Chimney sweeping prevents chimney fires, improves airflow, and keeps smoke and harmful gases out of your home. On average, most homeowners across the nation pay between $110 and $350 for chimney sweeping.
If you keep up with maintenance on your fireplace throughout the year, a basic chimney sweep can cost as little as $80 for a general cleaning. A more complex cleaning job, such as clearing heavy buildup or removing animals, could cost up to $780. If major damage is found and a level 3 inspection is needed, costs can go as high as $5,000.
We researched chimney sweeping prices from cities across the U.S. to help you understand what to expect. The final cost can vary based on your fireplace, the amount of buildup, and the ease of accessing the chimney.
Cost by Location
Chimney sweep costs can vary depending on where you live. In general, cities with a higher cost of living have increased labor charges. So, homeowners living in urban and metropolitan areas can expect to pay more than those in rural areas.
A higher demand will also increase costs. See the table below, which shows average chimney sweep costs in various places, including small and large cities nationwide:
| Location | Average Chimney Sweep Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Alexandria, VA | $93 – $330 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $113 – $373 |
| New York, NY | $156 – $464 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $88 – $291 |
| Memphis, TN | $89 – $310 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Wichita, KS | $90 – $287 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $108 – $361 |
| Glenview, IL | $122 – $407 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Portland, OR | $110 – $340 |
| Seattle, WA | $120 – $357 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Tulsa, OK | $87 – $290 |
| Denver | $103 – $311 |
| San Diego, CA | $119 – $360 |
Cost by Type of Fireplace or Stove
The cost to sweep a chimney can vary depending on the type of fireplace or stove you have. Gas fireplaces are cheaper to maintain since they burn cleaner. Because of their vent systems, pellet and wood stoves take a bit more work. See the table below for a full cost breakdown by type.
| Type of Fireplace or Stove | Average Chimney Sweep Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Gas Fireplace | $80 – $180 |
| Pellet Stove | $150 – $280 |
| Wood Stove | $170 – $380 |
| Wood-burning Fireplace | $250 – $790 |
Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces use natural gas or propane to imitate a traditional fireplace without having to burn any wood. Since they don’t burn wood, there’s no creosote buildup like in traditional chimneys. Vented gas fireplaces can still collect dust or soot over time, so they need occasional cleaning and a yearly check to keep things running safely.
Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves burn small, compressed wood or biomass pellets and use a fan system to move the heat with electricity. Because of the air pressure produced by the combustion blower, these stoves require exhaust pipes that are specially sealed to keep the gases out of your home. Over time, ash and buildup can collect in the pipe and the inner parts of the stove.
Wood Stove
Wood stoves are a popular choice for heating because they’re efficient and can warm up a space quickly. It gives you a more confined fire and doesn’t require a chimney. Stoves that aren’t set up inside an existing fireplace, with a chimney, require a twin-wall system to carry the fumes out of the home.
Wood-burning fireplace
A chimney sweep for a wood-burning fireplace gets pricier as the number of flues on the fireplace increases. A typical fireplace, with a single flue, will be less expensive to have cleaned.
Because it burns wood in an open space, it produces a lot of smoke, ash, and creosote, which can stick to the inside of the chimney. These fireplaces usually need regular sweeping, especially if they’re used often.
Cost by Level of Inspection
Chimney sweeping and chimney inspection usually go hand in hand. The cost of a chimney inspection depends on how detailed the inspection needs to be. There are three standard levels defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), each suited for different situations:
| Inspection Level | Average Cost (Including Cleaning) |
| Level – 1 | $110 – $710 |
| Level – 2 | $180 – $850 |
| Level – 3 | $650 – $5,000 |
Level 1
Level 1 is a basic visual check that covers the easily accessible parts of the chimney. It’s usually done during a routine chimney sweep when there are no known issues.
Level 2
A level 2 inspection includes everything in a level 1, but also uses a camera or video scan to check the inside of the flue for hidden damage or buildup. These are typically performed after a major catastrophe (like a hurricane or tornado), before the sale of a home, or when making structural repairs.
Level 3
Level 3 is the most in-depth type of inspection and is only done when serious damage is suspected. It may involve opening walls or parts of the chimney to look at areas that aren’t normally accessible.
Other Factors that Affect Cost
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the cost of a chimney sweep. Below are the most common factors that affect the overall project cost.
Animal Removal
Animals such as bats, birds, squirrels, and raccoons often get trapped inside chimneys. You’ll notice an intruder, either by the critter noises coming from your chimney or a noticeable blockage obstructing the flow of exhaust fumes.
The animal removal costs range from $250 to $780, depending on the species and number of animals. Make sure that you work with a humane, professional wildlife trap and removal service to handle these animals.
Labor Costs
If your roof has a steep pitch or a high peak, labor costs will likely be higher. Chimney pros are busy in the winter, so scheduling your cleaning in the fall is a good idea.
The number of obstacles the chimney sweep has to work around can also affect the cost. Things like steep rooflines, overhanging trees, solar panels, or satellite dishes near the chimney can make access harder and the job more time-consuming.
Maintenance
The more often you clean your chimney, the less it will need a deep clean. By maintaining your fireplace in between professional cleanings, you reduce the buildup that can occur, making the cleaning easier, faster, and cheaper.
Creosote Logs
Creosote cleaning logs are often used to minimize fire risk and simplify cleaning. These logs chemically change the creosote in your fireplace flue, causing it to flake off. This doesn’t eliminate the buildup of creosote and soot, but it makes cleaning much easier. On average, each creosote log costs about $16.
Chimney Size
Larger chimneys or those with multiple flues take more time and effort to clean. If your chimney has extra height or several internal passageways, the job becomes more complex, which can increase the overall cost. A standard single-flue setup is usually quicker and easier to handle.
Additional Repairs
Sometimes, during a cleaning or inspection, the chimney pro might notice something that needs fixing. Addressing small issues early on can help prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
For a full breakdown of common chimney repairs and what they cost, check out our guide: How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost?
FAQ
No, a DIY chimney sweep is not recommended. It is recommended that a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) professional sweep a chimney. There are too many dangers associated with fireplaces and too many risks involved with a DIY sweep.
You should have your chimney swept and inspected at least once a year, per the CSIA. You may require two or more yearly cleanings for homeowners who use their fireplaces excessively.
Creosote cleaning logs contain minerals that dry out the creosote, which helps to prevent excessive buildup within your smoke chamber. They are usually effective at minimizing buildup, but they don’t take the place of an annual sweep.
Keep Your Chimney Clean and Safe
Long winters feel much warmer with a roaring fire in the fireplace. To ensure you don’t end up with a living room full of smoke during that first fire of the season, you’ll want to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year.
For safe and efficient chimney cleaning, it is always recommended that a licensed professional be hired. Luckily, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Read More:
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
Main Image: Worker cleaning chimney with a brush on the rooftop. Image Credit: gabort / Adobe Stock
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