How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Cost

Navigation:

• Why is Chimney Sweeping Necessary?
• What Does a Chimney Sweep Involve?
• How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Cost?

 

Ever thought about the cost of having your chimney swept? Probably not. If your family is just like any other family in the US, there’s a decent chance that you’ve never even considered it. There’s just no reason to prioritize it over other expenses.

At least, that’s what many people think.

On this article, we’ll be discussing why chimney sweeping is important, and how much it would cost you if you do get one. You might be surprised how important this simple job is. Whether you’re burning logs or firing up the gas fireplace, chimney maintenance should be one of your highest priorities—at least once a year, that is.

Why is Chimney Sweeping Necessary?

Simply put, unclean chimneys can cause fires. Flare ups occur due to the buildup of creosote, which is a combustible residue that sticks to the chimney walls after burning wood. If this isn’t removed, it could easily ignite your chimney—and the rest of your home.

In fact, the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA reported that in 2016, home heating equipment accounted for 16 percent of home fires. It was also the cause for 19 percent of home fire deaths from 2009 to 2013. Thirty percent of fires occurred due to unclean equipment, primarily chimneys.

You can avoid creosote from quickly building up by using dry wood, which burns up completely and efficiently. But you still need to have a professional chimney cleaning annually to make sure creosote and other flammable obstructions could be removed properly without damaging your chimney.

What Does a Chimney Sweep Involve?

If you hire a professional chimney sweep, you can expect them to conduct a thorough inspection before the actual cleaning. Generally, they should tell you what needs to be done to maintain the safety of your chimney. For example, if they find damaged components, they should tell you about it. They will inspect the liners, smoke chamber, firebox, and the chimney exterior for signs of wear and damage.

Most companies will be able to provide the additional services needed to fix most structural problems and keep your chimney and fireplace operating at optimal levels. A video inspection may mean an additional cost, depending on the company you’re working with.

If there’s nothing else that needs to be done, they will proceed with the sweeping.

Fire safety officials recommend an annual chimney inspection and chimney sweeping to eliminate the threat of creosote and suboptimal chimney structures.

How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Cost?

A standard chimney inspection will cost around $80 to $250, depending on the type of chimney you have. This covers a basic sweep for general safety purposes. Some chimney sweeps will perform inspections for free if you chose to have your chimney cleaned or repaired.

They will also inspect the fireplace and flue to see whether it also needs cleaning. Chimney sweeping usually costs more if your chimney is already in poor condition, or has creosote buildup. Sweeping can also be made more challenging (and therefore a bit more expensive) if there are dead or living animals in your chimney. These may require special equipment or chemicals to properly clean.

Some companies offer a discount for senior citizens, or repeat customers. Talk to them about discounts so you can discuss the exact percentage to be taken off of your bill.

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