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 throughout the winter, it’s essential to have your chimney swept once per year to eliminate creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires.
Chimney Cleaning Cost Overview
Chimney cleaning costs vary by type of stove or fireplace, location, and accessibility. It’s less expensive to have a gas fireplace inspected and cleaned than a wood fireplace or pellet stove.
Here’s a look at average chimney cleaning costs by type:
- Gas Fireplace: $80 – $140
- Pellet Stove: $130 – $230
- Wood Burning Fireplace:$150 – $200
- Wood Stove: $145 – $300
What Happens During a Chimney Sweep?
During a chimney cleaning, the sweep will remove creosote and soot from the chimney using specialized brushes. Next, they will sweep the chimney throat, firebox, damper, smoke chamber, chimney liner, and chimney cap. During this process, the sweep may perform these services from the ground, the roof, or both. After removing the build-up, they’ll suction it with a specialized vacuum.
In the event the fireplace or chimney has build-up that won’t remove via the brush, they’ll apply a chemical that loosens it.
Most CSIA-certified chimney sweeps also perform a level 1 inspection, ensuring there are no obstructions in the chimney or flue and examining to ensure there are no obvious issues with your system.
Factors that Influence Chimney Sweep Prices
While the type of fireplace or stove in your home helps determine the cost, so do several other factors.
How Well You Maintain Your Fireplace
If you frequently use your fireplace or stove but don’t have it cleaned at least once per 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 versus 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 (Usually included in the price of a chimney cleaning.)
- Level 2 Chimney Inspection: $200 – $1,000
- Level 3 Chimney Inspection: $500 – $5,000
One of the most significant factors is the number of flues in your chimney. Chimneys with one flue will fall on the lower end, whereas chimneys with multiple flues will cost more to inspect and clean.
Level 1 Chimney Inspection
Most chimney sweeps perform a level 1 inspection after cleaning the chimney and fireplace. The sweep will look at the accessible interior and exterior portions and ensure there are no blockages.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
You should get a level 2 inspection if you’ve experienced fire or storm damage or have changed the fireplace or its fuel source. Level 2 includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, an examination of flue liners and joints, and may consist of a video scan.
Level 3 Chimney Inspection
A Level 3 chimney inspection is necessary when a Level 1 or 2 inspection indicates a hidden hazard or structural damage. During this inspection they will uncover components of the chimney which may include removing drywall or masonry.
Costs of Common Chimney Repairs
Your sweep may suggest a repair during your chimney cleaning and inspection. Here’s a look at 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 and make the necessary repairs. So, if you clean your chimney yourself, opt for a yearly inspection.
Call the professionals if you cannot clear all the creosote. Each year there are more than 25,000 chimney fires in the United States alone, with infrequent or improper cleanings being one of the leading causes.