Chimney and Duct Cleaning FAQ

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year, and that inspection tells us whether sweeping is needed. A fireplace you use often will usually need sweeping more often than one you rarely light. We'll show you what we find and recommend a sweep only when buildup calls for it.

We protect the floor and the area around the fireplace, then use brushes and vacuums to remove soot, creosote, and debris from the flue, smoke chamber, and firebox. We also look over the damper and visible parts of the chimney while we work. Afterward, we tell you what we saw and whether anything needs attention.

Chimney professionals use three levels. Level 1 applies when nothing about the system has changed. Level 2 applies when the system changes or the home is sold. Level 3 applies when a hidden hazard has to be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.

A Level 2 inspection is used when the system changes, such as adding a new appliance or switching fuels, or when the home is being sold. It goes further than a basic check, usually including a camera view of the flue's interior. If you're buying or selling a home with a fireplace, schedule it early in the process.

When a New York City building converts its boiler from oil to gas, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the work. Gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue, so a new liner is often needed. We can inspect the flue and tell you whether a liner is required for your conversion.

A cap sits on top of the flue and helps keep out rain, debris, birds, and small animals. A chase cover seals the top of a framed chimney chase and directs water away from it. Both help prevent water damage and blockages that cause bigger problems later.

Leaks and musty odors usually point to water getting into the masonry, crown, flashing, or flue. We find where the water is coming in, then recommend the right fix, such as crown or flashing repair, a cap, or waterproofing the brick. Fixing leaks early helps prevent deteriorating mortar and more extensive repairs.

Common signs include clothes taking longer to dry, a dryer that feels very hot, a burning smell, or lint collecting around the outside vent. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Regular vent cleaning helps reduce that risk.

The U.S. EPA advises cleaning air ducts when there is substantial visible mold growth, vermin, or excessive dust and debris. It also notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems. We'll look at your system and tell you honestly whether cleaning makes sense.

The EPA urges consumers to be careful with chemical treatments in ductwork, and we take that seriously. We'll explain any product before it's considered and won't apply anything you haven't agreed to. The EPA also suggests researching the process before responding to very cheap advertised offers.

Don't use the fireplace or wood stove for at least a day so the ashes and flue are cool. Clear furniture, rugs, and decorations away from the fireplace, dryer, or vent areas we'll be working on. If we need roof access, make sure the hatch or door is unlocked and anyone who has to approve access knows we're coming.

Most sweeps, inspections, and vent cleanings are finished in a single visit. Larger jobs such as liner installation, rebuilding, or major masonry repair may take more time or more than one visit. We'll give you a time estimate for your job when we schedule it.

We lay down drop cloths, seal off the fireplace opening, and use vacuums designed to contain soot and dust. Some fine dust can still escape, so we clean up the work area before we leave. If anything gets disturbed, just let us know.

Please keep pets in a closed room or crate while we're working. Doors may be open, and tools, soot, and noise can stress or endanger animals. This also lets our technicians move safely between the work area and the outside.

Many rowhouses and brownstones have a roof hatch from the top floor, and we'll need a clear path to it. In apartment and co-op buildings, roof access usually goes through the super or managing agent, so please arrange it before your visit. If roof access isn't possible, tell us, since some work can be done from inside, though it may limit what we can inspect.

New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31, and boilers and fireplaces see the heaviest use then. Scheduling inspections and repairs in late spring or summer leaves time to fix problems before heating starts. If something seems wrong mid-season, don't wait for the off-season to call.