A chimney sweep costs $149 to $185 for a basic cleaning and inspection. Regularly-cleaned fireplaces cost $89 to $155 per cleaning, while ones with heavy creosote buildup or damage cost $300+.

An inspection alone costs $55 to $130 for a standard fireplace. Gas fireplaces are cheaper to clean than wood-burning fireplaces.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning a chimney at least once per year, or more if you burn over 36 fires in a year. Cleaning a chimney regularly prevents creosote buildup or fallen debris from catching on fire.

Yes, gas fireplaces need to be cleaned to prevent damage or carbon monoxide poisoning. A gas fireplace cleaning costs about $75 and includes cleaning the glass and removing any debris from the vent.

Chimney cleaning logs cannot replace professional cleaning and sometimes cause fires instead of preventing them. Chimney sweep logs can cause loosened creosote to catch fire as it falls, which can cause sparks to fly and potentially cause a fire in the home. Creosote logs may help loosen Stage 1 creosote buildup but cannot help Stage 2 or 3 buildup.

Your chimney may need to be cleaned if:

• It's been over a year since it was last inspected.
• It smells like a campfire even when nothing is burning.
• Fires take longer to get going and don't burn as well as before.
• Smoke drifts into the room even when the flue is open.
• There are signs of a bird or animal inside.

You typically don't tip a chimney sweep because, like other contractors, they are paid an hourly wage and don't expect a tip. However, you can tip if you feel they went above and beyond or worked in especially difficult conditions.

Start by searching our list of professional chimney cleaners, then:

• Get at least three free estimates to compare.
• Read reviews and browse their work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose a company that is licensed, bonded, and experienced.
• Verify their insurance, guarantees, and warranty.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.
• Avoid making large payments up front. Follow a payment schedule instead.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best chimney cleaning company near you.

Ask these questions to find the best chimney sweep near you:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Do you have any certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI)?
• How can I tell the difference between soot and creosote?
• How long will the cleaning take?
• Will you have to go on my roof?
• Can you give me a written estimate, contract, and warranty?