How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
Sparing a little thought for your chimney when compiling your annual home maintenance checklist can help keep your home safe and could even save you money. It's easy to forget to book a chimney inspection and cleaning service because what's out of sight is often out of mind. However, neglecting your chimney could allow minor structural defects to develop into major problems. It could even result in a house fire or dangerously high carbon monoxide levels in your home.
Therefore, regular cleanings and maintenance are essential. Here's how much a chimney sweep costs.
Chimney Cleaning Costs
According to Bob Vila, hiring a chimney sweep costs between about $130 and $380, and the national average price is around $250. However, the total amount you pay depends on which services you need and the condition of your chimney. For example, you may require additional maintenance alongside a sweep if you haven't cleaned your chimney for several years.
Chimney Inspection Costs
Many chimney sweep contractors include a chimney inspection in your cleaning service. However, you may need to pay extra if you need a more complex check. The Chimney Safety Institute of America divides these services into three levels depending on how in-depth the inspection is.
Level 1 Inspection
Chimney cleaning services usually include a Level 1 inspection in the overall cost, which involves a basic visual inspection of the inside of your chimney. Expect to pay between $80 and $200 if you book a Level 1 inspection on its own.
Level 2 Inspection
A Level 2 chimney inspection involves examining the inside of the chimney using video equipment, typically before performing repairs or upgrades. This type of inspection is more detailed than Level 1 and costs between $100 and $500 on average.
Level 3 Inspection
You might need a Level 3 inspection if your chimney has structural issues. A Level 3 inspection requires the removal of building materials and costs between $1,000 and $5,000.
Additional Chimney Services
Chimney sweep companies can perform some repairs, such as replacing your chimney caps if they're missing or damaged. Chimney caps prevent debris and animals from entering your chimney while allowing the fireplace fumes to escape. Fixr says you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for each new chimney cap, including installation.
Some chimney sweeps may remove animals from your chimney, but not all contractors offer this service. Therefore, you might need to hire a wildlife removal service to trap the animal humanely. Expect to pay between $175 and $500 for animal removal services.
How Often Do You Need to Have Your Chimney Swept?
The Chimney Safety Institute of North America recommends booking a chimney inspection at least once a year. Your inspector can then tell you if you need to sweep your chimney and recommend any necessary repairs to keep it working safely.
A buildup of creosote inside your chimney can significantly increase the risk of a house fire. Creosote is a black, sticky substance that develops when the fuel used in the fireplace doesn't combust completely. The CSIA states that you should book a chimney cleaning and inspection service whenever you notice creosote in your chimney, even if you've had it inspected recently.
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