What Chimney and Air Duct Work Costs in Brooklyn, and Why

Homeowners usually want a price before anyone climbs a ladder, and that's reasonable. Chimney and duct work varies more than most home services, though. A sweep on a short, clean flue in a detached house is a different job from a sweep on a tall brownstone chimney with heavy creosote and a tricky roof hatch. This page explains what drives the cost of each service we offer, how we arrive at a written price, and what to watch for when you see an offer that looks too cheap to be real.

How we set a price

We don't quote a flat number over the phone for work we haven't seen. Two homes on the same block can have chimneys of different heights, liners in different shape, and very different amounts of soot or debris. A phone quote either pads the price to cover the worst case or leaves out work that turns up once we're on site.

Instead, a certified technician looks at the system first and then gives you a written price that spells out what's included. If we find something during the work that changes the scope, such as a cracked flue tile or a blocked vent, we stop and explain it. We don't add anything to the job without your approval.

Chimney sweeps and inspections

A sweep removes soot and creosote from the flue, smoke chamber and firebox. The main factors in the cost are how we reach the chimney, what fuel it vents, and how much has built up inside.

Inspections follow the NFPA 211 standard, which calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of the readily accessible parts of the system and fits a chimney where nothing has changed. A Level 2 inspection goes further. It includes a camera run through the flue and is called for when you add or replace an appliance, switch fuels, or buy or sell a home. Because a Level 2 takes more time and equipment, 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 priced separately and only recommended when the evidence points to it.

• Height and roof access: tall chimneys, steep or fragile roofs, and buildings without a safe roof hatch take more time and setup.
• Fuel type: wood-burning fireplaces collect creosote, while oil and gas flues collect soot and scale and show different kinds of wear.
• Flue size and condition: large, unlined or damaged flues take longer to clean and inspect.
• Amount of buildup: glazed or heavy creosote needs more work than light, loose soot.

Repairs, liners and rebuilding

Repair pricing depends on what has failed and how much of the chimney it affects. Replacing a missing chimney cap or a rusted chase cover is a small job. Repointing mortar, rebuilding a crown, applying waterproofing or repairing a damper takes more time and materials. Rebuilding the top of a chimney or the full stack is the largest job we do, and the price depends on how far down the damage goes.

Liners are priced by the height and size of the flue, the liner material the appliance needs, and how hard it is to get the liner down the chimney. In New York City, converting a boiler from oil to gas requires the chimney to be evaluated, 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, we can inspect the chimney early so the liner cost isn't a surprise.

Air duct and dryer vent cleaning

The biggest factor in duct cleaning cost is the size of the system: the number of supply vents and return vents, the length of the trunk lines, and whether the furnace or air handler components need cleaning too. Heavy dust, debris from renovation work, or signs of pests take more time. The U.S. EPA advises cleaning ducts when there is substantial visible mold, vermin, or excessive dust and debris. It also notes that duct cleaning hasn't been shown to prevent health problems, so we'll tell you honestly whether your ducts need it.

Dryer vent pricing depends on the length and routing of the vent, how many turns it makes, and whether it exits through a wall or the roof. Lint buildup matters too. The U.S. Fire Administration identifies failure to clean as the leading factor contributing to home clothes dryer fires.

In apartments and co-ops, access affects the price as well. Building rules, elevator reservations, limited work hours and shared roof access can all add time, and we account for them in the written price.

Why very cheap whole-house duct offers turn into upsells

You've probably seen ads offering whole-house duct cleaning for a price that seems impossibly low. The EPA warns consumers to research the process before responding to these offers, and there's a reason for that. A low advertised price often covers only a quick pass on a few vents. Once the crew is inside, the visit turns into a sales pitch.

• Extra charges per vent beyond a small included number
• Pressure to buy sanitizers or chemical treatments, which the EPA advises caution with
• Claims of mold or contamination with no visible evidence
• Add-ons presented as urgent before you have time to ask questions

Getting an accurate quote

You'll get a firmer price sooner if you tell us a few things when you reach out. During heat season, which runs from October through May in New York City, our schedule fills up, so booking chimney work before cold weather also gives you more flexibility.

• What fuel the chimney vents: wood, oil or gas
• Whether you've added an appliance, switched fuels or are selling the home
• Your building type and any co-op or management access rules
• How many vents and returns you have, if you know
• Any smells, leaks, stains or smoke problems you've noticed