Chimney maintenance must be a big priority for any homeowner. It doesn’t even matter what type of fuel you’re burning on the furnace. A clean and well-maintained chimney is essential in enhancing safety and energy efficiency in the entire household. 

The great news is that you don’t actually need to do full chimney maintenance every day. Once every year is in fact the recommended plan but how much does a chimney sweep cost? 

Don’t worry because, in this post, we will give you the price breakdown, including some of the factors that may affect the cost in your area.

Why is Chimney Cleaning and Maintenance Crucial?

Before we get to the cost breakdown of chimney cleaning and maintenance, it’s important to first understand why this exercise is important. 

First, cleaning your chimney will reduce the risk of residential fires massively. The soot that’s deposited along the chimney contains a highly flammable substance known as creosote. Even a small spark along the chimney can ignite these creosote deposits. 

It’s estimated that the US reports over 25,000 chimney fires each year, resulting in losses of over $125 million. Removing the buildup of creosote through chimney inspection and cleaning is the best defense against this risk. 

A clean chimney will also make sure that your furnace is able to burn fuel efficiently. A clogged chimney simply means that it’s not able to redirect the soot accordingly and maintain the proper flow of air into the furnace. When fuel burns under limited oxygen, it produces less energy for every pound. 

This then leads to high energy bills. Additionally, a dirty chimney isn’t safe for your family. Burning fuel under limited oxygen, especially hydrocarbons, also increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Cost of Chimney Maintenance

Now that we have given you the importance of chimney cleaning, let’s get to the overall costs. Well, a standard chimney inspection will cost between $100 and $250. 

There are, however, some factors that will determine how much you pay at the end of it all. For example, the type of roof plays a huge role. Simple roofs that don’t require advanced equipment to access should cost less compared to advanced roof designs. 

It's also important to note that inspection alone may not be enough. In some cases, it may emerge that there are some small repairs needed after the inspection. This will cost you extra money and the amount will be determined by the nature of repairs needed. The chimney service provider will also offer to clean the chimney after inspection. 

Well, if it’s been so long since you had your chimney cleaned, it means that there’s too much buildup of creosote and other materials. As a result, the cleaning process will take longer and require more manpower. This will cost you more money. 

In some cases, some components of your chimney may be too damaged to be reused. In such a situation, you may need to buy new components and have them installed by the service provider. As a result, you’re more likely to pay a bit more for the service.

What Does a Chimney Inspection Involve? 

If you’re going to pay a few hundred bucks for a local chimney sweep, then it’s only fair to know for sure what you’re getting in return. 

First, professional chimney inspections are thorough. They will take a close look at the smoke chamber, the liners, the firebox, and all other aspects of your chimney. 

Professional chimney inspection also helps to identify issues that an average DIYer wouldn’t. Professional inspections also try to assess any structural problems associated with the chimney and possible water damage if applicable. 

In essence, no stone is left unturned. If there’s something wrong with your chimney, you can be 100% sure that these professionals will find it. 

Contact a local pro to do chimney inspection and cleaning and avoid headaches during fall and winter!