Cleaning your chimney is something you should do regularly to make sure it’s safe and working properly. Whether you use your fireplace a lot or just once in a while, chimney cleaning can help avoid dangerous build-ups like creosote, which can lead to fires.
But how much does it cost to clean a chimney? Cleaning a chimney typically costs between $200 and $465, depending on the type and condition of the chimney.
This blog will explain how much it costs to clean a chimney, what affects the price, and give you some useful pricing details.
Key Takeaways:
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How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Chimney
When you need to clean your chimney, the cost can change based on a few things, like the —-
- type of fireplace,
- how dirty it is,
- and where you live.
Chimney Sweep Pricing List
Here’s a quick look at the average costs of cleaning chimneys based on different factors:
| Chimney Type | Cost Range | Average Cost |
| Wood Burning Fireplace | $200 – $465 | $335 |
| Gas Burning Fireplace | $80 – $175 | $130 |
| Pellet Stove Chimney | $150 – $270 | $210 |
**Note: These are just average prices. Depending on your situation, you might pay more or less.
Here’s what you should expect to pay in detail:
For a Basic Chimney Cleaning
- Wood-burning fireplace: The price is usually between $200 and $465. These types of fireplaces create a lot of creosote, so they need more work to clean.
- Gas fireplace: Gas fireplaces are cleaner, so cleaning costs less. Expect to pay around $80 to $175.
- Pellet stove: If you have a pellet stove, the cleaning usually costs between $150 and $270. Pellet stoves fall somewhere in between. They burn cleaner than wood but still require some cleaning, so the cost is a bit higher than gas but lower than wood-burning fireplaces.
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Cost Factors to Clean a Chimney
A few things affect the cost of chimney cleaning. These include:
Chimney Condition:
- The condition of your chimney plays a big role in the price. If there’s a thick buildup of creosote or soot, it’s going to take more work to clean. Sometimes, the chimney might need a special chemical treatment, which can add to the cost.
- If your chimney has cracks, rust, or other damage, repairs will increase the price, too.
Roof Pitch:
- If your roof is steep, the cleaning process becomes trickier and riskier for the chimney sweep. To safely clean the chimney, extra equipment might be needed, and this usually means a higher cost. The steeper the roof, the more expensive it is to clean.
Location:
- Where you live affects the cost. In larger cities, where demand for chimney cleaning is higher, the cost might be more expensive. Smaller towns might have cheaper rates because there are fewer people needing the service and the jobs might be easier to get to.
Location-Based Pricing Examples:
| Location | Average Price |
| New York City | $350 – $500 |
| Los Angeles | $300 – $450 |
| Chicago | $250 – $400 |
| Small Town | $200 – $300 |
Season:
- If you book a chimney cleaning during the peak season, like early fall, when everyone is getting their fireplaces ready, expect to pay a little more. This is when chimney sweeps are busiest, so they might charge higher rates due to the high demand.
- If you want to save on cleaning costs, try to schedule during the off-season (spring or summer) when prices are usually lower.
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Additional Costs to Consider
There are several other costs you have to bear.
Chimney Cleaning Labor Costs
Labor costs for chimney cleaning are around $60 to $115 per hour. On average, it’s about $85/hour.
Cost to Install a Chimney Liner
Installing a chimney liner costs between $1,190 and $5,165. The average cost is $3,175.
Cost to Remove an Animal
Animal removal from a chimney costs between $165 and $590, with an average of $375.
Cost to Repair or Install Flashing
Repairing or installing chimney flashing costs from $205 to $560. On average, it’s $380.
Cost to Repair or Install a Chimney Cap
Repairing or installing a chimney cap costs between $120 and $635, with an average of $380.
Cost to Repair a Chimney Damper
Repairing a chimney damper costs between $100 and $225, averaging $165.
**Tip: Always ask for a quote before you book the service. That way, you know exactly what to expect and avoid surprises.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning
DIY chimney cleaning kits cost between $65 and $110. On average, they are about $85. Cheaper kits have 6 rods, 1 brush, and a drill adapter. Expensive kits come with 12 rods, 2 brushes, and a drill adapter.
On the other hand, professional chimney cleaning costs more, usually between $200 and $465. You need a pro if the chimney is very dirty, has heavy buildup, or if you’re unsure about safety. They have special tools and know-how to clean your chimney properly.
Also, pros are safer because cleaning on the roof can be risky. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call an expert!
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Call us today at 831-251-9193 and enjoy a safe, cozy fireplace!
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you have got the answer to the question, “How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Chimney?” Cleaning your chimney usually costs between $200 and $465, depending on the type of fireplace and where you live. The average cost is about $335 for a wood-burning fireplace.
Make sure you’re aware of extra costs for things like repairs or extra cleaning if your chimney has heavy creosote build-up. Also, don’t forget to factor in the location and time of year when you get a quote.
Taking care of your chimney helps keep your home safe and your fireplace working smoothly. So, it’s worth the investment!
Got questions or need help with chimney cleaning? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a chimney sweep!
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