Get matched with top chimney sweeps in Big Sur, CA

Q: Is it safe to live in a house with smoke damage?

• <div><p>It is generally not safe to live in a house with smoke damage, as even minor damage can pose long-term health hazards and structural risks. While it might seem safe temporarily depending on the severity, you should relocate if there is major damage or visible soot. Smoke smells and residue contain dangerous particulates and chemical compounds, including carcinogens, that are hazardous to breathe and can cause respiratory issues. These signs of damage are not always visible but can have dangerous short-term and long-term effects on your health, belongings, and your home's structural materials. You should not stay in the house until a trained professional from a smoke remediation or restoration company has assessed the damage and determined it is safe to return. Your insurance company may cover the cost of alternative housing while the professional work is completed.</p></div>

Q: How do you get soot off chimney bricks?

• <div><p>Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to burn tree stumps?

• <div><p>Burning a single palm tree stump, if you&rsquo;re careful, is technically doable DIY. However, you should always take precautions to control the fire and do research if you&rsquo;re burning multiple types of trees. </p><p>Some trees, such as ornamental trees, black cherry, and some oak trees, release toxins into the air when burned that can be irritating to your lungs (or even dangerous) to breathe in.</p></div>

Q: How do you get a smoke smell out of your house?

• <div><p>Smoke can be tricky to remove from your home, especially after a fire. The best way to eliminate the smell is to open the windows to increase ventilation and air circulation in your house. Then, use white vinegar to wipe down walls, furniture, and floors. Try steam-cleaning carpet and other upholstered items to remove the smell of smoke.</p></div>

Q: How likely is a chimney fire?

• <div><p>Depending on who&rsquo;s doing the estimating, about 22,000 to 25,000 chimney fires happen each year in the United States. Given the fact that millions of Americans have fireplaces (and chimneys), that means chimney fires aren&rsquo;t exactly common&mdash;but they&rsquo;re not rare, either. Since they&rsquo;re so dangerous, it&rsquo;s important to take precautions to prevent them.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Chimney Sweeping pros in Big Sur, CA

*The Angi rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Big Sur, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Big Sur, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

Last update on February 28, 2024

Reviewed in February 2024
On time and professionally executed.
KI Electrical Solutions
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Reviewed in September 2022
All out-of-state moves by Absolute Relocation Service are a total and complete rip-off! They keep increasing the price, sending one invoice after another, even though you paid, and threatening and extorting by not delivering your furniture. They delivered the furniture 12 days after what they...
Absolute Relocation Service LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
We are on our second project with Coastscapes. This new one is pretty substantial with a garden area redesign, upgrades and new construction. We are very happy with the way it is turning out.
Coastscapes
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Reviewed in July 2016
kent is very detailed in his work and thinking. his work is well known in the local building and planning departments. when changes were needed he was quick to find a solution. he provided us with options to choose from and helped us think through the process. has a very positive attitude. he...
Kent Michael Knoll - designer
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Reviewed in June 2013
In addition to the leaky pump, I ordered 5 spa pillows. These also took 3-4 weeks after several reminders. When they arrived we stopped by to pick them up. We found they ordered both the spa pillows AND rubber mounts. We reminded them we had already ordered and installed the rubber backs from...
SPAS BY THE BAY
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Find Chimney sweeps in Big Sur

Daniels Cleaning Services

4.9(

)

Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and InspectChimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For BusinessClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+3 more

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Daniel was on time and inspected both fireplaces and chimneys. He mad some suggestions on what could be done. Overall a good experience."

+65

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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All American Pressure Cleaning

5.0(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"I am amazed at how fast Mauricio was able to help! He thoroughly fixed my door and inspected it to make sure I would not have this issue again. He also gave me a quote for future jobs that I need to complete. I highly recommend him!"

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Northstar Construction Group Inc

4.1(

754

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyChimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For Business

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"very quick response time and completion of my chimney repair."

+32

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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ACM Dryervent Care & more

5.0(

)

Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For BusinessClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

ACM Dryer-Vent Care & More is a local air duct and dryer vent cleaning service based in Hollister, CA. The company is led by technicians with over 3 years of experience and focuses on improving home safety and appliance efficiency by reducing fire hazards and energy costs.

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Oceanview_details

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Mobile service and coverage.

Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For BusinessClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+2 more

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

\n\nWe take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time2 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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The Men in Black Chimney Sweep

3.6(

147

)

Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

"We actually completed this project last year but forgot to put the review here. They came to our house on time and did a great job to clean our chimney. They also inspected our chimney and suggest to do the mortar work because there is a fire hazard in our chimney and suggest us that mortar re-work was the best way to avoid that fire hazard. We're planing to do that work sometime this year before the winter season because we didn't use our fireplace last winter. Overall, they are honest and great team to communicate with."

Recommended by53%of homeowners

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"AmeriCare Service did an excellent job cleaning the chimney. Joe is a special person ? highly recommend asking for him."

Response time3 days

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IY Development & Renovation

4.9(

143

)

Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For BusinessClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+2 more

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there will be no question on who to call. Check out our review from satisfied clients. Give us a call today so we can answer all of your questions. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Recommended by50%of homeowners

Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and InspectChimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For BusinessClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+3 more

Serving Big Sur, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Amazingly smoothly considering that I had to do it all myself."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 13

Chimney Sweep questions, answered by experts

It is generally not safe to live in a house with smoke damage, as even minor damage can pose long-term health hazards and structural risks. While it might seem safe temporarily depending on the severity, you should relocate if there is major damage or visible soot. Smoke smells and residue contain dangerous particulates and chemical compounds, including carcinogens, that are hazardous to breathe and can cause respiratory issues. These signs of damage are not always visible but can have dangerous short-term and long-term effects on your health, belongings, and your home's structural materials. You should not stay in the house until a trained professional from a smoke remediation or restoration company has assessed the damage and determined it is safe to return. Your insurance company may cover the cost of alternative housing while the professional work is completed.

Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.

Burning a single palm tree stump, if you’re careful, is technically doable DIY. However, you should always take precautions to control the fire and do research if you’re burning multiple types of trees.

Some trees, such as ornamental trees, black cherry, and some oak trees, release toxins into the air when burned that can be irritating to your lungs (or even dangerous) to breathe in.

Smoke can be tricky to remove from your home, especially after a fire. The best way to eliminate the smell is to open the windows to increase ventilation and air circulation in your house. Then, use white vinegar to wipe down walls, furniture, and floors. Try steam-cleaning carpet and other upholstered items to remove the smell of smoke.

Depending on who’s doing the estimating, about 22,000 to 25,000 chimney fires happen each year in the United States. Given the fact that millions of Americans have fireplaces (and chimneys), that means chimney fires aren’t exactly common—but they’re not rare, either. Since they’re so dangerous, it’s important to take precautions to prevent them.

The Big Sur, CA homeowners’ guide to chimney sweeping services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Nick P. Cellucci
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost? [2026 Data]
Chimney sweep costs can be dramatically affected by the type of chimney, its location, and how dirty it is.
Chris Middleton
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
How to Hire a Chimney Sweep
Your chimney sweep may not wear a top hat and dance on the ceiling, but they will keep your home safe by providing chimney inspections and cleanings. Follow these steps to learn how to hire a qualified and trusted chimney sweep in your town.
Becca Lewis
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How to Clean a Chimney and When to Call in a Pro
A clean chimney can reduce your risk of poor indoor air quality and house fires. Use this guide on how to clean a chimney to keep you and your family safe.
Kristi Pahr
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How to Hire a Reputable Chimney Sweep That’ll “Soot” Your Needs
Knowing what to look for in a professional chimney sweeping service will ensure you hire a legitimate contractor. Learn how to avoid chimney scams and hire someone reputable.
Chris Middleton
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
Who Cleans Chimneys?
Regular chimney cleaning keeps your fireplace running safety and efficiently. But who cleans chimneys? Our guide explains which pro is best for the job.
Haniya Rae
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
How to Use Creosote Sweeping Logs to Keep Your Chimney Clean and Safe
Knowing how to use a creosote sweeping log for additional maintenance in between your annual chimney sweep can help keep your home safe from fires.