How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
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Chimney sweep costs can range from $130 to $380, with a national average of $255. Prices vary regionally and according to the level of cleaning required as well as other factors.
Highlights
- The typical range for chimney sweep costs is $130 to $380, with a national average of $255.
- Some of the factors for calculating chimney sweep costs include the fireplace type, chimney accessibility, cleaning frequency, usage frequency, chimney cleaning method, geographic location, and seasonality.
- Some of the biggest benefits of chimney sweeping include safety, heating efficiency, easier inspections, cost savings, and a longer-lasting chimney.
- Chimney sweeping is best left to trained professionals who will be able to perform the job safely as well as identify any chimney issues.
Wood-burning fireplaces are cozy amenities that appeal to many homeowners and home buyers, and fireplaces may even help save money on heating costs. Like anything else that gets a lot of use, though, a fireplace needs regular maintenance. As wood burns, it leaves soot and creosote (an oily byproduct of wood fires) on the chimney walls. These can build up and pose fire and health hazards. According to Angi, the best chimney cleaning services typically charge between $130 and $380, and the national average cost of a chimney sweep is $255.
Periodic inspections and cleaning are necessary to protect the home and keep fireplaces operating efficiently. While the National Fire Protection Association recommends at least one annual cleaning, the frequency of cleaning ultimately depends on usage. The chimney sweep—the person who performs the cleaning—will inspect and evaluate the chimney to determine when it needs cleaning. There are several factors that determine chimney sweep cost and help homeowners decide if and when to schedule a chimney sweep.
Factors in Calculating Chimney Sweep Cost
How much does a chimney sweep cost? The national average cost for chimney cleaning is $255. However, several elements determine the final chimney cleaning cost. If it’s been a while since the chimney was cleaned, it’s likely to need more work, which will raise the price, especially if the fireplace is used often. Accessibility can also affect the price; steeply pitched roofs make the job more complex and more dangerous. The cost will go up if the work goes beyond cleaning to repair, such as installing a chimney cap or damper, fixing the flashing, or removing an animal or other debris.
Sometimes the inspection cost is extra, particularly if the chimney has suffered structural damage or if a new component is being retrofitted. Some companies charge by the hour, while others offer a flat rate and may even have package deals that include inspection and sweeping.
Fireplace Type
Various types of fireplaces have different types of chimneys, which may require different methods of cleaning. The most common types of fireplaces are gas, pellet, wood-burning, and wood. Gas fireplace chimneys are often the cheapest to clean at around $85 to $250, and some gas fireplaces don’t have chimneys at all. Wood-burning fireplaces have some of the highest chimney sweep costs at $300 to $1,000.
Chimney Accessibility
Roofs with acutely high peaks or steep pitches make access to the chimney more difficult and dangerous, leading to higher costs. If the chimney sweep has difficulty reaching the chimney by ladder or safely getting to the chimney, the cost to clean it can go up.
Cleaning Frequency
If the fireplace is used regularly but not cleaned annually, the cost of a chimney sweep could be as high as $800, according to HomeAdvisor. Removing the buildup that has accumulated and solidified over some years isn’t easy. If chimney sweeping has been neglected, it’s likely to take extensive work to clean it. That could involve multiple sessions to remove layers of soot.
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Usage Frequency
If the fireplace isn’t used often, it may be possible to extend the period between cleanings because there won’t be much soot buildup. However, if the fireplace is in use more than four times a week, it may need a more thorough or more frequent cleaning to keep it functioning safely and efficiently.
Chimney Cleaning Method
According to Russ Dimmitt, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), “There are two methods commonly used in chimney sweeping. The first is manually sweeping the flue using rods and brushes. This method is the less common of the two. Most chimney professionals use rotary sweeping tools powered by a drill. The rotary method is preferred as it provides a more thorough sweeping. Either method necessitates dust control measures; typically a special vacuum system is used to control dust. Many chimneys can now be swept from below with rotary methods.” The technique won’t significantly affect the cost, but it’s worth it for homeowners to know which method will be used to prepare the home accordingly.
Geographic Location
Chimney sweeping prices can differ depending on the home’s geographic location, with urban locations generally coming in at a higher price than rural areas where the cost of living is lower. Demand can also raise the price, so homeowners in neighborhoods where chimneys are a common home feature may end up paying more. Homeowners who have houses in remote areas may also incur a travel fee. For reference, average costs in New Jersey are relatively high at $550, whereas in Florida prices are closer to $250 on average. Homeowners can look up “Chimney sweep in my area” to get a sense of local chimney sweep prices.
Seasonality
Dimmitt advises that the best time to hire a chimney sweep is in the late summer or early fall. “As cooler weather approaches, chimney professionals are booked out for extended periods of time: usually weeks, and sometimes months. By having chimney inspections performed in the warmer weather months, a homeowner can receive more timely service and have sufficient time to make any necessary repairs before heating season arrives.”
Some companies offer discounts for work done in the spring and summer off-season. By spreading out their work year-round, they’re better able to serve their customers. Of course, homeowners who are experiencing any issues with their fireplaces or who notice any signs of potential problems will want to find a local chimney sweep right away by looking up “chimney companies near me.”
Additional Costs and Considerations
While most chimney sweeping jobs cost around $255, there are a few factors that can cause the cost to be higher than the national average. If any damage is discovered during the process, homeowners may need to pay some additional repair costs.
Chimney Inspection
Chimney inspection costs typically correlate to the three levels of inspection. Level 1 is often included in the cleaning price, which is around $85 to $950 for both services. It’s a basic inspection for chimneys that are in good repair and regularly cleaned. It involves a visual check of the condition of the exterior and the fireplace components and whatever can be seen of the interior using a flashlight.
Level 2 inspections increase in cost and complexity and range from. This inspection might be required before making structural repairs, relining the flue, or retrofitting another style of heating component. The process consists of video scanning the interior surface to make a detailed assessment. It costs $150 to $1,000 to have a level 2 inspection done at the time of cleaning.
The most expensive inspection is Level 3, and this type is performed if structural damage has already occurred. Level 3 inspection and cleaning costs $500 to $5,000 because portions of the chimney may have to be deconstructed to examine the extent of the damage.
| Inspection Level | Average Cost (Including Cleaning) |
| Level 1 | $85 to $950 |
| Level 2 | $150 to $1,000 |
| Level 3 | $500 to $5,000 |
Chimney Cap Installation
Cleaning and inspection may uncover that the chimney cap is damaged or missing and needs to be replaced. The chimney cap is a screened cap that fits over the top of the chimney and is attached to the chimney liner or flue tile. It allows smoke and gases to escape but prevents snow, rain, debris, and animals from getting in. Not only does the chimney cap help prevent downdrafts but it also prevents chimney damage from freeze-thaw cycles. A new chimney cap installation can cost anywhere from $75 to $1,000, but the average price is $300.
Chimney Flashing Installation
Flashing is an L-shaped piece of sheet metal inserted where the chimney abuts the roof. Its purpose is to prevent leaks and water damage by diverting water from the chimney. Without it, water can get between the chimney and the roof and even get into the house. A chimney sweep will see if the flashing is damaged during a routine cleaning or inspection and can repair it, but there will likely be an extra fee. Typical flashing installation costs $200 to $500.
Chimney Liner Installation
Chimney liners (or flue liners) are made of clay, ceramic, or metal and protect bricks and mortar from heat and corrosion to extend the chimney’s life and make fireplace use safer. They also protect the house from dangerous heat transfer, and they assist in optimized efficiency and ventilation.
Chimney liner installation costs range from $2,500 to $7,000. Cast-in-place liners are more expensive but provide optimal insulation. A chimney sweep may repair a slightly damaged liner, but more extensive damage will likely require a full replacement.
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Fireplace Damper Installation
Dampers are small flaps opened when a fire is lit to help guide smoke up and out of the chimney. They also assist in preventing downdrafts. A damaged or warped damper can either allow smoke into the house or pull indoor air out. Typical costs are $200 to $400 to install or $100 to $225 to repair, depending on the extent of the damage.
Animal Removal
Animals and birds sometimes take up residence in the fireplace. Depending on the species, the number of animals, and the difficulty in removing them, professional (and humane) removal can cost $200 to $600. If repairs are needed once the animals are out, the cost can go up. Animals commonly found in fireplaces include bats, birds, squirrels, and raccoons. If there is a dead animal in the fireplace, it’s best for the homeowner to call a wildlife trap and removal service like Critter Control.
Creosote Logs
Burning creosote logs can help loosen up to 60 percent of residue in the flue by chemically changing the oily creosote into a flaky consistency that falls into the fireplace. Most cost $16 to $25 per log. However, debris can still get stuck if a chimney is slanted, and if it drops into a fire in the fireplace, the creosote could cause a chimney fire. While creosote logs can help clear debris between cleanings, they are not a replacement for a chimney sweep.
Chimney Sweep Cost by Type of Fireplace
Costs for chimney sweeping can depend on the type of fireplace. The most common fireplaces are gas fireplaces, pellet stoves, wood-burning fireplaces, and wood stoves.
| Type of Fireplace | Average Chimney Sweep Cost |
| Gas fireplace | $85 to $250 |
| Pellet stove | $175 to $350 |
| Wood-burning fireplace | $300 to $1,000 |
| Wood stove | $200 to $500 |
Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces are popular due to their relatively low cost, energy efficiency, and easy maintenance. Since they do not use logs or produce smoke, gas fireplaces need less frequent maintenance than other types and may only require cleaning every 1 to 2 years. Some gas fireplaces use venting systems rather than chimneys, but for those that do include a chimney, sweeping costs between $85 and $250.
Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves are compact, efficient fireplaces that burn compressed pellets made out of recycled materials rather than wood logs. While the pellet’s fireplace must be cleaned every week, chimney sweeping is needed less frequently and costs about $175 to $350.
Wood-Burning Fireplace
A classic wood-burning fireplace is desirable for the ambience it creates, but it is also the most costly to sweep. This is due to the buildup of creosote, which is produced when wood is burned and can build up on the walls of the chimney. Without regular removal, this buildup can become a fire hazard. A wood-burning fireplace sweep costs $300 to $1,000.
Wood Stove
A wood stove is a small and efficient alternative to a built-in fireplace. Like wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves are subject to creosote buildup and must be swept at least annually. Homeowners can expect to pay $200 to $500 for a wood stove chimney sweep.
Do I need a chimney sweep?
Without routine inspections, cleanings, and necessary repairs, a chimney can fail, putting everyone in the home at risk. Faulty chimneys can trap toxic gases like carbon monoxide in the house. Chimney fires can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and this intense heat can cause structural damage, spread to the rest of the home, or even cause a chimney to explode if chimney maintenance has been neglected.
Beyond safety concerns, a fireplace that hasn’t been cleaned in a long time doesn’t operate efficiently. Regular cleanings can also warn of any repairs or other serious issues needing attention before they become an emergency.
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Advised Frequency of Cleaning
According to Dimmitt, “The National Fire Protection Association states that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents [should] be inspected at least annually, and cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” With heavy usage or indications of an issue, like odor or smoke coming into the home, more freq