Chimney Sweep Cost Guide: Essex & Hertfordshire 2026
Chimney Sweep Cost Guide: Essex & Hertfordshire 2026
There's one question almost every homeowner asks before picking up the phone: how much does a chimney sweep actually cost? Search online and you'll find wildly different numbers, vague "from £X" prices, or no pricing at all.
A standard chimney or stove sweep with Sweep Sisters costs £95 per flue, including a visual inspection, smoke test, clean-up and HETAS certificate. A CCTV flue inspection adds £75, or it's £170 for both. Stove servicing, cowls and repairs are quoted after we've seen the job.
At Sweep Sisters, we believe in being upfront. Here's a clear breakdown of our prices and what affects chimney sweep costs across Essex and Hertfordshire, so you know what to expect before you book.
Sweep Sisters prices
| Service | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard chimney or stove sweep | From £95 | Full sweep, visual inspection, smoke test, clean-up and sweeping certificate. |
| CCTV flue inspection (added to a sweep) | From £75 | Camera survey of the whole flue, with photos of anything that needs attention. |
| Sweep and CCTV inspection together | From £170 | The best starting point for a new home, or a flue that hasn't been used for a while. |
| Stove servicing, cowls, bird guards and repairs | Quoted | Priced after we've seen the job, and always confirmed before any work starts. |
Prices are per flue. There are no hidden call-out fees, and we confirm the price before we start. See every chimney service we offer.
What affects the cost of a chimney sweep?
Chimney sweeping isn't one-size-fits-all. A handful of factors decide what you'll pay:
Type of appliance
A wood burner or multi-fuel stove is usually the most straightforward job. Open fires can take longer depending on the flue, and older or unusually shaped chimneys, common in period Essex and Hertfordshire homes, may need extra time and care.
Number of flues
Each fireplace or stove has its own flue, with its own soot, creosote and potential blockages, so each is swept and priced separately.
Condition of the chimney
A chimney swept every year is quicker to maintain than one untouched for years. Heavy creosote, bird nests or suspected structural issues can mean extra time, or starting with a CCTV inspection.
Access and property type
Most sweeps are done from inside with no roof access. Commercial properties, very tall chimneys or restricted access can affect the price.
Sweep or inspection
A sweep clears soot, creosote and debris. A CCTV inspection shows the condition of the whole flue and is priced separately.
Getting a quote
Tell us your postcode, fuel and appliance, and we'll confirm the price before we book you in.
Get a free quote →What's included in every Sweep Sisters sweep
- Full sweep of the flue using HETAS-approved methods and equipment.
- A visual safety inspection of your stove, glass and fire rope seal.
- A smoke test to confirm the chimney is drawing properly.
- Mess-free working with industrial vacuums and protective sheeting.
- A HETAS Certificate of Sweeping for your insurance records.
No surprise add-ons. If a sweep uncovers a problem, such as a damaged liner, a nest or signs of structural wear, we'll tell you and quote separately before any further work goes ahead.
Do I need a sweep or an inspection?
This is one of the most common pricing questions we get, because it directly affects cost.
A standard sweep
Right if your fire or stove is in regular, trouble-free use. Most households need one once or twice a year, depending on fuel.
A CCTV inspection
The safer starting point if you've just moved in, haven't used the chimney for a while, or have noticed smoke, smells or poor draw. It shows exactly what's going on before any work is agreed, which can save money by avoiding unnecessary call-outs.
How often do I need to budget for a sweep?
How often you need a sweep, and so how often to budget for one, depends on what you burn:
| Fuel | How often to sweep |
|---|---|
| Wood (log burners and open fires) | Up to 4 times a year while in regular use, and at least before and after the burning season |
| Bituminous coal | At least twice a year |
| Smokeless fuel | At least once a year |
| Oil or gas | Once a year for the flue, alongside the annual appliance service |
Most home insurance policies require proof of regular sweeping by a certified professional, so budgeting for it isn't optional if you want a valid claim after a chimney fire. See our guide on how often to sweep your chimney.
Why certification affects price (and why it's worth it)
Not every chimney sweep is HETAS certified, and uncertified sweeps are sometimes cheaper for a reason: no formal training requirement, no certificate and no guarantee the job meets UK safety standards.
With a HETAS certified sweep you're paying for training, accountability and a certificate your insurer will accept. If the cheapest quote you've found doesn't mention certification, ask before you book. An uninsured chimney fire is a far more expensive problem than a properly priced sweep.
Common questions
How much does a chimney sweep cost in Essex and Hertfordshire?
A standard chimney or stove sweep with Sweep Sisters is £95 per flue, including a visual inspection, smoke test, clean-up and HETAS certificate. A CCTV inspection adds £75, or it's £170 for both.
Is each flue charged separately?
Yes. If you have more than one fireplace or stove, each flue is swept and priced separately, as each has its own soot, creosote and potential blockages.
Do I need a sweep or a CCTV inspection?
If your fire or stove is in regular, trouble-free use, a standard sweep is usually enough. If you've just moved in, haven't used the chimney for a while, or have noticed smoke, smells or poor draw, start with a CCTV inspection.
Are there any hidden charges?
No. We confirm the price before we start, and if a sweep uncovers a problem we explain it and quote separately before any further work goes ahead.
Related guides
Chimney services and prices
Sweeps from £95, CCTV, cowls and repairs.
What is creosote?
The three stages and how to prevent them.
Birds nesting in chimneys
The signs, the law and bird guards.
Book a sweep in your area
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Whether you're in Chelmsford, Brentwood, Harlow, St Albans or Hertford, our female-led, HETAS certified team will confirm your price before we start.