How Much Does a Chimney Inspection Cost?

There’s nothing quite like cozying up to a crackling fire on a cold winter day. A lit fireplace can help set the ambience in the room and also help lower your electric heating bills. Aside from aesthetics and warmth, your fireplace and chimney are a complex system that keeps your home safe.

This May Also Interest You: How Much Does Chimney Repair and Removal Cost?

That’s where regular chimney maintenance comes in. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, you should schedule a routine chimney inspection at least once a year. The following article offers details on what’s involved in a chimney inspection and cleaning, and the average chimney inspection cost.

What Does a Chimney Inspection Include?

Depending on the level of inspection, a chimney technician will check for multiple issues with your chimney.

• Creosote buildup. Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood in your fireplace. It’s a sticky, tar-like substance that’s highly flammable. When you clean a chimney, the goal is to remove the creosote to help prevent dangerous chimney fires.

• Clogs. It’s not uncommon for animals to build nests in your chimney during the warmer months. These nests can prevent smoke from escaping when you use the fireplace. An inspection checks for these types of clogs and removes them.

• Structural soundness. The inspector will examine the masonry bricks and mortar, looking for signs of gaps or crumbling that could compromise the stability of the structure.

• Flue liner condition. Your flue liner protects the inside of your chimney from excessive heat. During cleaning services and inspections, your technician will check for cracks and deterioration.

• Part checks. A chimney inspection includes examining the smoke chamber, damper and chimney cap to ensure they're all in good working order.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Your Chimney Inspected?

The cost of a chimney inspection depends on several factors, including the level of the inspection, where you live and the type of chimney you have.

Three different types of chimney inspections help a professional chimney sweep determine the condition of your chimney: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 inspections.

Level 1 Chimney Inspections

With a Level 1 inspection, a chimney sweep will inspect the easily accessible parts of your chimney, including the interior and exterior. They'll examine the condition of your flue using the most basic tools, such as a screwdriver, and examine the deposit buildup inside your system.

A Level 1 inspection typically costs between $100 and $250 (CAD 138 and CAD 346), according to data from HomeGuide.

Level 2 Chimney Inspections

With a Level 2 inspection, your technician will likely check other parts of your home that are near the chimney, such as your attic or basement. In some cases, your technician may use a camera to look for signs of cracking and damage.

For a Level 2 inspection, you'll pay between $250 and $600 (CAD 346 and CAD 830).

Level 3 Chimney Inspections

A Level 3 inspection is the most thorough type of home inspection. It includes taking apart your gas fireplace and other components to locate potential damage or wear and tear. It also includes Level 1 and Level 2 inspections.

For a Level 3 inspection, expect to pay between $900 and $5,000 (CAD 1,245 and CAD 6,919).

Additional Chimney Inspection and Service Costs

These inspection costs are for a professional service only. There'll be additional charges for any repairs, such as relining the flue or fixing any worn masonry, and for cleaning the chimney.

More Related Articles:

• How Much Does a Gas Fireplace Cost?

• How Much Does a Chimney Inspection Cost?

• Soot Yourself: Channel Your Inner Dick Van Dyke and Be Your Own Chimney Sweep

• How to Light a Gas Fireplace: A Step-by-Step Guide

• How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Chimney Sweep?

Is a Chimney Inspection Worth It?

If you use your fireplace as a source of heat each winter, it’s important to have the chimney checked to keep it operating as safely as possible. Regular inspections also help:

• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When the inside of your chimney is clogged, it prevents toxins and smoke from escaping from your home, which could cause dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Improve heating. When your chimney is clean, your fireplace will burn more efficiently, which can increase the amount of heat it gives off.

• Prevent fires. Creosote buildup inside your chimney puts your real estate at risk of fire. Because creosote is highly flammable, it can catch fire inside your chimney and slowly cause internal damage.

How Do You Know You Need a Chimney Inspection?

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to schedule a chimney inspection, there are several key signs to look for.

• Smoke inside your home. If you light a fire and smoke is billowing up inside your home, it may be a sign that your chimney needs cleaning. You should never operate your fireplace when smoke builds up in your living space.

• Signs of small animals. If you notice a bird’s nest along the outside of your chimney or you’ve seen evidence of animals, you should have your chimney professionally cleaned before operating your fireplace.

• Fire won’t stay lit. When your fireplace is operating correctly, it should be relatively easy to light a fire and keep it going. If a fire dies as quickly as it starts, it could be a sign it’s not getting enough oxygen because something is blocking the flue.

• Visible black marks on your fireplace walls. Visible black marks on your fireplace are a sign of creosote buildup, which can be a major fire hazard.