# What a Long Island chimney sweep actually costs
In 2026, a standard chimney sweep on Long Island runs $249 to $395. That's the range across 1,200+ sweeps we performed last burn season — fall 2025 through spring 2026. Below $249 you're often getting a stripped-down inspection or a shop that doesn't cover creosote removal properly. Above $395 you're usually paying for a Level II camera inspection bundled in, which is fair if that's what you actually need.
Here's what the range buys and what shifts the price.
What's included at the low end ($249-$275)
For this range, the standard scope is:
- Level I visual inspection of the flue, firebox, smoke chamber, and exterior chimney
- Rotary head sweep of Stage 1 creosote (soot and ash)
- Vacuum cleanup of the firebox and hearth
- Written report with any findings
This covers about 65% of the annual sweeps we do on Long Island — chimneys that are in decent shape, used moderately, and just need routine servicing.
What moves the price to $300-$395
Several factors push the price above the baseline:
- Stage 2 creosote present. Thicker flaky creosote needs mechanical scraping — usually 30-45 minutes of additional time.
- Multi-story chimney. Two-story colonials and three-story Victorians need more ladder time and often scaffolding. Typically adds $50-$100.
- Camera inspection added. Upgrade from Level I to Level II adds $125-$175. This is worth doing every 3-5 years regardless — it finds cracks you can't see otherwise.
- Oil-burning flue. Oil furnaces produce heavier deposits. Adds $75-$100.
- Heavy ash volume. If you've burned heavily and haven't had a sweep in 2+ years, we may encounter 5-10 pounds of ash buildup. Adds time.
What pushes beyond $395
Cases where you'd pay more than $395 for a sweep:
- Stage 3 glazed creosote requires a separate chemical treatment plan
- Dead animals in the flue — raccoons, squirrels, birds. Removal varies.
- Missing or damaged cap exposed the flue to debris and animals all summer
- Active chimney fire suspected in the last 12 months — triggers mandatory Level II
At that point you're really into repair territory, not routine sweep.
What Long Island homeowners underpay for
We occasionally get called out after a cheaper sweep elsewhere. The most common issue we see from low-budget shops:
- No vacuuming. Soot ends up on the hearth and works its way into the carpet.
- Ignored animal nests. A quick flue scan skipped the flue step that mattered.
- No written report. Insurance and resale value both depend on documentation.
- "Chemical sweep" sold at $99. A chemical log is not a sweep. It's a supplement at best.
If a sweep is quoted under $199 in Nassau or Suffolk, ask specifically what's included. If it doesn't cover a camera pass, a vacuum cleanup, and a written report, it's not a complete sweep.
Frequency
NFPA 211 recommends annual inspection and sweeping when creosote or soot accumulation reaches 1/8 inch. For most Long Island homeowners that means:
- Active fireplace users (2+ fires per week during burn season): annual sweep, every September
- Occasional users (10-20 fires per year): every 2 years
- Rare users (less than 5 fires per year): every 3 years, with an annual visual inspection
- Oil-burning furnaces: annual, even though they're less glamorous than a fireplace
Discount program for repeat customers
Annual customers on our maintenance plan lock in the sweep at $229 flat and get first priority on the September/October schedule. Most years we have 50-60 spots in that program and they fill by August.
Book a sweep
If it's been more than a year, book now. The fall rush fills up — by mid-October we're scheduling 2-3 weeks out. Book online and we'll call to confirm.
