In New Jersey and New York, we all know how important it is to keep your chimney in working order for the winter. There are some important facts to know about chimney cleaning. Freshly cut woods tend to build up creosote faster than hardwood Creosote is a carcinogen and it can be deadly. If you have a stove or fireplace insert, you will have to clean your chimney more often. The way you handle your fireplace also affects the cleanliness of it. The location of your chimney in your house and the construction of it make a big difference too. Both of these have an affect on how much creosote builds up.