About our chimney cleaning
When wood burns, the smoke leaves creosote on the inside of the flue. In its early stage it is a dry soot that brushes off easily. Left alone, it hardens into a tar-like glaze that is hard to remove and burns very hot if it ignites. Regular sweeping keeps it in the easy stage.
We set up drop cloths and a high-powered vacuum at the fireplace so the soot stays out of your room. Then we brush the flue, clean the smoke chamber and smoke shelf, and clear the firebox. Before we leave, we run a camera up the flue and give you photos and a short written report.
Signs you need chimney cleaning
- A strong smoky smell, especially on humid summer days
- Black flakes or chunks falling into the firebox
- Smoke coming back into the room when you light a fire
- Fires that are hard to start or keep going
- It has been a year or more since the last sweep
What's included
Protect the room
Drop cloths go down, and a sealed vacuum is set up at the fireplace opening.
Sweep the flue
Rods and brushes sized to your flue clear creosote and soot from top to bottom.
Clean the smoke chamber
The smoke shelf, smoke chamber and damper area are brushed and vacuumed.
Clear the firebox
Ash and loose debris are removed from the firebox.
Camera check and report
We look up the flue with a camera and send you photos and notes on its condition.
How much does chimney cleaning cost in Woburn?
We price per flue. These things affect the total:
- Number of flues (fireplace, furnace, boiler, wood stove)
- Amount and stage of creosote
- Roof pitch and chimney height
- Whether a written Level 2 inspection is needed, for example for a home sale
Why homeowners choose HQ Vent
- Local crew based at 6 Nichols St, Woburn
- Upfront price before any work starts
- Before and after photos on every job
- Two-hour arrival windows you choose online
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Chimney Cleaning FAQs
How often should a chimney be cleaned?
The National Fire Protection Association's standard, NFPA 211, calls for an annual chimney inspection. Whether it needs sweeping depends on how much you burn. Many wood-burning homes need a sweep every year.
Do oil and gas flues need cleaning?
Yes. Oil-burning furnaces and boilers leave soot in the flue, and gas appliances can still have debris, nests or liner damage. We clean and inspect both.
How long does a chimney cleaning take?
Usually one to two hours per flue, including setup, cleaning and the camera check.
Is it messy?
No. A sealed vacuum runs at the fireplace the whole time, and we cover the floor and hearth area.
Areas we serve
We provide chimney cleaning in Woburn, chimney cleaning in Burlington, chimney cleaning in Lexington, chimney cleaning in Winchester, chimney cleaning in Stoneham, chimney cleaning in Reading, chimney cleaning in Medford and Arlington, MA.