Keep your home safe and your fireplace working right with trusted chimney sweep services. Regular cleaning removes soot, creosote, and blockages — helping prevent chimney fires and improve airflow.
Got a fireplace at home? Then you need to know about chimney sweeping. It’s not just old-school stuff — it’s real safety maintenance for any home with a wood-burning or gas fireplace.
In this quick guide, we’ll break it all down so it’s easy to understand.
A chimney sweep is the job of cleaning out the soot, ash, and creosote (a sticky, flammable buildup) inside your chimney.
These services are done by pros with brushes, vacuums, and tools that reach deep into your flue.
A dirty chimney is a fire hazard. That black stuff called creosote can catch fire if it builds up too much.
Other problems include:
Smoke not going out the right way
Bad smells in the house
Blocked chimneys from bird nests or debris
So, yes — chimney sweeping is about safety, not just cleanliness.
Once a year is the basic rule
More often if you use your fireplace daily in winter
If you smell smoke indoors — it’s time
The National Fire Protection Association recommends a yearly check, even if you don’t use your fireplace much.
A pro chimney sweep will:
Cover the area to protect your home from soot
Use brushes to scrub the flue
Vacuum up the mess
Check for damage, cracks, or blockages
It usually takes 45–90 minutes, depending on your chimney.
Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Watch for:
Thick black soot in your firebox
Smoky smells when the fireplace is off
Poor airflow or smoke backing up
Animals or nests in the chimney
It’s been over a year since your last cleaning
Typical chimney sweeps cost $100–$250, depending on:
Your location
Chimney size and height
How dirty it is
If repairs are needed
Want a better idea? Try our chimney sweep cost calculator.
A clean chimney keeps your home safe, your air clean, and your fireplace working right.
If you’ve got a fireplace, don’t ignore the chimney. Book a chimney sweep once a year and rest easy knowing your family is safe.
Need help finding the best chimney sweeps near you? TrustyGo connects you with trusted, reviewed pros in your area.
© 2025 All rights reserved. TrustyGo.com