
Chimney sweeping is not just about removing soot—it is a vital aspect of fire safety. Over time, fireplaces, flues, and chimneys accumulate combustible debris, which can ignite and lead to chimney fires. That’s why, in Finland, chimney sweeping is a legal requirement, not merely a recommendation.
The law is explicit: in permanently occupied properties, chimney sweeping must be conducted at least once a year. For holiday homes, the requirement is every three years. This does not mean the risks are lower — only the frequency of use differs. This regulation is not a coincidence, but is based on the Chimney Sweeping Act and its latest update, the Chimney Sweeping Act 2019 .
This is not just a bureaucratic obligation. Regular chimney sweeping ensures that smoke is efficiently removed, soot and soot do not accumulate and, above all , that fire does not take hold . Forget chimney sweeping, and you are playing with the safety of your property and those around you. Additionally, a clean fireplace is more cost-effective because it operates more efficiently. Soot and other combustion residues reduce efficiency by impairing proper combustion. The outcome? More fuel—wood, pellets, or otherwise—is needed to generate the same amount of heat.
When the fireplace and chimney are clean:
The fuel burns more completely, so less heat is generated.
There is no excess soot accumulating in the chimney, which could reduce airflow efficiency and increase energy consumption.
The risk of higher repair costs or soot fires is reduced, which saves money in the long run.
Simply put: less waste, more heat, lower costs. Regular chimney sweeping pays for itself.
Sweeping and legal requirements
In Finland, chimney sweeping is an essential aspect of fire safety and energy efficiency in buildings. According to the Rescue Act (379/2011), building owners or occupants are responsible for ensuring that fireplaces and chimneys are cleaned regularly. Chimney sweeping must be performed at least once a year in permanently inhabited buildings, and at least once every three years in holiday homes.
In early 2019, chimney sweeping services were opened to competition, effectively ending the district sweeping system and its associated price regulations. This reform granted property owners the freedom to choose their preferred chimney sweeping service provider.
Failing to carry out regular sweeping can lead to soot fires and diminish the efficiency of your fireplace. Routine chimney sweeping ensures the safe use and optimal performance of fireplaces, enhancing both fire safety and energy efficiency.
If you’re also looking to improve the quality of your home’s indoor air alongside fire safety, we recommend reading our article: “ Home tricks for cleaner indoor air: 15 practical tips and 10 common mistakes. ”
Cleaning services and price list
The cost of chimney sweeping services in Finland varies depending on the region and the service provider. The base price typically ranges from €60 to €100. However, if you live in a remote area, an archipelago, or outside an urban center, chimney sweeping travel time and kilometer compensation can significantly increase the total cost. Additionally, opting for evening service will incur a chimney sweeping evening supplement of approximately €30.

Typical chimney sweeping costs:
Fireplace sweeping: €60–100
Chimney sweeping: €60–120
Boiler cleaning: €80–150
Pellet boiler flue cleaning: €90–170
Grain dryer sweeping: €150–300
Clogged chimney sweeping: starting at €200
The final price depends on the complexity of the job, location, and time of service. More challenging tasks naturally cost more, but cutting corners on chimney maintenance can lead to chimney fires and significantly higher costs down the line.
Booking a cleaning appointment and ordering a service
Booking a chimney sweeping appointment is not something you should postpone. Demand surges in the autumn and winter months, and if you delay, you may find yourself stuck in a queue—or paying extra. The smartest way to ensure an affordable and hassle-free chimney sweeping service is to act early.
Nowadays, ordering a chimney sweeping service is easy online, and many providers offer promotional discounts for customers who book well in advance. If you’re looking for an affordable chimney sweeping service, it doesn’t mean compromising on quality—it’s all about smart timing:
Scheduled rounds – When a chimney sweep is already working in your area, there are no extra travel costs, which means you get a better price.
Group bookings – Coordinate with your neighbors to organize a collective chimney sweeping, spreading the costs and ensuring everyone benefits.
Benefits and additional services of cleaning
Chimney sweeping is not just a fire safety issue – it also directly impacts energy efficiency . A dirty chimney and a clogged fireplace reduce combustion, which means more fuel and less heat . In other words, without regular chimney sweeping, you’re burning money up in the air.
But that's not all - the chimney sweep often also offers additional services that can prevent bigger problems and additional costs in the future:
Bird’s nest removal: (€40–80)
Bird guard installation: (€50–100)
Additional services, such as chimney camera inspections: starting at €68/hour
Chimney sweeping is not just a mandatory chore. It’s an investment in safety, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. Book your service early, take advantage of cost-effective strategies, and keep your fireplace in optimal condition—because neglecting it will cost you much more later.
Cleaning ventilation ducts is not a chore.
Many people refer to “ventilation duct sweeping”, but this is an incorrect term. Chimney sweeping specifically refers to cleaning fireplaces and chimneys, whereas ventilation duct cleaning is an entirely different process.
Why does this matter? Because using the wrong term leads to misunderstandings. Ventilation duct cleaning is about indoor air quality , allergies and energy consumption – not fire safety in the same way as in chimney sweeping.
At IVAeris Oy, we do not sweep chimneys—we clean ventilation ducts to ensure healthy indoor air and optimal system performance. Dirty ventilation ducts accumulate dust and pollutants and can increase energy costs. That’s why this service is essential, but it is not chimney sweeping.
Right term, right job. If you need ventilation ducts cleaned and your system working as it should, you know who to contact. For a deeper understanding, we recommend reading our article: " How is ventilation cleaning performed? "
Didn't you mean chimney sweeping?
If you need ventilation duct cleaning rather than chimney sweeping, IVAeris is the right choice. Here’s why you should choose us:
Ventilation cleaning professionals – We get your ducts clean with no empty promises—just real results.
Transparent pricing – No hidden fees. You know exactly what you’re paying for.
Better indoor air quality – Cleaning reduces system strain, maintains consistent airflow, and helps prevent unpleasant odors.
Comprehensive service – We operate in Espoo, Helsinki, Vantaa, and the entire Uusimaa region.
Why is ventilation duct cleaning important?
Dirt costs you money. Clogged ducts increase electricity bills and wear out equipment faster. Cleaning keeps your system running efficiently and saves you money. Simple as that.
Does cleaning prevent health issues?
Honest answer: not necessarily. But a clean system works better and lasts longer, which saves you money and prevents problems. No hype — just facts.
How often should ventilation ducts be cleaned?
For more information on the recommended frequency of ventilation duct cleaning, check out our article “ Cleaning ventilation ducts – how often and why? ” In short: there are no hard and fast rules, but a good rule of thumb:
Passive (natural) ventilation: every 10 years
Mechanical ventilation : every 5 years
Grease ducts (restaurants) : At least once a year
Let IVAeris check the cleanliness level annually and conduct a ventilation inspection every five years. It’s an easy way to stay on top of maintenance.
Can I do it myself?
You can try, but you won't get very deep. Professionals use the right tools and do the job properly. DIY cleaning is like trying to paint a house with a toothbrush – it won't work.
How do professionals clean?
Planning – Blueprints, scheduling, and full transparency.
Vents – Washed and adjusted correctly.
Ducts – Thoroughly brushed for deep cleaning.
Units – Cleaned and reported directly to you.
Final report – You receive confirmation that everything is working optimally.
What should you consider?
Make sure your service provider does the job properly—not just the surface. Be cautious with chemical biocides—they are unnecessary unless there’s a valid reason. IVAeris delivers clean results without unnecessary risks.
We’ve written an entire article explaining why routine disinfection of ventilation ducts is a bad idea and the hidden risks involved. Read our article: “ Disinfection of ventilation ducts is a scam. ”
If you were looking for ventilation duct sweeping but actually meant ventilation duct cleaning, contact us today. IVAeris Oy is ready to handle your ventilation needs quickly and efficiently
WE KNOW, WE CARE & WE GET IT DONE
IVAeris Ltd.
010 206 3000