Creosote Buildup
The flue had a noticeable amount of creosote buildup.
OccasionalPlan for itFireplace
Why it matters
Creosote buildup is a safety hazard that can lead to a chimney fire, resulting in significant damage to the structure.
How common is it?
Found in 7% of the homes HomeCloud evaluated, Sep 2025 to Oct 2026.
Counted by the finding's name on HomeCloud reports, so the true number can be a little higher.
How soon to fix it
HomeCloud reports list this as something to plan for rather than an emergency.
More HVAC resources
What kind of HVAC system do I have?How to tell a heat pump from a gas furnace with AC, a packaged unit or a mini-split, and how to read the equipment label for its size and age.The best HVAC brandsWho makes the major brands, how to compare equipment fairly, and why the installer matters as much as the brand.HVAC maintenanceWhat you can do yourself (filters, the outdoor unit, the condensate line) and what a yearly tune-up covers.
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