Ask people you know for references. The most reliable way to find a chimney sweep is through the personal experiences of others. Ask family, friends and even acquaintances if they are able to recommend a company or individual to clean your chimney. These experiences will be a valuable source of information on who to contact and who you should avoid.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and conduct a search for chimney sweeps in your area. Begin the search by entering your ZIP code on the home page. When you are transferred to the BBB website for your city, click the accredited businesses tab and enter "Chimney Sweep" in the search field. Click on the resulting links to get contact information, ratings and any customer complaint history. You may also conduct a general search for chimney sweeps by checking the non-accredited businesses on the BBB website. To do this, click the "Check Out a Business or Charity" link and the "Type of Business" tab. Fill in the type of business field and enter your ZIP code or city and state.
Search association websites such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America or the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Members of these associations will be certified and are held to a certain standard of education and conduct. Visit the websites to these associations and conduct a search for members in your area.
Browse newspapers and phone book listings. These types of advertisements are a reliable source of finding chimney sweeps in your area. When looking over the listed businesses ads, write down the names and phone numbers of sweeps you are interested in. If you are unable to research the company online, ask for references when you call to inquire about service.