More build up in the chimney from fewer fires?

The recommended sweeping/servicing frequency for closed appliances burning wood is up to four times annually and if burning smokeless fuels twice annually   as a minimum. Strange as it may seem you can actually have more build up in the chimney  from fewer fires. The reason for this is that each time the fire is lit the  flue  is cold, which will cause the gasses to cool more quickly in the flue and  increase the deposits on the liner. When a chimney has warmed over a few days  use and is used regularly the chimney never fully cools down so the gasses exit  quicker reducing build up in the liner. I have seen cases where a stove has only  been used 10 times over the winter but has more build up in it than a  stove  that’s had 100 fires. Also it is not advisable to leave deposits in stainless steel liners as soot is very acidic and starts to disintegrate the  steel quite  quickly. This can greatly reduce the useful life of the liner resulting in  expensive repairs.
 
I would never advise leaving a stove for a year even if it has had little use, it is surprising how quickly things can build up!

Here is a short video that is worth a watch to demonstrate what can 
happen.
I hope that’s helpful!
Iain.

---