Most flats and houses in Prague are heated by a gas combi boiler, and that boiler is connected to a spalinová cesta - the flue path that carries combustion gases safely out of the building. It's easy to forget this needs its own yearly check, separate from servicing the boiler itself.
Key facts at a glance
- Legal basis: Czech Decree 34/2016 Sb.
- Gas appliance cleaning: 1× per year
- Also required: annual inspection of the flue's technical condition
- Why it matters: carbon monoxide safety
- Typical cost: from 500 CZK
- Book me: +420 910 107 484 (English spoken)
What is a "spalinová cesta" check?
A certified chimney sweep inspects the full path the exhaust gases travel from the boiler to the outside - the connecting pipe, any chimney liner, and the termination point - checking that it's sealed, unobstructed, and correctly sized for the appliance connected to it.
This is different from a boiler service. Servicing the boiler itself (the internal parts, pressure, burner) is done by a heating technician (topenář). Checking the flue it vents into is done by a chimney sweep (kominík). Both matter, but they're not the same visit and not the same person.
How often - and what the law says
Czech Decree No. 34/2016 Sb. requires:
- Gas appliances: cleaning once a year
- An annual inspection of the flue's technical condition
This applies whether you rent or own. It's the fact that the appliance is gas-fired that triggers the requirement - not the size of the flat or how often you use heating.
Carbon monoxide safety - why this isn't just paperwork
Carbon monoxide is produced whenever gas combusts, and under normal conditions it's carried safely outside through the flue. A blocked, cracked, or badly sealed flue can let combustion gases - including carbon monoxide - back into the living space instead of outside.
Why the yearly check matters: carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. You can't tell a compromised flue apart from a working one just by looking at the boiler. A professional check of the actual exhaust path is the real safety measure here - not a formality to tick off once a year.
What happens during the visit
The sweep inspects the full flue path, checks draft and sealing, and writes up a protocol confirming the flue's condition. If a fault is found, it's noted with a recommendation - and in a serious case, you may be advised not to use the appliance until it's fixed. For a typical apartment boiler, the visit takes well under an hour.
You'll be asked for the address, the type of appliance, and roughly when the flue was last checked. If you don't know the last check date, that's fine - the sweep can start a fresh record from this visit and you'll have your own protocol going forward.
Who arranges it - you or your landlord?
If you rent, this is worth clarifying before you book: some landlords include the annual flue check as part of general upkeep, others expect the tenant operating the boiler to arrange it. There's no single rule - check your lease, or ask directly. We cover this in more detail in our guide to fireplaces and boilers in Czech rentals.
What it costs
| Service | Price (Prague) |
|---|---|
| Gas flue cleaning | from 500 CZK |
| Check + cleaning combo | from 800 CZK |
| Full certificate (revizní zpráva - e.g. new boiler install) | from 1,800 CZK |
Booking in English
Call or message me - address, appliance type, and roughly when the flue was last checked is all I need to give you a price and the nearest available slot. I typically arrange a visit within 2-3 business days.
Ready to book? English spoken - I'll handle the appointment and the paperwork.
Call +420 910 107 484Prefer to write instead? Use the contact form on the main site and I'll reply within an hour during working hours.