It costs about $254 to hire a chimney sweep, but the national average ranges between $129 and $380.
When it comes to your fireplace, a chimney sweep is as important as fuzzy slippers and a good book. These pros inspect, clean, and help maintain your fireplace so you can enjoy it safely and with peace of mind. Hiring a chimney sweep costs an average of $254, but prices will typically range between $129 and $380, depending on the work they do. Let's take a closer look at the costs.
While chimney sweep estimates fall within a common range for level-one inspections and basic cleanings, prices may vary slightly in one direction or the other based on your specific needs. Remember to get quotes from at least three pros, and check their online reviews.
The cost of chimney sweep services varies by your home’s location. If you live in an area with a high cost of living, such as New York City or California, you can expect your chimney sweep to cost more than the same service in a lower cost-of-living area.
A chimney in poor condition will cost more to clean and maintain. Expect increased costs if your chimney has heavy creosote buildup, structural damage such as cracks or loose bricks, or blockages from animal nests or other debris. These issues are more common in neglected chimneys that haven't been regularly cleaned or maintained in some time.
When budgeting for your chimney sweep, don’t forget to consider how your type of fireplace or stove will impact the price. For example, sweeping a regular open fireplace with a single flue will cost less than sweeping one with a double flue. When getting quotes from local chimney sweeps, mention the type of fireplace or stove to the company representative.
Gas fireplace maintenance: $80–$130
Pellet stove inspection and cleaning: $130–$200
Standard wood stove upkeep: $150–$300
How hard will it be for the chimney sweep to access your chimney? If the answer is pretty difficult, meaning your roof has a steep pitch or a high peak, you can expect to pay more for sweep services. Some chimney sweeps may charge more for the extra effort required to service a roof that’s in a dangerous condition or has a difficult-to-reach chimney.
If you use your fireplace frequently but have been neglecting your chimney inspections, you can expect your next chimney sweeping service to cost more. Layers of soot can build up in the fireplace if it’s not cleaned regularly, so chimney sweeps typically charge more for the additional time and effort it takes to remove the build-up.
The more you use your chimney, the more creosote will build up inside. This extra buildup will require more intensive cleaning and additional time and labor from a chimney sweep to remove.
The level of chimney and fireplace inspection required is a determining factor in the final cost of your bill. The National Fire Protection Association, which sets standards for chimney inspections nationwide, outlines three levels of chimney inspection that range in comprehensiveness and cost.
A Level 1 chimney inspection costs $160 to $300. This is the most common inspection level and ensures the basic function of a chimney and its venting system.
A Level 2 chimney inspection costs $260 to $460 and is recommended whenever buying or selling a home or after a chimney is damaged by weather or fire.
A Level 3 chimney inspection costs $500 to $800 and is required when a chimney sweep suspects a serious problem with the chimney or if it requires reconstruction.
Chimneys do need a little TLC over time, particularly in older homes. During your annual visit, chimney sweeps may recommend further repairs to keep your chimney running safely and efficiently. These are some of the most common additional services with their prices:
Chimney cap replacement cost: $75–$1,000
Chimney liner installation cost: $625–$7,000
Cost to repair chimney flashing: $150–$1,600
Cost to repair fireplace damper: $100–$250
Fireplace damper replacement cost: $150–$450
Depending on the extent of damage found during the inspection, you may need to budget for a larger chimney repair cost (between $1,000 and $3,000). In extreme cases, you might have to replace the whole thing, which can cost significantly more—chimney replacement prices can go as high as $5,000.
Finally, you may occasionally discover an animal trapped in your chimney. A chimney sweep can help free the critter for between $180 and $560.
Like most home repairs and contractor costs, chimney sweep prices vary depending on where you live. Here's a look at common chimney sweep costs by U.S. states:
| State | Typical Chimney Sweep Costs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $140 |
| Colorado | $170 |
| Florida | $250 |
| Iowa | $230 |
| Massachusetts | $380 |
| New Jersey | $550 |
| Oregon | $200 |
| Wisconsin | $210 |
Chimney sweeps are highly trained and certified professionals. If you’re not trained, cleaning your own chimney could lead to dangerous, costly, and even fatal consequences. You should not attempt to clean your own chimney.
The CSIA provides a thorough guide on choosing the right wood and burning it safely in your fireplace or wood stove. You can also use creosote logs to loosen the buildup of dangerous residue inside your chimney throughout the year. Each log costs an average of $15 and can be used between professional cleanings.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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The best time to clean your chimney is before you actually need to use it. For most of us, that means getting your chimney cleaned in the spring, summer, or early fall. You may find that chimney sweeps are booked up when the winter months fade and the first round of customers begin to hire them for cleanings, but you also don’t want to wait until too late in the fall when chimney sweeps might be responding to other customers who waited until the last minute. Thus, the safest bet may be the summer.
The service time for a standard chimney sweep is 45 minutes to one hour, making this a quick-and-easy service. However, if you have severe soot buildup or need your chimney pro to install new features, you can expect the service to take longer.
While it’s not the most glamorous task, cleaning your chimney is vitally important to the safety of your home. Neglecting chimney cleaning can cause a blockage and buildup of toxic gasses in your flue, which could lead to a dangerous chimney fire. That’s why it’s important to maintain your chimney and schedule annual cleanings from a professional.
