A fireplace cleaner costs $150 to $375 for most wood-burning fireplaces with a masonry chimney. A well-kept fireplace that burns wood will cost $100 to $250 minimum to clean with the standard level 1 inspection included. Fees increase for neglected fireplaces.

• Cleaning a gas fireplace costs $80 to $150, which is cheaper because gas leaves less residue than wood after burning.
• A proper fireplace cleaning requires the services of a chimney sweep to confirm that the whole system is safe to use.

A chimney sweep is a fire-safety expert who cleans and inspects both the fireplace and the entire chimney in the same visit. This technician vacuums up all debris and flammable buildup inside the flue and its connections.

You should clean your fireplace 1 to 2 times per year. At the very least, get one annual fireplace and chimney cleaning to satisfy building codes. The National Fire Protection Agency advises annual checks for the safety of your household.

An average chimney sweep service to clean your fireplace takes 1 to 2 hours. However, a level 1 cleaning and visual check on a well-maintained chimney takes less time. Fireplaces with broken dampers or blockages above them will take more time to clean.

If no fireplace cleaning has occurred for more than a year, or you see signs of other damages, then allow more time for a deeper inspection. A level 2 or level 3 cleaning and inspection might be necessary to create a safety report and prepare for renovations.

People who don't sweep the chimney or clean the fireplace are neglecting to maintain part of the home, so insurance companies are unlikely to cover resulting damages. Any fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, or pest infestation inside the chimney will be entirely the expense of the homeowner.

Chimney sweeps who clean fireplaces don't typically ask for tips. Instead, you can show your appreciation for their services by leaving them a good review and offering drinks or snacks.

Although you can sweep your own chimney and fireplace using a specialty vacuum, you can also accidentally damage the chimney lining while cleaning. A cracked liner leaks poisonous and flammable gasses into your home, so it isn't worth the risk.

Plus, only the inspection of a licensed chimney sweep will satisfy requirements of insurance companies and homeowners associations.

A landlord is typically only responsible for hiring a chimney sweep to maintain the fireplace system if your lease specifies it. Laws vary in each state, and some landlords assign fireplace maintenance to the tenant if you choose to use it.

Some landlords prefer scheduling an annual chimney inspection as part of their property maintenance.

You can get the lowest prices for hiring a chimney sweep to clean a fireplace in late spring and summer when their demand is low. Don't wait until early winter because you'll face longer wait times and higher fees.

Before hiring a chimney and fireplace cleaner near you, be sure to:

• Compare 3+ bids from licensed, bonded, and insured chimney technicians.
• Request a list of references from past clients.
• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Avoid choosing the lowest bid since it may result in a low-quality inspection.

Ask if they have certifications like:

• Credentials from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
• A state chimney technician license
• The National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certification
• A home improvement contractor's license
• State gas handler's license for gas-powered fireplaces
• Membership in the National Chimney Sweep Guild or other fire safety organizations

Choose an experienced chimney sweep by first asking:

• How long have you been cleaning and inspecting fireplaces?
• What tools and equipment do you use?
• Have you been taking continuing courses to maintain your CSIA credentials?
• Does this bid cover the inspection, cleaning, and all associated labor costs?
• Will you clean and inspect the flue, fireplaces, stoves, and the exterior?
• Approximately how long will the cleaning and inspection process take?
• Did you see issues that require a level 2 or level 3 inspection?
• Can I see video footage of damages inside the fireplace and chimney?
• Apart from cleaning and inspections, does your company also handle repairs?
• Can you provide a detailed report with any recommended repairs if necessary?
• Do you offer regular chimney maintenance services?