Q: Can I burn wood in my gas fireplace?
A: No. Never. In order to burn wood in your fireplace, you’ll need to have the fireplace converted back into a wood-burning fireplace. This involves having the gas lines removed and the chimney certified for wood. It is often much less expensive than you would think.

Q: Are wood or pellet fireplace inserts safe?
A: Properly sized, rated and installed inserts pose no threat to the fireplace or home. They are a great money-saving alternative to burning an open fireplace.

Q: What is the best wood to burn in my wood-burning fireplace?
A: Seasoned hard woods, like oak, maple, fruitwood and ash are recommended for a good hot fire – best for your chimney and for producing heat. Wood should be split first, then seasoned, or left to dry completely, for at least 6 months, but not more than two years. Never burn painted or treated wood, as the fumes from the finishes are often toxic.

Q: Will adding a fireplace increase my home’s value?
A: According to a Hearth Product Association study, a fireplace is still the most preferred amenity for a home and, in some cases, could produce a 130% return on your investment when you decide to sell.

Q: Is it possible to fix a drafty fireplace?
A: Yes, installing a high quality fireplace damper will fix the draft and the money you save will likely cover the cost of the fireplace damper in as few as two or three heating seasons.

Q: Why does my fireplace smoke when I first light it?
A: A chimney will only draft when it is warm. Try holding a lit, rolled up section of newspaper, like a torch, in the chimney to warm it prior to starting your fireplace.

Q: Why does my fireplace smoke constantly?
A: Chances are your fireplace is not getting enough air. You can check this by opening a window to see if that feeds the fireplace enough to stop the smoking. If this is the case, you can have an outside air kit installed. If air is not the problem, you may have a chimney blockage. If you can’t find the chimney blockage and/or clear it yourself, your best bet is to call for chimney service.

Q: Should I leave the glass doors open or closed?
A: In most cases, to start the fire, always leave the glass doors all the way open to help fuel the fireplace with air. After the fireplace starts to show glowing embers, you can partially close the doors to control airflow and the size of the fire. Always close the doors and damper to save energy when the fireplace is not in use.

Q: What is best for cleaning glass fireplace doors?
A: Ashes from the fireplace are actually a great glass cleaner. Dip a moist towel in the ashes and rub gently.

Q: How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
A: Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year, more often if used frequently. A general standard is to clean it for every 1-½ cords of wood burned. If you tend to burn your fireplace a bit less hot, or experience frequent smoking, you may want to do it a bit more as smaller fires create a larger build-up of creosote.

Q: Can I just use a chimney-cleaning log?
A: A professional chimney sweeping is still necessary, but cleaning logs do help somewhat.