Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our services, pricing, and chimney safety.
Pricing & Payments
In a trade that has been long associated with aggressive salesmanship, we have sought to distinguish ourselves by understanding that people respond better to honesty and fairness. You deserve to be treated as I would expect in my own home: with respect, care, and friendliness.
Pricing Overview
- A single flue cleaning costs $315 and subsequent flues are each $285.
- A chimney cap will range in price from $300 – $800 including installation.
- A stainless steel single-flue chimney liner typically costs $2100 – $3200.
* Prices are for general purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Payment is by cash or check at the time of service.
Services and Prices Explained
Most customers find our prices to be quite reasonable, especially if compared with other like-quality professionals.
Stainless steel chimney caps ($300 – $800)
Price includes installation. Chimney caps offer permanent, non-rusting protection—a small cost compared to removing raccoons or squirrels from your living room.
Chimney cleaning ($315)
Includes a Basic Inspection. Well worth the price of avoiding a chimney fire or removing soot restricting the draft in a furnace flue. Subsequent flues are $285.
Waterproofing ($300 – $1000)
A water-repellent application from Saver Systems that preserves brick surfaces and avoids damage caused by water absorption and freeze/thaw cycles.
Chimney liners ($2100 – $3200)
A complete single-flue package including all supports and connectors. While it is our most expensive service, it is a permanent correction to a worn-out flue, far more practical than a full masonry rebuild.
Services and Prices Explained
Payment Methods
NECS accepts cash, checks, or Credit Cards (additional handling fee of 3.5%).
Deposits
No deposit is required for most jobs. We trust our customers! We may require a 1/3 – 1/2 deposit on custom specialty work or large liners.
Payment in full is required upon job completion for all services.
Please be ready to "settle up" when we are finished. Thank you!
Safety Information
Attention all Wood stove and Fireplace users
Your primary enemy is CREOSOTE—a black, tarry residue that is highly flammable. It accumulates as a by-product of wood combustion and can ignite inside your flue, causing a chimney fire.
Rules for Safe Wood Burning:
- Burn clean, seasoned hardwoods (avoid pine).
- Use a woodstove thermometer (aim for 400-500°F).
- Let the chimney warm up gradually to avoid cracking.
- Don't burn trash, paper, or newspaper.
- Don't run your stove too low (below 200°F).
- Keep a fire extinguisher ready.
Anti-Creosote Spray (ACS)
We cannot overstate the value of ACS. Simply spray on burning logs (10-15 pumps/day). It transforms tarry creosote into a dry, crunchy substance that is much easier to remove during sweeping. We deliver it to your door for $15 per bottle.
Upgrading Your Woodstove Safety
We strongly suggest installing a direct-connect stainless steel chimney liner. Modern codes have advanced significantly, and a liner ensures smoke is carried directly to the top in a durable sleeve, improving draft and containing potential chimney fires.
We strongly suggest installing a direct-connect stainless steel chimney liner. Modern codes have advanced significantly, and a liner ensures smoke is carried directly to the top in a durable sleeve, improving draft and containing potential chimney fires.
Service Procedures
What happens during a cleaning?
- Area protected with drop cloths and cardboard.
- Special vacuum runs for total dust control.
- Flue swept with brushes and rods (top-down or bottom-up).
- Damper removed for complete smoke chamber cleaning.
- Firebox wire-brushed and soot bagged for removal.
- Damper re-installed and area tidied up.
What happens during a cleaning?
The Ash Pit
Ash pit clean-outs are NEVER part of a regular cleaning. This is a separate, springtime-only service.
Multiple Flues
Standard pricing is per flue. Each fireplace, woodstove, or boiler vents separately. Cleaning one leaves the others untouched.
Furnace Flue
Cleaning a fireplace does not include the furnace/boiler flue. These are separate items with separate charges.
General FAQs
How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
Wood stoves: Yearly. Fireplaces: Every 2-3 years. Oil burners: Every 5 years (inspected every 3). Gas-fired: Every 5-7 years.
How many flues does my chimney have?
Generally, each fireplace or heating system has its own independent flue. A single chimney structure can contain several separate flues.
Do I need to clean all flues at once?
No. Each flue is assessed independently. We only clean those that actually need it.
Does my oil company clean my furnace flue?
No. They clean the internal parts of the furnace, but flue cleaning is outside their expertise and equipment.
What is your service area?
Year-round: Arlington, Burlington, Lexington, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, West Medford, Wilmington, Winchester, and Woburn. Spring-only: Bedford, Billerica, Lynnfield, Medford, Melrose, and N Reading.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. Reach out to us for more information or to schedule your service.