Find a chimney sweep in New York, NY
A chimney sweep cleans and inspects chimneys, fireplaces and venting for wood stoves, furnaces and water heaters. Regular sweeping removes creosote, a buildup that can catch fire, and inspection finds cracks and blockages that can let smoke or carbon monoxide into the home. People call one before burning season, after buying a home, or after a chimney fire.
How many chimney sweeps are in New York?
The Census Bureau counted 105 other services to buildings (including chimney cleaning) with employees in New York, NY in 2023.
Countywide, the five boroughs has 105, or 1.2 per 100,000 residents: fewer than the US rate of 5.1, and 159th of 163 large US cities per resident.
Another 4,828 self-employed businesses in other services to buildings (including chimney cleaning) are based in the five boroughs, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
Half of New York's homes were built before 1952, and 67% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (five boroughs) | 105 Census CBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, NYC | 1.2 US: 5.1 |
| Rank among large US cities | 159 of 163 county count per resident |
| Self-employed, NYC | 4,828 Census NES 2023: other services to buildings (including chimney cleaning) |
| Median year homes were built | 1952 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 67% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 8,516,202 ACS 2023 |
What do chimney sweeps in New York help with?
- Chimney sweeping
- Chimney inspections
- Video or camera inspections
- Creosote removal
- Chimney cap and crown repair
- Flue liner installation
- Damper repair
- Animal and nest removal
- Masonry and tuckpointing
- Wood stove and insert service
How do you choose a good chimney sweep in New York?
- Look for certification from a recognized chimney safety group, such as CSIA.
- Ask which level of inspection they will do and why.
- Ask for photos or video of any damage they find.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Get a second opinion before a costly liner or rebuild.
- Ask how they keep soot out of your home.
Chimney sweeps are not licensed in most places, though some states and cities require contractor registration for repair work; ask about certification and insurance.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you certified, and by whom?
- What inspection level is included?
- Will you show me photos of problems?
- Are you insured?
- How do you protect the room from soot?
- Do you also do repairs, or just cleaning?
Red flags to watch for
- Very low sweep prices used to get in the door, then a big repair pitch.
- Claiming you need a new liner without showing evidence.
- No certification or insurance.
- Leaving soot and mess in the house.
What changes the price?
- Type of chimney and fuel
- Amount of creosote or blockage
- Inspection level
- Roof height and access
- Repairs or parts needed
- Number of flues
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many chimney sweeps are there in New York?
The Census counted 105 other services to buildings (including chimney cleaning) with employees in New York, NY in 2023, plus 4,828 self-employed businesses in NYC.
How often should a chimney be swept?
Fire safety groups recommend a yearly inspection. Cleaning is needed when buildup is found, which depends on how often and what you burn.
What are signs of a chimney problem?
Watch for smoke coming into the room, a strong smell, falling debris, damp walls near the chimney, cracked masonry or loud popping sounds.
Do gas fireplaces need a chimney sweep?
Yes, they still need inspection. Gas vents can be blocked by nests or debris, and that can push carbon monoxide into the home.
Chimney Sweeps in nearby cities
Chimney Sweeps in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a chimney sweep.