Maintaining a clean fireplace is essential for safety and aesthetic reasons. However, the cost of cleaning a chimney depends on several factors. It is best to hire a professional chimney cleaner for a complete chimney sweep, as they have the right tools and techniques to preserve and protect the different parts of the chimney. Most businesses and professional cleaning services charge by the hour, while some may charge a flat rate for large cleaning jobs.
The cost of cleaning may also depend on the level of inspection you choose to perform and the number of flue ducts your chimney has. A level one inspection may be free when combined with the cost of a clean. If you use the chimney frequently or burn treated or green wood, you should clean the chimney more often to prevent creosote buildup. If you live in an area where the heating season lasts longer, it is recommended to clean your chimneys twice a year.
Chimney cleaning logs are never a substitute for professional cleaning and tend to cause fires rather than prevent them. The process of maintaining a clean chimney involves proper chimney use, proper care, annual inspection, and regular cleaning. To ensure that your fireplace is safe and aesthetically pleasing, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance.
