What does an energy certificate from the chimney sweep cost?
Anyone who needs an energy certificate often thinks first of the chimney sweep. Many homeowners know him from heating and flue checks. But the cost of a certificate from the chimney sweep is usually surprisingly high — often over €100 or even over €500 for a demand-based certificate.
There are cheaper and equally legally valid alternatives online. In this article you will learn why the chimney sweep is not always the best choice, what an energy certificate from him actually costs and how you can save money.
What you need to know
- Chimney sweep certificates cost from around €100 for consumption-based and often €500 or more for demand-based.
- Legally valid consumption-based certificates are available online from €49, demand-based from around €99.
- Online energy certificates are just as legally valid as those from the chimney sweep.
- Personal service from the chimney sweep is an advantage, but online providers are often more specialised.
Energy certificate from the chimney sweep?
The chimney sweep is familiar to many homeowners. He knows the heating system and is traditionally trusted. Many chimney sweeps also offer energy certificates, often together with other checks or advice.
However, the energy certificate is not their core business. While they are specialists in fire safety and heating checks, other providers — especially online services — focus on energy certificates. So the legal product is the same, but prices and processes differ.
What types of energy certificates are there?
The energy certificate is the “identity card” of a property in terms of energy performance. There are two main types: consumption-based and demand-based.
Consumption-based — simple and cheap
The consumption-based certificate is based on actual heating bills, usually the last three years, often with weather adjustment.
Advantage: Relatively quick and cheap, as no detailed building survey is needed. Disadvantage: The result depends heavily on how occupants behave. Legal: Allowed only when certain conditions are met (e.g. at least five units, or built/refurbished after 1977).
Demand-based — detailed and meaningful
The demand-based certificate is more involved but more meaningful. Energy efficiency is calculated from building data, independent of user behaviour (year built, insulation, windows, heating, etc.). It is mandatory for older, unrefurbished buildings (e.g. built before 1977).
Overview: Consumption-based vs demand-based
| Criterion | Consumption-based | Demand-based |
|---|---|---|
| Data basis | Heating bills (3 years) | Building data (year built, insulation, heating) |
| Dependence on user | High | None |
| Information value | Medium to high | High to very high |
| Production | Quick, no on-site visit | More involved, especially with site visit |
| Cost | from €49 online, from €100 chimney sweep | from €99 online, from €400 chimney sweep |
| Mandatory | New builds from 1977, buildings with ≥5 units | Built before 1977, unrefurbished buildings |
If the legal conditions are met, a consumption-based certificate is the cheaper option. For older or unrefurbished buildings, the demand-based certificate is mandatory and usually the more reliable basis for refurbishment decisions.
Prices for energy certificates from the chimney sweep
Many owners want to know what to expect. In practice, transparent and uniform prices are rare. Most businesses do not publish fixed prices and only give quotes on request.
Prices for consumption-based certificates
The consumption-based certificate is the cheaper option, as it is based on consumption data and can usually be produced without an on-site visit. The few chimney sweeps who publish prices often charge between €100 and €150 for a consumption-based certificate.
Prices for demand-based certificates
The demand-based certificate is more involved (building structure, insulation, heating, etc.). Realistic market prices are between €400 and €600. For more complex buildings or multi-family houses, costs can rise to €850 or more. So the demand-based certificate from the chimney sweep often costs four to five times the consumption-based one.
Critical view of the market
There is no single standard price. Instead you see a mix of “from” prices, individual quotes and hidden extras (travel, extra measurements, hourly rates if data is incomplete). Chimney sweeps are qualified to issue certificates, but they operate in a free market without fixed prices, which explains the wide variation.
Comparison between chimney sweep and online providers
The right choice depends on price, service, speed and flexibility. Online providers have established themselves as a serious and usually cheaper alternative. See online providers.
Chimney sweep — strengths and weaknesses
Advantages
- Personal contact on site
- Experience with heating and building structure
- Can combine with other services (e.g. flue checks)
Disadvantages
- Prices often significantly higher, especially for demand-based
- Little transparency; concrete price lists are rarely published
- Appointments can mean waiting times
Online providers — strengths and weaknesses
Advantages
- Significantly lower prices, especially for consumption-based
- Fast production, often within a few hours
- Transparent pricing and simple process via digital forms
Disadvantages
- No personal on-site contact
- Owner must provide data
- For complex buildings, effort may be higher
Direct comparison
| Criterion | Chimney sweep | Online provider |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Consumption-based often from €100, demand-based €400 and more | Consumption-based from €49, demand-based from €99 |
| Processing time | Often several days to weeks | Often within a few hours |
| Transparency | Prices rarely clearly stated online | Clear price lists on websites |
| Service | Personal advice, additional measurements possible | Focus on fast, standardised production |
| Suitability | Good for complex buildings or when personal contact matters | Ideal for standard cases, quick process and cost savings |
Practical tips for getting an energy certificate
To avoid unnecessary cost:
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Compare quotes — Do not rely on “from” prices. Get at least two or three written quotes. For online options, see our comparison.
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Have documents ready — Documents you need: plans, year built, heating details, insulation evidence, consumption data (3 years).
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Choose the right type — Consumption-based is sufficient when the building has more than four units or was built/refurbished after 1977. Demand-based is mandatory for unrefurbished buildings with up to four units built before 1977.
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Ask about extras — With chimney sweeps, ask explicitly about travel costs or advisory fees so you get a binding quote.
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Consider the demand-based option — Even though it is more expensive, it gives a more objective assessment and can pay off in sale or rent negotiations.
With good preparation and comparison, you can avoid unnecessary cost. Online energy certificates are usually the better choice in terms of cost.
Chimney sweep or online?
The certificate is mandatory and matters for sale or letting. Chimney sweeps offer personal contact and expertise around heating, but prices are usually higher and transparency lower — especially for demand-based certificates, the difference can be several hundred euros.
Online providers offer the same legal validity, simple process and faster turnaround. For owners who care about cost and speed, the digital route is often the more attractive option.
Our recommendation: Compare offers carefully and check whether an online energy certificate is suitable for your property. You will save time and money with the same legal certainty.
FAQs — Common questions about energy certificates from the chimney sweep
How long until I receive a certificate from the chimney sweep?
Allow at least several days to weeks, as an on-site visit is usually needed. Online providers often deliver within 24 to 48 hours.
Is the chimney sweep’s certificate legally safer than an online one?
No. Both are legally valid under the GEG as long as they are issued by an authorised person.
Does the chimney sweep offer grant advice or refurbishment recommendations?
Some do, but not always, and it often costs extra. For grants or refurbishment plans, an energy consultant is usually the better option.
Can I deduct the cost for tax?
Yes. If the certificate is issued in connection with letting or selling the property, the cost can be claimed for tax.
What if I cannot provide an energy certificate at all?
Without a valid certificate you risk fines of up to €10,000 on sale or new letting. Buyers or tenants may also take legal action or challenge the contract.