One of the most common questions we hear in Crystal Lake is simple: what does a chimney sweep actually cost? Here is a straight answer, with every one of our prices laid out, because you should not have to book a visit just to find out.
Chimney service prices in Crystal Lake, IL
These are the current starting prices at Ace Chimney Service. They apply across our whole McHenry County service area, with no travel charge from one town to the next.
| Service | Starting at |
|---|---|
| Chimney sweep + Level 1 inspection | $175 |
| Level 2 inspection (camera / home sale) | $239 |
| Chimney relining (stainless liner) | $1,849 |
| Masonry repair / tuckpointing | $639 |
| Crown repair | $319 |
| Chimney cap, installed | $239 |
| Chimney waterproofing | $159 |
| Gas fireplace tune-up | $119 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $119 |
| Air duct cleaning | $99 |
Every figure is a genuine starting price. Chimney height, roof access, the number of flues, and the condition we find affect the final number, and anything above the starting price is explained and agreed with you before any work begins.
What actually moves the price
- Height and access. A two or three-storey chimney, or a steep roof, takes longer to work on safely than a single-storey ranch.
- Flue condition. Light soot brushes away quickly; third-stage glazed creosote needs chemical treatment and extra passes.
- Number of flues. Many older Crystal Lake chimneys carry more than one flue in a single stack.
- Materials, on repairs. Masonry and relining costs scale with how much brick, mortar, or liner the job needs.
Sweep, inspection, or repair, which do you need?
If you burn wood regularly and just want the fireplace ready for winter, you need a sweep with a Level 1 inspection, the $175 service. Buying or selling a home usually calls for a Level 2 inspection with a camera scan. If a sweep turns up a cracked crown, failing mortar, or a damaged liner, that is when repair or relining comes in. We always show you photos of what we found before recommending anything.
Book before the fall rush
Prices do not change with the seasons, but availability does. From October onward, schedules across McHenry County fill quickly, and a repair discovered in December can leave a fireplace unusable for weeks. Booking in late summer or early fall is the simplest way to avoid that.
Ready to book, or have a question about your own chimney? Call (815) 320-0883 or request an appointment online. Our full price list lives on the pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a chimney sweep cost in Crystal Lake?
At Ace Chimney Service a chimney sweep with a Level 1 inspection starts at $175. The exact figure depends on chimney height, access, and how much buildup we find, and anything above the starting price is explained and agreed before we begin.
Why do chimney sweep prices vary so much?
Height and roof access, the number of flues, and the amount of creosote all affect the time and difficulty. A short single-storey flue is quicker than a tall chimney with heavy glazed creosote that needs chemical treatment.
Is the inspection included in the sweep price?
Yes. Every sweep includes a Level 1 inspection at no extra charge. A Level 2 inspection with a camera scan is a separate service starting at $239 and is what property sales usually require.
How much does chimney repair cost?
Masonry repair and tuckpointing start at $639, crown repair at $319, and waterproofing at $159. The final figure depends on how much masonry needs work, which we assess and show you before starting.
What does chimney relining cost?
A stainless steel liner sized to your appliance starts at $1,849. Relining is the biggest-ticket chimney service because the liner is most of the cost, but it restores a safe, continuous flue when the old liner has failed.
Do you charge a call-out or travel fee?
No. The prices on our pricing page apply across our whole service area with no separate travel charge, whether you are in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, McHenry, or any of the towns we cover.
When is the cheapest time to book a chimney sweep?
Prices do not change by season, but availability does. Booking in summer or early fall means a quick appointment and time to catch any repair before the heating season, rather than discovering it in December when the schedule is full.
Why does Ace Chimney Service publish its prices?
Most chimney companies keep prices back until a technician is in your home. We publish every service price up front so you can plan without a sales conversation, and so the number cannot quietly change on the day.
Published: August 7, 2026