chimney cleaning with insert

I've been searching the forum and not finding anything on chimney cleaning where an insert is used in an existing clay tile lined chimney. I found several posts on installing them with the flex pipe extending 5-6 ft into the chimney, but how do you clean that sucker? As far as I can see the soot/creosote will fall on top of the insulation and lay there creating a real fire hazard. Especially if burning a lot of wood, as I intend to do spring and fall, with coal in the winter to hold the fire overnight.
I had just about decided against corn/pellet because of the daily cleaning routine and electric requirement but, if I've got to yank a wood/coal insert to clean it, I may rethink this whole thing..
Your advice will be appreciated,
Smiley

Well if you are burning only anthrcite coal, you wouldn't have to worry about cleaning untill springtime. But burning wood makes it a different situation. If you only burn a very hot wood fire with very dry wood and don't try to cut back the air to the wood to create a long burn, then very little if any creosote will be created or depostied in the chimney.

However with the danger of creosote fires I would try to find a chimney cleaner/sweep who can clean your chimney from the top and clean up the creosote without removing the insert.

Hope this helps.

Greg L

smiley
I pulled my insert every year to clean the chimney and smoke shelf a real pain(600lbs). This year I installed a flex tube to the top of my chimney and should be able to just remove the tube from my insert, tie a coal bag around it, go up to the top and sweep it out. I'm hoping this will work as this is my first year with the tube.
acesover

acesover,
I'd be real interested to know how you make out with the tube, or hear from others with the same setup. I don't relish the idea of pulling several hundred pounds of iron several times a year to clean a smokeshelf. Especialy since my hearth is elevated about 14 inches above the floor.thanks,
Smiley