FAQCombined

Questions about Chimney Sweep Services

Why isn't the sweeping of the chimney included in the rates for wood stove service? Why must I pay extra for chimney sweep service?

The reason for separating the stove service from the chimney sweep service is because there are a variety of installations and circumstances and we cannot place all stove and chimney installations in the same category. Some stove installations are more difficult to service than others, requiring either extensive service on the stove only or extensive service on the chimney only, or extensive service on both the stove and the chimney. Some stove owners prefer to do their own maintenance on the stove only, or the chimney only. Or, a stove owner may have the chimney swept by another chimney sweep company and need only the stove service. Also, some stoves do not require annual service even though the chimney may require a sweep every year. Finally, there are some types of stove service jobs that the average chimney sweep company may not support, and there are some types of chimney services that we may not support.

For these reasons we separate the charges for stove service and chimney sweep service so that we can accommodate all the variety of installations. Rates for stove and chimney sweep services can be combined when appropriate. Combined rates will reflect a discount and result in a special rate for including the stove and chimney as one entire system.

Why are the rates for servicing my stove and chimney different than the rate paid by my neighbor?

Each job may be priced differently, depending on the circumstances of the job. Time and difficulty are variable and may result in different rates for stove and chimney services even when in the same neighborhood. Unless your stove and chimney are identical to your neighbors it is possible that you may pay a different rate for your specific job

An example: One installation is a cast iron stove installed to a fireplace with a full stainless steel liner and the chimney is 22 ft tall. Another installation is a free-standing steel box stove installed to a metal chimney system through the roof, which is only 12 feet off the ground. These two installations have enough differences that the rate to service each system will not be the same.

In the first installation, the cast iron stove may require an extensive service and the chimney has a relatively high degree of difficulty, taking more time and perhaps requiring the use of specialized equipment. The second installation will probably be charged at our basic rates, having a lower level of difficulty and requiring less time to service the stove. The rate for each job will be customized to fit the circumstances of that job.

Do you have “base rates” for stove and chimney services? How can I get a “ball-park” amount of what it will cost to service my stove and chimney system?

Yes, we do have base rates, or minimum charges, set up for each type of service we offer. If your job fits into the basic service requirements you will be charged the minimum rates. If your job requires more time and equipment than a basic service allows you will be charged a higher rate based on the actual circumstances of your job.

Base rates are applied to our “Level 1” services. We have three different service levels for stove services and similar levels for chimney services. Your rate level will be established once we visit your job site and assess the level of difficulty and the equipment required to properly complete the maintenance on your chimney system. In those cases where it is difficult to establish a “ball-park” rate for you over the phone, or in our store, we will set up a site consult prior to your job being scheduled, to give you a careful quote for your job. We charge a small fee for this on-site consultation service but we will credit your account if you decide to hire us to complete the job as quoted.

If I combine my stove service with a chimney sweep service will I get a discount? What if my chimney service is very difficult (Level 3) but my stove service is basic (Level 1)? How will that be charged?

Yes, combined service rates reflect a discount off the base rates. Your total discount will always be based on the current Level 1 service rates. If you have a Level 3 chimney service combined with a Level 1 stove service your discount amount will be the same as if you had combined two Level 1 services.

What is included in each “Level” of service, for both stove services and chimney services?

We have three levels of service for stove services, and three levels for chimney services. As follows:

Level 1 Wood Stove Service (Basic Tune-up) – Base Rate

This is our base rate wood stove service and will always be the minimum rate charged for any wood stove service. Most stoves with light use and regular maintenance can be properly serviced using this basic tune-up service.

Level 2 Wood Stove Service (Extensive Refurbish)

Some stoves cannot be properly serviced by performing a simple cleaning and tune-up. These stoves require a more extensive refurbish, requiring more time and effort than a typical tune-up. Many cast iron stoves and most stoves with heavy daily use will require a Level 2 service at least every three to five years. Some stoves require this level of service annually.

Level 3 Wood Stove Service (Rebuild)

After several years of hard use some stoves will require a full break-down and a rebuild. This service usually applies only to cast iron stoves. The result is essentially a new stove, rebuilt to factory specifications.

For a full explanation of what is included in each level of wood stove service please consult our wood stove services section of our web site or our wood stove services brochure.

Level 1 Chimney Sweep Service (Basic Sweep/Brush) – Base Rate

This is our base rate chimney service and will always be the minimum rate charged for any chimney sweep service. Chimneys with easy access and chimneys that can be properly serviced with a standard “brushing” fit into this category. Most metal chimneys, and chimneys lined with a good stainless steel liner system, can fit into this category, although there are exceptions.

Level 2 Chimney Sweep Service (Extensive Cleaning or High Difficulty)

Some chimney systems require special equipment or are very difficult to access and require more time and effort than a Level 1 system. Very high or steep roofs, open masonry fireplaces, very dirty systems, or other difficult jobs, will be priced at Level 2 rates.

Level 3 Chimney Sweep Service (Custom Quote)

Some chimneys will require special treatment to properly service and repair. These systems will be charged at custom rates quoted by our chimney repair specialists and usually will require a special contract for repairs. Each job will be assessed based on the specific conditions and requirements of that job. Chimneys needing extensive repair or rebuilding, re-installation to correct code violations, chemical or mechanical cleaning, or other customized work, will require our Level 3 custom quote.