How Much Does Chimney Cleaning Cost in 2025?

Chimney Cleaning Cost Factors

Numerous factors and add-on services may affect the cost to sweep your chimney. Below are the main variables that affect your bill.

Chimney Type

Various fireplace or appliance types affect the design and materials of the chimney, which influences total cleaning costs. Gas and pellet stoves generally require less maintenance and cleaning compared to wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, which produce more ash and creosote and may require more frequent or labor-intensive cleaning.

Roof Accessibility

Steep roof pitches, multi-level homes, or complex layouts can present accessibility challenges and safety hazards for chimney cleaning. Contractors may charge more if they must use scaffolding or specialized equipment to safely access your chimney. 

Chimney Size

Some chimneys have multiple flues, which increases time and cost. A flue is a passageway for smoke and gases to exit the home from the fireplace, and cleaning typically involves a specialized brush.

Larger flue diameters may also take more time to clean. Tall chimneys or chimneys with multiple flues are more complex and labor-intensive to clean. As such, the cost of cleaning a larger chimney system is usually higher than for a standard-sized, single-flue chimney.

Buildup and Usage

Heavily used chimneys accumulate creosote and soot at a faster rate, which may necessitate more frequent cleanings. Extended time between cleanings, heavy usage, or both lead to excessive buildup that requires additional time and labor to clean thoroughly. Sweeping a chimney with excessive buildup can cost as much as $800 or more.

Cost by Component

Chimney cleaning involves more than a sweep to remove soot. This process involves inspecting and maintaining various components of the chimney and fireplace system. Depending on their condition, some components may require additional chimney repairs or replacement.

Flue Liner

Liners are a protective layer inside the flue that helps prevent wear, retain heat, and optimize ventilation of dangerous gases. If workers discover a damaged or deteriorated liner during cleaning, you may need to reline your chimney, which ranges between $625 and $5,000. 

Fireplace Damper

Fireplace dampers cost around $200 to $250 to replace and $100 to $250 to repair. Dampers prevent downdrafts and direct smoke up and out of the chimney. Warped dampers can lead to cold air entering your home, poor air quality, and inefficient burning. 

Firebox

The firebox, where wood burns, gradually wears with use and may crack or deteriorate. Repairing a firebox costs $160 to $750.

Chimney Flashing

Flashing replacement costs $400 to $1,600 and helps prevent leaks and water damage. Higher costs reflect larger chimneys, premium material, and the extent of damage. In some cases, minor damage may only need resealing for about $200.

Chimney Caps

Replacing a chimney cap averages $300, ranging between $75 and $1,000. Chimney caps reduce downdrafts and prevent animals, rainwater, and debris from entering your chimney.

Other Chimney Cleaning Cost Factors

Varying labor rates, inspections, ongoing maintenance, and other factors can influence the total cost of chimney cleaning.

Labor

Labor rates for chimney cleaning may vary depending on the region, complexity of the job, and expertise required. Many homeowners opt for chimney cleaning before winter, when they’re more likely to use their stoves or fireplaces, which results in higher demand for services and, consequently, peak season rates.

Emergency cleaning requests may incur higher charges for after-hours, weekend, or priority response.

Animal Removal

Small critters like raccoons tend to make homes out of chimneys, which is unsafe for your home—and for them. Chimney cleaners often encounter small animals and birds, which may damage your chimney. 

The costs of wildlife removal vary between species but range between $200 and $700. For example, bats are protected species in some regions and may require permits and more specialized techniques to remove them. In comparison, squirrel removal is generally more straightforward.

Chimney Inspection

Many chimney cleaning services include a basic inspection as part of the service, but various inspection levels and associated costs range from $85 to $5,000. More comprehensive chimney inspections may be necessary for old or damaged chimneys.

• Level 1 inspections are routine overviews that check for obvious blockages, buildup, or damage and ensure proper function.

• Level 2 inspections are necessary for modifications, new systems, or recent incidents. They typically involve a more thorough inspection of the flue system with specialized equipment to check for creosote buildup, water damage, and structural problems.

• Level 3 inspections are intended for serious concerns or significant damage, such as after earthquakes or major chimney fires.

Creosote Logs

Creosote sweeping logs cost $16 to $25 per log and convert thick, tar-like creosote buildup into a flaky, more manageable consistency that falls onto the hearth of the fireplace. While not a substitute for professional chimney cleaning, creosote logs can help reduce buildup between annual services.

Budgeting for Chimney Cleaning Costs

Several strategies can manage your chimney cleaning and maintenance costs without compromising safety or performance. Try these cost-saving tips:

• Schedule regular cleaning and inspections to avoid creosote buildup, blockages, chimney fires, and chimney replacement costs.

• Burn creosote logs to minimize buildup between cleaning services.

• Get detailed quotes from multiple local chimney sweep contractors and compare their rates and included services.

• Keep your chimney in good condition to ensure proper ventilation, which helps manage creosote buildup.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.