Chimney Cleaning Costs: How Much for a Chimney Sweep

The average chimney cleaning cost in 2023 is $250, but prices range from $110 – $400. If you use your fireplace in the winter, it’s essential to have your chimney swept once a year to eliminate creosote build-up, which can cause chimney fires.

Chimney cleaning costs vary based on the type of stove or fireplace, location, and accessibility. It’s cheaper to have a gas fireplace inspected and cleaned compared to a wood fireplace or pellet stove.

Here are the average chimney cleaning costs by type:

– Gas Fireplace: $80 – $140

– Pellet Stove: $130 – $230

– Wood Burning Fireplace: $150 – $200

– Wood Stove: $145 – $300

During a chimney sweep, the following occurs:

During chimney cleaning, the sweep removes creosote and soot using specialized brushes. They also sweep the chimney throat, firebox, damper, smoke chamber, chimney liner, and chimney cap. This can be done from the ground, the roof, or both.

After removing the build-up, they suction it with a specialized vacuum.

If there is build-up that won’t come off with the brush, a chemical may be applied.

Most CSIA-certified chimney sweeps also perform a level 1 inspection to check for obstructions in the chimney or flue and any obvious issues with your system.

Several factors, including the type of fireplace or stove, influence chimney sweep prices.

How Well You Maintain Your Fireplace

If you frequently use your fireplace or stove but don’t have it cleaned at least once a year, expect to pay a premium. It’s more complicated and takes longer to clean a chimney with built-up soot and creosote than to sweep one that’s well-maintained.

Chimney Accessibility

If the chimney sweep needs to access your chimney from the roof and it’s challenging to do so, you might pay a higher fee. High-pitched roofs that are dangerous to access fall into this category.

Location

You’ll pay more for a chimney sweep if you live in an urban area rather than a rural area.

Chimney Inspection Costs

Chimney sweeps certified by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) offer three types of inspections, each with varying complexity and prices.

Level 1 Chimney Inspection: $100 – $900 (Included in chimney cleaning.) Level 2 Chimney Inspection: $200 – $1,000 Level 3 Chimney Inspection: $500 – $5,000

The number of flues in your chimney is a significant factor. A chimney with one flue will cost less to inspect and clean than one with multiple flues.

Level 1 Chimney Inspection:

Chimney sweeps usually perform a level 1 inspection after cleaning the chimney and fireplace. The sweep will check the accessible interior and exterior and ensure no blockages.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection:

You need a level 2 inspection if you’ve had fire or storm damage or changed your fireplace or fuel source. Level 2 includes a visual inspection of accessible areas, an examination of flue liners and joints, and may include a video scan.

A level 3 chimney inspection is necessary if a level 1 or 2 inspection indicates a hidden hazard or structural damage. During this inspection, they will uncover chimney components, which may involve removing drywall or masonry.

Your chimney sweep may suggest repairs during the cleaning and inspection. Here are the average costs:

– Chimney Liner: $2,500

– Chimney Cap: $300

– Flashing Repair: $250

– Chimney Crack Repair: $150 – $500

Can You Sweep a Chimney Yourself?

You can purchase the tools to perform a chimney sweep yourself, but there are risks. If you’re unfamiliar with chimneys, you won’t be able to spot potential problems or make necessary repairs. So, if you clean your chimney yourself, opt for a yearly inspection.

Call professionals if you cannot clear all the creosote. Each year, there are over 25,000 chimney fires in the United States alone, with infrequent or improper cleanings being a leading cause.