How to hire a chimney sweep
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the technician CSIA certified, and can I see the certification number? (We can only mark it Verified if it is on the registry.)
- Which inspection level are you quoting (1, 2 or 3), and does it include a camera scan of the flue?
- Do you carry liability insurance, and will you send the certificate before the visit?
- Is the price a flat rate for the sweep, or does it change with what you find? What does a Level 2 inspection add?
- Will I get photos or a video of the flue before and after?
- If you recommend a liner or a rebuild, will you put the findings in writing so I can get a second opinion?
Common questions
How often should a chimney be swept?
The CSIA and NFPA 211 recommend an annual inspection, with a sweep whenever soot or creosote builds up to about 1/8 inch. A wood-burning fireplace used most evenings in winter usually needs a sweep every year.
What is the difference between a Level 1, 2 and 3 inspection?
Level 1 is a visual check of the accessible parts during a routine sweep. Level 2 adds a camera scan of the flue and is the level required when you buy a home, change the fuel or appliance, or after a chimney fire or earthquake. Level 3 involves opening walls or parts of the chimney where serious damage is suspected.
What does a chimney sweep cost?
It depends on the city, the flue type and whether an inspection is included. Where at least 3 companies in a city publish a price for a service, or at least 8 customers mentioned one in Google reviews, the city page shows the median, labeled by source, with the number of sources and the date range.
When should I book?
Searches for chimney sweeps peak in October and November and are five times lower in spring. Book in August or September for a pre-season sweep, or in late winter and spring for repairs, when masonry work is easier to schedule.
Do chimney sweeps clean dryer vents?
Many do, and the CSIA certifies dryer exhaust technicians (CDET). Our dryer vent cleaning page lists the chimney companies whose Google profiles name the service; most dryer-vent work is done by air-duct and HVAC companies, which this directory does not list.
What does "Verified" mean on a certification badge?
We matched the company, or a technician working for it, on the CSIA state listing or the NCSG lists on the date shown, and the badge links to that registry. "NCSG member" means membership in the trade association, which is not a tested credential; NCSG's tested credentials (CCP, CCR) are named as such. "Stated" means the company claims the credential and we could not match it. A missing badge does not mean a company is uncertified; the registries are opt-in.