Chimneys & Fireplaces

Your chimney and fireplace offer your home warmth and charm—but in return, they need your help to work well and last for years. Our expert guidance on how to inspect, maintain, repair, and replace chimneys and fireplaces will teach you everything you need to know—including who to call if something goes awry.

Living room with a traditional fireplace
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Living room with a traditional fireplace
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Young couple in front of fireplace
Timothy Moore
•
Dec 29, 2024
Dec 29, 2024
Use our guide to estimate your fireplace repair costs, based on the type of fireplace you have—and what part is broken.
Luxury living room with fireplace and high ceiling
Mitchell Grant
•
Jan 10, 2025
Jan 10, 2025
The cost of removing a fireplace insert depends on the type of insert that’s installed. Read on to learn why electric is cheaper than a gas or wood insert.
Large electric fireplace set in a bright modern living room
Taylor Freitas
•
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
The up-front cost of an electric fireplace is lower than a gas or wood-burning fireplace. This guide will help you understand what you're paying for.
A modern concrete fireplace
Paige Novak
•
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
Looking for fireplace hearth ideas that’ll upgrade your home? Advanced DIYers can cover a brick fireplace with concrete for a cozy and chic look.
Family sitting by the fire
Laura Hennigan
•
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
Maintaining your chimney extends its life and prevents safety hazards. So, no matter how small, find out why cracks appear and the best ways to fix them ASAP.
Gas fireplace
Margaret Wack
•
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Your gas fireplace might not turn on due to a few problems. We’ll help you to troubleshoot what’s wrong and when you should call a pro.
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A double red brick chimney on a roof
Jamie Cattanach  •  Jul 2, 2025
9 Warning Signs of a Chimney Fire and What to Do to Prevent Them
Worried that your flue might go up in flames? These nine chimney fire signs will help you get ahead of the situation—and keep your home and family safe.
Close up of glass fireplace
Taylor Freitas  •  Jul 1, 2025
Why Does My Gas Fireplace Keep Going Out? 3 Potential Causes and Solutions
Keeping your gas fireplace lit shouldn’t be a struggle—but sometimes, it is. If so, you might wonder: Why does my gas fireplace keep going out? Let us explain.
Ladder propped up on chimney of house
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jun 25, 2025
How Much Does Chimney Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
The typical chimney removal costs between $1,000 and $10,000, but much of that price depends on whether it’s a full or partial removal. Get the full cost breakdown here.
A woman in front of an electric fireplace
Paige Bennett  •  Jun 23, 2025
7 Common Electric Fireplace Problems and How To Fix Them
Is your electric fireplace acting up? Troubleshoot seven of the most common electric fireplace problems with this guide.
A red brick house with a chimney
Taylor Freitas  •  Jun 20, 2025
What Causes Chimney Fires? Most Common Causes and Prevention Tips
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to understand what causes chimney fires so you can reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
A young woman drinking a beverage in front of the fireplace
Jamie Cattanach  •  Jun 20, 2025
6 Toasty Tips to Stop the Draft From Your Fireplace
How do you stop that pesky draft from your fireplace? The answer depends on why it’s there, but no matter what, there’s a fix for it.
A person turning off a fireplace via a remote control
Paige Bennett  •  Jun 20, 2025
5 Reasons Your Fireplace Remote Control Is Not Working—and How to Fix It
Is your fireplace remote control not working? Find out five common reasons why it won’t fire up the fireplace, plus tips on how to fix the issue.
Roof with white chimney
Allie Ogletree  •  Jun 16, 2025
How Much Does Chimney Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Replacing your chimney increases home value and prevents hazardous structural damage. Learn how much to budget for chimney replacement costs.
A couple sitting on the sofa with their dog and enjoying the fireplace
Paige Bennett  •  Jun 14, 2025
6 Reasons Your Fireplace Stinks and How to Fix It
So your fireplace stinks—what’s the deal? Find out the six potential reasons why your fireplace smells and how to fix them.
gray chimney on roof
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Jun 11, 2025
How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost? [2025 Data]
Chimney repair costs can vary by the type of chimney you have and the required repairs. Use this guide to help you estimate project costs.
home interior with fireplace
Jamie Cattanach  •  Jun 9, 2025
What Is a Fireplace Insert—and Why Would You Want One?
What is a fireplace insert? It’s like a traditional fire in a box—which helps keep the heat it generates in your house, rather than draining out the chimney.
modern living room with fireplace
Barbara Bellesi Zito  •  Jun 5, 2025
4 Types of Fireplaces and the Pros and Cons of Each
There are four fireplace types: wood-burning, gas, electric, and ethanol. The right one for your home depends on your desired aesthetic and level of upkeep.