How Much Does Chimney Cleaning Cost?
A wood-burning fireplace adds a nice homey feel to your space, not to mention the fact that it can save you on heating costs. However, a smoky fire produces a lot of ash and carbon residue that usually condense inside the flue. If chimney cleaning is not done, this can lead to many problems, including:
- carbon monoxide leaks
- chimney fires
- lack of good airflow
When it comes to chimney cleaning, there is no "one size fit all" rule for how often you should do it either. Use your best judgment and consult a professional chimney cleaner when you feel the need.
Factors Determining Chimney Cleaning Costs
Chimney cleaning on a regular basis is cost efficient and will protect your home from fire hazards. A good chimney sweep should lay protective material, such as blankets, to avoid the soot and other debris brought down by the sweep from damaging your furniture and flooring.
The major factors that determine the cost to clean a chimney include:
- inspection fees
- last time cleaning took place
- how often the fireplace is used
- roof steepness
Once you have compared several quotes and decided on a cleaning company, you should ensure you get a reputable professional that’s not going to cause more damage than good. To avoid chimney scams, look for a chimney cleaning company that is CSIA certified and has a good reputation in social media and the feedback section of their website.
Inspection Fees
A good chimney cleaning company will first send a professional to inspect your fireplace and flue to determine if there is any need for a cleaning job. This is the first cleaning cost you are going to incur, and it’s going to vary depending on the company you choose. However, the inspection aspect will be a very small fraction of the total cost to clean a chimney.
When Was Your Last Chimney Cleaning?
If you haven’t had your chimney and flue cleaned in years, the initial cost of cleaning may be quite expensive. Any buildup of ash and carbon residue that has solidified over the years may be quite difficult to clean, meaning the cleaning has to be quite extensive and thorough.
How Often Do You Light Your Fireplace?
If you use your fireplace almost every day of the week, then you will need to conduct chimney cleaning on a regular basis. An inspection from a chimney sweep company will help you determine how often you need to clean it. The regularity of which you have to clean your chimney will ultimately determine the overall chimney cleaning cost. It is advisable to get your chimney cleaned in the fall season to ensure your chimney is squeaky clean, effective and safe come winter.
Do You Have a Steep Roof?
Chimney cleaning involves cleaning both on the inside part of your house and on the outside. Outside cleaning involves climbing onto your roof. If your roof is particularly steep or very high and difficult to access, you may be charged extra fees. You need to address such factors with your chimney sweep company beforehand to avoid absurd extra charges.
What’s The Estimated Cost To Clean a Chimney?
A chimney sweep can go for as low as $100 but can be as high as $700. This will depend on the condition of your chimney and flue as well as the amount of work that needs to be done. However, most people spend about $200 on chimney cleaning. It's important to compare quotes from at least 3 quotes from reputable contractors to ensure you get the best deal in your locale.
How To Get a Free Quote
In some states, chimney sweeps are a licensed trade so be sure to ask for proof of license from the company you intend to work with. The cost to clean a chimney will vary depending on your locale and the company you choose.
To get a FREE quote from professional contractors in your area, please enter your zip code in the space provided. Remember, it’s 100% FREE and without any obligation!
