How much does a chimney sweep cost?
A chimney sweep costs $150 to $300 in 2026. What changes your price is below.
Add a camera inspection and it is $250 to $500. Heavy creosote, animal nests or a wood stove insert push the price up. Fall is the busiest and priciest time to book.
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Is this price fair?
A fair price is $150 to $300.
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Middle of the range: $225
What you are paying for
How we calculate this
Prices are for the United States in 2026 from published cost guides, checked September 2026. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Cost by job
| Standard sweep with Level 1 inspection | $150 to $300 |
|---|---|
| Level 2 inspection (camera) | $250 to $500 |
| Level 3 inspection (structural) | $500 to $1,500 |
| Heavy creosote or glaze removal | $300 to $800 |
| Animal or nest removal | $150 to $400 |
| Chimney cap installation | $150 to $500 |
| Wood stove or insert cleaning | $200 to $400 |
What to know before you book
| Inspection levels | Level 1 is a visual check with every sweep. Level 2 adds a camera and is required when you buy or sell a home or change the appliance. Level 3 opens walls and is rare. |
|---|---|
| How often | Once a year if you use the fireplace regularly, or after every cord of wood. |
| Creosote | Stage 3 glazed creosote cannot be brushed off and needs chemical treatment or rotary tools, $300 to $800. |
| Seasonal | Book in late summer. Fall prices rise and wait times stretch to weeks. |
| Certification | Look for CSIA certification. Uncertified sweeps are cheaper and often miss problems. |
| Extras | A cap to keep animals and rain out is $150 to $500 installed. |
Why it costs what it costs
The sweep itself is quick. What you pay for is the inspection and the liability of someone certifying your chimney is safe to use. A cheap sweep that skips the inspection is how chimney fires start.
Why this costs more in 2026
A sweep is a truck roll and an hour or two of labor, so fuel is a bigger share of this bill than of most.
The short version is oil. Diesel passed $6 a gallon on the AAA national average for the first time on September 11, 2026. A year earlier it was about $3.70 (CBS 8 reporting AAA). That lands in trip charges, deliveries and anything made from petroleum. In March 2026, construction input prices were up 4.8 percent on the year, the biggest annual gain since January 2023, and one month of diesel prices rose 37.8 percent, the largest jump since 1990 (Roofing Contractor, April 2026). Quotes are being held open for shorter periods, so ask for the expiry date in writing.
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Common questions
How much does a chimney sweep cost?
$150 to $300 for a standard cleaning and Level 1 inspection in 2026.
How much is a chimney inspection?
Level 1 is included in most sweeps. Level 2 with a camera is $250 to $500.
How often should a chimney be cleaned?
Once a year for regular use, or every cord of wood burned.
When is the cheapest time to book?
Late spring or summer, before the fall rush.
Other jobs and rates
Compare prices
Related jobs people check next, with the usual 2026 price.
| Job | Usual price |
|---|---|
| Chimney cap installation cost | $200 to $850 |
| Chimney repair cost | $200 to $7,000 |
| Chimney liner cost | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Blown in insulation cost | $900 to $3,600 |