How much does chimney cleaning cost?
Short answer. A routine chimney sweep with a basic visual inspection commonly costs in the low hundreds of dollars, depending on your area and the company, while glazed creosote removal, camera inspections, multiple flues or difficult roof access cost more. Prices vary widely, so compare what each quote includes rather than the headline number.
What drives the price
- Inspection level. Chimney inspections are commonly described in three levels. Level 1 is a visual check of the accessible parts. Level 2 adds a video scan of the flue and is recommended when a home is sold, after a chimney fire or storm, or when the appliance changes. Level 3 means opening up the structure and is rare.
- Creosote condition. Light, sooty buildup brushes out easily. Glazed, tar-like creosote takes special tools or chemical treatment.
- Number and type of flues. Each flue is cleaned separately, and fireplace, insert and furnace flues differ.
- Access. Steep or tall roofs add time and safety setup.
- Repairs found. Caps, crowns, dampers and liners are priced separately.
Comparing quotes
- Ask whether the price includes an inspection and a written report with photos.
- Ask about certification; the Chimney Safety Institute of America certifies sweeps.
- Be wary of a very low cleaning price that leads to a large repair pitch, and ask for photos of anything said to be broken.
- Book in late summer or early fall, before demand peaks.
How often you will pay it
The National Fire Protection Association standard calls for a yearly inspection, with cleaning as needed. Many Georgia homes that burn wood only occasionally need cleaning less often than every year but still benefit from the yearly check.
The outside of the chimney where it meets the roof is a separate job for a roofer. See chimney leaks and crickets and roof maintenance checklist for Georgia.