3 Best Chimney Sweeps in Carlton: Local Pros Compared

If you use an open fire or wood burner regularly, sweep it once a year before the heating season. An Aga or range cooker should be swept annually too. If you only light a fire occasionally, one sweep a year is still sensible for safety.

A sweep uses brushes and rods to scrape soot, tar and debris from the flue, then vacuums it away. They'll check the chimney is clear and working properly, and supply a certificate. Many also offer CCTV inspection to look inside and spot cracks, blockages or nesting birds.

CCTV inspection (£85 to £145) is useful if you've had problems with smoke or draft, or if you're buying a house and want to check the flue condition. For a regularly swept chimney in good working order, it's optional, though some people find the reassurance worth it.

A sweep can remove nests for £75 to £155, though it depends on the time of year and nest size. You can then fit a bird guard or cowl (£65 to £145) to stop birds entering again and blocking the flue.

A standard sweep of an open fire is £60 to £85, a wood burner £60 to £90. CCTV inspection adds £85 to £145. Repairs vary: a chimney pot costs £145 to £385 to replace, while a full flue liner is £865 to £2,110. Sweeps will give a fixed quote once they assess the work.

Yes. An unused chimney can gather soot, bird nests and debris. If you ever want to light a fire or if you sell the house, an unswept chimney is a liability. Most sweeps recommend an annual sweep even if you rarely use it.