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Chimney cleaning costs depend on several factors.

What type of chimney do you need a chimney sweep to inspect? Hiring someone to clean a boiler chimney can cost as little as $40. Full-size chimneys stemming from a wood-burning fireplace, however, typically cost at least $100 to $150.

Certain situations can also drive up the cost. If your roof provides limited accessibility, if the chimney sweep needs to use special tools or if the sweep needs to remove animals (living or dead) from the chimney, expect to pay up to about $350.

However, don't let a potentially high price tag stop you from hiring someone to complete the job. Neglecting your fireplace could prove much more costly.

IMPORTANCE OF CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimney fires commonly result from creosote buildup. Creosote, which is extremely combustible, populates in most chimneys when wood burns. Regular chimney cleanings remove creosote, eliminating that as a cause of chimney fires.

According to a report released by the National Fire Protection Association in 2016, home heating equipment accounted for 16 percent of home fires and 19 percent of home fire deaths from 2009 to 2013.

Thirty percent of those fires resulted from failure to clean equipment, including chimneys.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CHIMNEY SWEEP AND INSPECTION

Prior to a cleaning, a sweep may want to inspect your chimney for any damage. Expect the inspection to include a thorough examination of the chimney liners, smoke chamber, chimney exterior and firebox. An inspection can usually identify structural problems and water damage.

During the cleaning, a sweep uses a chimney brush or vacuum to clear out soot and creosote. Chimney sweeps should also lay down floor coverings before starting to minimize the mess caused by the cleaning.