What Chimney and Air Duct Work Costs in New York, and Why

We don't post a price list, and that's on purpose. Two jobs with the same name can be very different once we see them. Sweeping a clean, open flue on a two-story house in Queens is not the same work as sweeping a heavily coated flue on a Manhattan brownstone where the only roof access is through a hatch on the top floor. This page explains what drives the cost of each service we offer, so you know what to expect before we arrive and can compare quotes fairly.

How we price a job

Every quote starts with a look at the actual system. Our certified technicians check the chimney or duct system, explain what they found, and write down the price for the work they recommend. You decide what to do from there. If something changes once work is underway, such as damage behind a panel that couldn't be seen before, we stop and talk with you before doing anything beyond the written scope.

A few factors affect almost every job we do:

• Height and roof access: tall chimneys, steep or slate roofs, and buildings that need ladders, harnesses or hatch access take more time and setup.
• Fuel type: wood, oil and gas each leave different residue and call for different cleaning methods.
• Flue size and condition: large, oddly shaped, cracked or unlined flues take more work to clean and assess.
• Amount of buildup: light soot comes out quickly; heavy or glazed creosote, nests or debris take longer.
• Access inside the home: furniture moving, tight utility closets, and building rules in apartments and co-ops all affect time on site.

Chimney sweeps and inspections

A chimney sweep price depends mostly on how dirty the flue is and how hard it is to reach. A fireplace used a few times a winter usually needs routine brushing. A wood stove burned daily may have thick or glazed creosote that needs more aggressive tools and more time.

Inspections come in levels. The national standard for chimneys calls for an inspection once a year. A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of the accessible parts of the chimney and is right when nothing about your system has changed. A Level 2 inspection includes running a camera through the flue and is called for when the system changes, such as a new appliance or a switch from one fuel to another, or when the home is being sold. A Level 2 takes more time and equipment, so it costs more than a Level 1. A Level 3 inspection, which means opening part of the chimney or building to reach a hidden hazard, is rare and is quoted on its own.

Repairs, liners and masonry work

Repair prices vary the most because the work varies the most. A new chimney cap or chase cover, damper replacement, or waterproofing treatment is a fairly defined job. Crown repair, tuckpointing, or rebuilding a section of the chimney depends on how much masonry is damaged, how high it is, and whether scaffolding is needed.

Chimney liner installation depends on the flue's height and shape, the type of liner the appliance needs, and whether the old flue has to be cleaned out or enlarged first. In New York City, liners often come up during oil-to-gas boiler conversions. The chimney has to be evaluated as part of that work, and a new liner is often needed because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. If you're planning a conversion, it helps to have the chimney looked at early so the liner is part of your budget from the start.

Air duct and dryer vent cleaning

Air duct cleaning is priced by the size of the system and how easy it is to reach. The number of supply vents and return vents, the length of the duct runs, whether the air handler and coils are included, and how much dust or debris is in the system all matter. We recommend duct cleaning when there's real reason for it, such as substantial visible mold growth, signs of vermin, or excessive dust and debris. Duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, and we won't tell you it will.

Dryer vent cleaning depends on the length of the vent run, how many turns it has, where it exits, and whether the vent is crushed or disconnected. Long runs that exit through the roof take more time than a short vent out a side wall. Lint buildup matters: failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to home clothes dryer fires.

Why very cheap whole-house duct cleaning ads cost more in the end

You've probably seen ads offering whole-house duct cleaning for a price that seems too good to be true. Usually it is. Those offers often cover only a quick vacuum of a few vents. Once the crew is inside, the real price shows up as add-ons: more vents, the main trunk lines, the returns, the blower, or a chemical treatment pitched as a must-have.

Federal guidance tells consumers to research the process before responding to very cheap advertised offers, and to be careful about chemical treatments in ducts. Our approach is simpler: we look at the system, tell you what it actually needs, and put the full price in writing before we start.

Apartments, co-ops and scheduling

Many of our jobs are in apartments, co-ops and condos, and building rules affect the work. Some buildings require a certificate of insurance on file, elevator reservations, or work only during set hours. Roof access may need a super or building staff present. We'll ask about these details up front so the quote reflects the real job.

Timing matters too. The city's heat season runs from the start of October through the end of May, and building owners must keep apartments heated during that time. Getting boiler chimneys inspected and cleaned before fall helps avoid rushed repairs once the heat has to be on.