Home SafetyHire a professionalBest in fall
Inspect & sweep chimney
Creosote buildup is the direct cause of most chimney fires. Do this before burning season.
How often
Once a year
Time needed
2 hrs (pro)
Typical cost
$150–$350
Helps avoid
~$5,000
How to do it
This job is best handled by a licensed professional — HomeGuard can help you find one near you.
Common questions
How often should you inspect & sweep chimney?
Once a year. Best in fall.
How much does it cost to inspect & sweep chimney?
Typically $150 to $350 in parts and supplies. Skipping it risks roughly $5,000 in repair or replacement costs.
How long does it take?
About 2 hrs (pro).
Can I inspect & sweep chimney myself?
This one should be done by a licensed professional. It involves systems where a mistake is dangerous or costly.
Which of these does your home actually need?
Answer a few questions about your home and HomeGuard builds your personalized maintenance schedule — the right tasks, at the right time of year, for your appliances and climate.
Build my free scheduleMore home safety maintenance
Test smoke & CO detectors
Every month · 15 min
Check fire extinguisher pressure
Every month · 10 min
Test garage door auto-reverse
Once a year · 30 min