How much does chimney cleaning cost?

A standard open-fireplace sweep runs $99 to $179, and wood stoves or inserts run $149 to $249. A Level 2 camera inspection for a home sale or after a chimney fire costs $199 to $349.

How often should a chimney be cleaned?

Once a year if you burn wood regularly. Occasional users should still have an annual inspection and sweep only when creosote reaches about an eighth of an inch. Gas fireplaces need a yearly venting inspection.

What is creosote and why is it dangerous?

Creosote is the tar-like residue wood smoke leaves on flue walls. It is highly flammable, and once the layer reaches roughly an eighth of an inch it can ignite into a chimney fire hot enough to crack the liner.

Do gas fireplaces need chimney service?

Yes. Gas appliances do not produce creosote, but flues still collect debris, nests, and corrosion that can block venting and push carbon monoxide back into the home. An annual inspection is recommended.

Pricing Guide

Chimney Cleaning & Inspection Cost Guide

A chimney sweep is cheap insurance against a flue fire and carbon monoxide backdraft. Here is what the service costs, what an inspection covers, and how to tell when yours is due.

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$99 – $299

Typical sweep cost

1× / year

Recommended inspection

1/8 in

Creosote depth that requires cleaning

Free

Estimates

What chimney cleaning costs

Standard open fireplace sweep: $99 – $179
Wood stove or insert sweep: $149 – $249
Level 1 inspection with sweep: usually included
Level 2 camera inspection (sale or post-fire): $199 – $349
Cap or damper installation, flashing repair: quoted after inspection

Why creosote matters

Burning wood deposits creosote on the flue walls. Once the layer reaches roughly an eighth of an inch, it can ignite and burn hot enough to crack a liner. Glazed, tar-like creosote is the most dangerous stage and needs professional removal, not a brush from a hardware store.

How often should a chimney be swept?

Regular wood burning: once a year, before heating season
Occasional use (under a cord per year): inspect yearly, sweep as needed
Gas fireplace: inspect yearly for blockages and venting
After buying a home: full inspection before first use
After a chimney fire or earthquake: Level 2 inspection

What our sweeps include

Drop cloths and negative-air containment indoors
Full flue, smoke chamber, and firebox brushing
Damper, cap, and crown check
Camera inspection of the liner
Written findings with photos before any repair quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does chimney cleaning cost?: A standard open-fireplace sweep runs $99 to $179, and wood stoves or inserts run $149 to $249. A Level 2 camera inspection for a home sale or after a chimney fire costs $199 to $349.
How often should a chimney be cleaned?: Once a year if you burn wood regularly. Occasional users should still have an annual inspection and sweep only when creosote reaches about an eighth of an inch. Gas fireplaces need a yearly venting inspection.
What is creosote and why is it dangerous?: Creosote is the tar-like residue wood smoke leaves on flue walls. It is highly flammable, and once the layer reaches roughly an eighth of an inch it can ignite into a chimney fire hot enough to crack the liner.
Do gas fireplaces need chimney service?: Yes. Gas appliances do not produce creosote, but flues still collect debris, nests, and corrosion that can block venting and push carbon monoxide back into the home. An annual inspection is recommended.

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