"The technician that came out was professional and courteous at all times. Didn' waste any time getting to work on figuring out what was wrong and then fixing it. Which turned out to simply be a build up in the gas line before at the burner that was blocking the gas flow. Everything was all done within the first half hour that they bill for. Technician also advised of other issues with the water heater but did not pressure me at all on having to complete the work immediately. "
Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.
Home insurance prices depend on where you live and the individual insurance company's policies. Some insurers charge a flat fee for fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, which is often a few hundred dollars per year. Other insurers base this fee on a percentage of your annual premium. You may want to check your current or prospective policy before beginning this project.
You can burn wood with oak wilt, as heat from the fire destroys the fungus, and smoke won’t threaten healthy trees. However, wood of unknown origin should be burned during the dormant season—do not store wood in the warmer months for the winter season. If you harvest oak, let it dry in the sun before transporting it elsewhere.
Beyond having an inspection, it’s important to do chimney maintenance at least annually to be certain the chimney is safe to use. Cleaning the flue of any built-up particles, creosote, and soot reduces the risk of fire. Fortunately, the cost of hiring a pro to do a chimney inspection often includes a chimney cleaning, so you may not have an extra expense for maintenance.
Homeowners can conduct basic visual inspections and cleaning, but professionals provide thorough checks that identify hidden issues safely.
The Craig, AK homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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