10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Chimney Sweep

Photo from Canva Pro

The chimney sweep industry can be tricky to navigate because it’s mostly unregulated.

Almost anyone can start a chimney cleaning service without the proper training or equipment. With scams and overcharging on the rise, it’s important to know who you can trust with your chimney cleaning, fireplace safety, and home’s structural integrity.

At Brown Chimney, we encourage homeowners to ask the right questions before hiring a chimney sweep or inspection service. Keep the following questions in mind so you can feel confident in the safety and value of your service.

1.    Are you certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)?

To ensure you’re hiring a certified chimney sweep who knows what they’re doing, ask if they’re accredited by the CSIA. The CSIA’s official website also has a search feature that can help you find CSIA-certified companies and technicians in your area.

Brown Chimney’s technicians are all CSIA-certified, so you’ll always know your chimney is in expert hands.

2.    Do you offer any warranties or guarantees for your services?

A reputable sweep stands by their work with a warranty or guarantee. Ask about terms so you know they’ll address issues if they arise. This can also assure you that they’re confident in their work.

3.    What’s included in your inspection and cleaning service?

A professional sweep should explain what their inspection and cleaning covers. Ask them to give you a rundown of their chimney sweep service and process.

4.    Do you follow NFPA 211 guidelines for inspections?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 is the national standard for inspecting chimneys, fireplaces, and solid fuel-burning appliances in the U.S. A certified chimney sweep follows these standards when they conduct chimney inspections.

NFPA 211 sets three inspection levels, and here’s what each level means for you as a homeowner:

·       Level 1: A basic visual check for soot, creosote, blockages, or animals in the chimney.

·       Level 2: Adds video scanning for a more thorough inspection; required upon property sale or transfer, a change in appliance, relining, or after a Level 1 inspection indicates a hazard. If you’re selling your home, expect a Level 2 inspection to be required.

·       Level 3: An inspection that involves removing chimney components as needed to access concealed areas when technicians suspect that your chimney has serious hidden hazards.

5.    What’s your pricing structure?

The average cost of hiring a chimney sweep is about $254, but the nationwide average can range between $129 and $380. Ask the company or technician for quotes so you can get an idea of how much they charge for their services.

Be wary of quotes far above or below the average range—high prices can be scams, while very low prices may hide unnecessary upsell tactics. However, final costs can also vary and be influenced based on chimney type, condition, location, and whether the chimney needs repairs or has parts replaced.

Other problems that may affect your final bill include how much creosote buildup they have to clean and how difficult it will be to access your chimney top. The time of year can also affect pricing — fall is the busiest season for chimney sweeps with homeowners preparing their houses for winter, so that could make it difficult and more expensive to book services during that time of year.

6.    How long will the job take, and how many technicians will be on-site?

Ask the company how many technicians they’ll be sending onsite for the job. An average chimney sweep can take between 45 minutes to an hour. However, this can also vary depending on the size of your chimney and how much the technicians will need to clean up.

7.    What type of equipment and methods do you use?

An experienced chimney sweep should be able to tell you what equipment they use and explain their steps and procedures for doing the job.

Chimney sweeping involves clearing your chimney of substances like soot and creosote. According to HETAS, creosote build-up can lead to health, structural, and financial risks, so chimney sweeping is a process that should be done with care. An experienced chimney sweep should bring the right tools for the job, like creosote and tar removal kits and chimney sheets to keep the house clean. At Brown Chimney, our technicians use specialized tools to ensure a thorough, mess-free job.

Look for sweeps who use HEPA-filter vacuums—regular vacuums can recirculate fine soot particles back into your home, creating a mess and posing a health risk.

8.    Do you offer a detailed written report or certificate after the job?

When the chimney sweep has finished their job, they should provide you with a detailed written report or a chimney sweep certificate. A certificate is proof that your chimney was professionally cleaned—a document that’s often required for insurance or real estate transactions.

A certified chimney professional can also give you a comprehensive assessment of your chimney’s condition.

9.    Can you provide recent references or reviews?

Ask the chimney sweep if they can pull up recent references or reviews from past customers so you can see how satisfied past clients were with their inspection, cleaning, and overall experience.

Don’t just rely on company-provided references, however. Check recent reviews from independent sources or ask friends, family, or neighbors. Look for current feedback that reflects the chimney sweep’s recent performance.

10. What other maintenance or safety recommendations do you provide?

You’re having the chimney swept to make sure that it’s clean and safe to use, so it would be great to get insights from experts to help you keep your chimney well-maintained.

Experienced sweeps should also share safety tips to help you keep your chimney clean and safe between inspections and cleanings.

This can also be a good way to assess how they interact with their customers. Reputable companies and technicians would be respectful and open to answering any questions you might have about their services or about chimney maintenance.

Annual inspections keep your chimney safe, efficient, and ready for cold weather. Book your sweep with Brown Chimney today and protect your home and family while enjoying a warm, worry-free season.