By Johnathan Mason, Ace Chimney Service.
When a sweep tells you your chimney needs a Level 2 inspection, it can sound like an upsell. It is not — the levels are a defined industry standard, and each one answers a different question. Knowing which is which puts you in a position to tell a reasonable recommendation from an unreasonable one. Here is what each level covers for a Prairie Grove home.
Level 1: the annual check
A Level 1 is the routine inspection that goes with a normal sweep when nothing has changed about the system and it is working as expected. We examine the readily accessible parts — the firebox, damper, visible flue interior, the exterior of the chimney, the cap and crown from the roof, and the connection to the appliance — and confirm the flue is clear of obstruction and sound. It is the right answer for the great majority of homes, every year.
Level 2: when something has changed
A Level 2 adds a camera scan of the full flue interior plus a look at accessible attic, crawl space, and basement areas where the chimney passes through. It is called for when:
- The property is being sold or transferred.
- You have changed the appliance, the fuel, or the flue size.
- There has been a chimney fire, a severe storm, an earthquake, or any other event that could have damaged the structure.
- A Level 1 found something that could not be fully assessed from the readily accessible areas.
- You have bought a house and have no service history for the chimney.
The camera is the point of it. Flue tiles crack in ways that are invisible from the top and the bottom, and a cracked tile is a path for heat and combustion gases into the framing.
Level 3: when access has to be opened
A Level 3 is required only when a serious hazard is suspected and confirming it means removing part of the structure — a section of chimney crown, a wall, or an interior finish. It is uncommon, it is never a routine recommendation, and no reputable sweep starts there. If somebody proposes one, they should be able to explain exactly what they saw at Level 2 that made it necessary.
Which one do most homes need?
Most Prairie Grove households need a Level 1 once a year and nothing more. The two situations that most often justify stepping up are a home sale and an unknown history. If you moved in and have never had the flue looked at, a Level 2 once gives you a baseline, and every year after that a Level 1 is enough. Both are listed with their starting prices on the pricing page so you can see the difference before you call.
Booking in Prairie Grove
Ace Chimney Service has 29 years behind it, we are insured and bonded, and we give the price up front. See our chimney inspection page for what each visit includes, or the chimney services hub for everything else we do. Serving Prairie Grove and McHenry County seven days a week, 7 AM to 7 PM. Call (815) 320-0883.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an inspection if I never use my fireplace?
An unused chimney still takes weather, still houses animals, and may still vent a furnace or water heater. A periodic look is worth it even if you never light a fire.
Is an inspection included with a sweep?
A Level 1 inspection is part of our standard sweep visit. Level 2 is a separate, more thorough service.
How long does a Level 2 inspection take?
Usually longer than a sweep, often an hour and a half to two hours, because of the camera scan and the additional areas examined.
Do I get a written report?
Yes. You get our findings in writing, and with a camera scan we can show you what we saw rather than just describe it.
Is a Level 2 required by law when selling a house?
It is the recognised industry standard for a property transfer, and many buyers and inspectors ask for it. Requirements can vary by transaction, so check with your agent.
What if the inspection finds a problem?
We explain what it is, what it means for safety, and what it costs to fix, with the price agreed before any work starts.
Can an inspection be done on a gas appliance?
Yes. The venting on a gas appliance is inspected too, and it has its own failure modes worth catching.
Do you serve Prairie Grove and nearby towns?
Yes. We are based in Crystal Lake and serve Prairie Grove, Bull Valley, Oakwood Hills, McHenry, and the wider county seven days a week.
Published August 17, 2026