have a smelly fireplace? Chimney Breath is most often caused by moisture, rain, or high humidity. Have your chimney cleaned early in the spring to make the humid summer days less odiferous.

If you own or are planning to install a high-efficiency gas furnace, ask your FLUEBIRD chimney sweep expert to check that the furnace is vented in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code.

Ever wonder what wood is the best to burn as firewood? Oak is an American favorite, other hardwoods are also a good choice. You can burn other softer wood also, as long as it is split and dried long enough. It's much more important to burn dry wood than to worry about what kind of wood it is.

Have a high-quality, long-lasting chimney cap installed to keep out debris and prevent birds, animals, and insects from nesting in your chimney.

Do you know what to do during a chimney fire? Call the fire department and exit the house -- just like any other house fire. Many people choose not to do this, but if the fire does spread, don't you want the firefighters there already?

Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood or lightning strike, have your chimney inspected for damage -- inside and out. The includes checking for cracks and fallen bricks. For safety's sake, DO NOT USE YOUR CHIMNEY until it is checked by a chimney sweep expert .

Springtime is the right time to get your chimneys checked! Sweeps are generally less frantic in the spring (vs. the crazy fall season) and if your chimney needs repairs, they can be made before the cold weather hits!

Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn of harmful gases that may be entering your home because of a blocked or damaged chimney.

Mild winters mean more chimney fires! It's true. People choke back their woodstoves in mild weather -- leading to more creosote accumulation -- but many don't realize this, so they skip getting it cleaned, thinking it doesn't need it as bad as it would after a cold winter.

Have your chimney waterproofed to prevent long-term corrosion and masonry damage.

Have your chimney flashing (the seal between the chimney and the roof) inspected and maintained. Flashing prevents rain water and snow melt from entering your home and causing costly damage to your walls and ceilings.

Save energy dollars and eliminate unpleasant off-season odors. Have a sealing damper installed in your wood-burning chimney system.

Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner. Chimney liners are required in new construction to separate hot heating system emissions from the structure of your home.

Spring is a good time to schedule an annual chimney check by a chimney sweep expert like FLUEBIRD.