NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Chimneys are going to be puffing away soon as homeowners look to snuggle up to their fireplaces this winter season. In today's top 5 tips we're going to give you some chimney safety ideas and advise you on how to avoid getting swindled by bogus chimney sweeps.

As a homeowner, the most important safety precaution you can take is to make sure your chimneys don't have a buildup of a black, tar-like substance called creosote (Cree O SOhte) on the inside of your chimney. The more creosote, the higher your chances of a chimney fire.

Plus, this stuff is carcinogenic. To prevent this buildup, use dry wood. This is wood that has been cut and allowed to dry for about a year, instead of wet or green wood which has been newly cut. If you want to get the most heat out of your wood, invest in hard woods that have more density to them rather than soft woods like pine. Never burn driftwood.

Remember your fireplace is not an incinerator. Keep that wrapping paper out of the fireplace. It can give off toxic fumes when burned.

Everybody knows you need to keep items like toys or furniture at least 3 feet from your fireplace. And of course, you've already invested in a fireplace screen. But you may have overlooked the top of your chimney. Keep tree branches and holiday light decorations and other holiday displays at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.

You should get an annual chimney checkup according to the National Fire Protection Association. But all chimney sweepers aren't as lovable and innocent as Dick Van Dyke in "Mary Poppins" There are scammers out there.

The trade is not regulated and chimney sweeps don't have to be licensed in any state but Vermont and Rhode Island according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. And since opening up a chimney service doesn't take a lot of cash, anyone can go to a home improvement store, buy a vacuum and a brush and claim they are certified says Jon Pilger, Director of the Chimney Safety Institute.

Find a certified chimney sweep by going to the organization at www.csia.org. In order to get certified through this organization, sweepers must pass an exam and renew their certification every three years. When talking to potential sweepers, make sure you ask for credentials. The Chimney Safety Institute issues a photo ID of its members along with a four digit certification number. "Make sure you see the certification number, and not just the licensing number," recommends Richard Pugliese, a Chimney sweeper in New York.

Don't get oversold. Be skeptical if a chimney sweep says you'll need another chimney liner, which is basically a metal or fired-clay tube that is installed inside a chimney and directs fire upward. It's a red flag if a chimney sweeper just happens to have a liner in the truck. "Chimney liners are like shoes, they're not one size fits all," says Pilger. A professional will give you a written report on the inspection and then give you time to investigate your options. "I've seen a lot of homeowners who are duped into getting these liners," says Pugliese.

Bogus chimney sweeps use scare tactics according to the Better Business Bureau. Often inspectors will "discover" hazardous conditions and then charge outrageous prices to fix the problem. Sometimes sweepers will cite dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. But if they aren't carrying the right testing equipment, there's no way for them to tell says Pugliese.

Other times a chimney sweeper will tell a homeowner their chimney is in danger of collapsing. You'll want to get a second opinion. "Get a couple of bids," advises Sheila Adkins of the Better Business Bureau. To complain or find out about any complaints that may have been filed against the company, call your local Department of Consumer Affairs or check with the Better Business Bureau online.

Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News and the host for the CNN TV show Open House. E-mail comments to 5tips@cnn.com.