This depends on a number of factors but as a general rule of thumb, for the following fuel types, chimney sweeping is as follows:
Wood: Quarterly (When in use. So in the UK that's usually about once a year)
Coal: Quarterly (when in use, and as above)
Smokeless fuels: As above
Oil: Once a year
Gas: Once a year

Bird nests, masonry, incorrect terminals/pots/cowls, and poor ventilation can also cause problems. If your fire or stove is not performing as normal, or you're experiencing a smoky room, blow back, slow burning fire or debris coming down the chimney or flue, then you may well be in need of a sweep.

If you'd like to have a wood burner installed, or open up a disused chimney for use, then you'll need to have your chimney swept prior to the installation of any flue or flue liner, or the re-use of a disused chimney.

If in doubt, call me to discuss your concerns or needs, and if required book a visit.

I use either a traditional rods and brushes system, or a rotary power sweeping system, depending on the condition of the chimney/flue.

The days of sooty rooms requiring hours of cleaning afterwards are long gone. I use hearth sheets to protect carpets and floors, seal the chimney opening before commencing with cleaning, and have a purpose built industrial vacuum cleaner. I endeavour to leave your home as I found it, except for the chimney, which of course will have been swept to the highest standards.

In some extreme cases, such as bird nest removal, some mess may be inevitable due to the nature of the blockage. However I will always discuss these possibilities with you before commencing work, and every effort will be made to keep any mess to a minimum.

To prepare for my visit it helps if the mantlepiece and hearth are clear of any objects such as ornaments and pictures.

The heat output of coal is much greater than that of wood, and coal burns for longer, too. However, ordinary 'house coal' produces a lot of soot, which means you'll need the chimney swept more often than if you use smokeless fuels. But smokeless fuels are more expensive.

Any sort of coal burning releases ancient carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which apparently isn't good, and coal is a finite resource so we'll have to stop burning it sooner or later.

Wood burns quicker and produces less heat than coal, but on the upside it's a sustainable resource, gives good strong heat, is carbon neutral as the carbon released is only what the tree captured during its life, and can often be had for free should one be inclined to be resourceful. Logs can create an attractive feature in homes and gardens, and you can also get warm twice with wood; once when you chop it, and again when you burn it!