Can you use a fireplace after the insert is removed?

• <div><p>In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.</p></div>

How do I choose an EPA-approved wood fireplace insert?

• <div><p>You can research your fireplace insert or retrofit by checking out the <a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/oarweb/woodstove/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.about">EPA wood stove database.</a> The database includes information, such as a model's emission rate, efficiency, and carbon dioxide output.</p></div>

Best fireplace pros near Ensley, AL

Q: How do I maintain a brick or stone fireplace?

• <div><p>Clean regularly, check for cracks, and inspect the chimney annually for safety.</p></div>

Q: Does my chimney impact my HVAC system?

• <div><p>In most homes, your chimney and HVAC are separate from each other. However, you can use your chimney to save on heating costs in the winter. Turn off your HVAC system and start a cozy fire, then watch the electric bills drop during the coldest months. Make sure your flue is closed when not in use so that you don&rsquo;t end up pumping heat or cool air from your system outside.</p></div>

Q: Do chimney liners need insulation?

• <div><p>Chimney liners often benefit from insulation, though it is not always required. Insulation helps improve the liner's efficiency by keeping flue gasses hotter, which enhances draft and reduces creosote buildup. It also prevents condensation, which can lead to corrosion. Insulation is important for chimneys on exterior walls or in colder climates. Some building codes may require insulation, so checking local regulations is essential.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Ensley, AL

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Ensley, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Ensley, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on May 27, 2023

Reviewed in May 2023
They are quick to respond but they were not prepared for the work they had to do. They dropped my refrigerator and broke my fireplace.
Melvin The Handyman
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Reviewed in May 2022
All Hung Up went above and beyond for me. The job was to hang a wall fireplace in my master bedroom. After it was beautifully hung up they also hung up a picture that I had above the fireplace. Measuring and making sure everything was centered etc. Very professional, optimistic and prepared.
ALL Hung Up, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
Great!! Melvin went above the call of duty. He remove the old cooktop and installed the new without incident. One of the burners did not work. After a new was shipped, Melvin came back to remove the old and install the 2nd new one. Since the wall oven had not arrived, he came back to install it...
UniServices
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Reviewed in December 2020
Very well. They were prompt in their response. Matt came and gave us an estimate with no hard (unlike some others). He walked the roof, so we were confident that the price was realistic for the work. The pricing was clear. They showed up on time when they said they would. The workers had a...
Prime Management
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Reviewed in January 2016
Got a call at 7:30 pm apologizing for not calling me earlier and telling me the dispatcher was late in giving him the information. I told him I wasn't actually complaining about any delay - I had only ordered this Angie's List deal earlier in that same day. He asked if he could come early the...
Cahaba Plumbing
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Reviewed in December 2012
I contacted Cahaba Roofing for an estimate after noticing water running down the front of my fireplace during rain. This was a problem that was supposed to have been repaired by the sellers when I purchased the home a few months prior, but was not properly fixed. Cahaba was the only company...
Cahaba Roofing
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Reviewed in November 2012
Called them out as we bought a new home with a fireplace and never have had a fireplace place and wanted it inspected and cleaned and any maintenance done before use. We thought from our home inspection that a some maintenance would be needed and most likely cleaned. The company was professional...
Clean Sweep Chimney Svc Inc
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Reviewed in September 2012
We elected to upgrade the energy efficiency of our home, which are summarized below. <br /> 1. Air sealing package that included watherstriping to the front door, air sealing around fireplaces, moldings, foaming/caulking cabinets and around windows and door trims and the studio...
Eco Three
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Reviewed in April 2012
Once they had reframed and sided the chimney and paid them, I noticed the top half of the front side of the chimney chase was still leaning about 2 degrees toward the outside of the house. The whole chimney chase looked crooked. I called Bill up and told him I was not satisfied, and he sent a...
Southern Craftsman
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Reviewed in February 2012
It went well, I was a little worried as we were transitioning from gas logs to ventless and I'd guess the fireplace gas line dated back to the 1970's. He observed what the situation was and went to work and installed them. He took the time to fine tune it in function and looks with the...
MIDSOUTH PLUMBING
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Top-Rated Fireplace pros in Ensley - Updated Nov 2026

The Mad Hatter Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney Sweep Service, Inc.

4.4(

105

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a gas fireplacePre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - Install+2 more

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Terry found a problem with my gas fireplace and instead of firing the parts cannon took the time to troubleshoot and order only what was needed."

Response time1 day

16 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Cruz and Lopez Construction

5.0(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - Repair

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a excellent job. I would recommend 100%. I will certainly use them again."

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Whitten Masonry LLC

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+1 more

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Available for your hardscape and landscaping needs in central Alabama.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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FirstTierHomeSolutions

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

First Tier Home Solutions delivers fast, reliable help for all your home needs.

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Priscillas cleaning services

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

✨ 🧼 Tired of Cleaning? Let Me Make Your Home Shine! 🧼 ✨\n\nHi everyone!\n\nI’m so excited to introduce myself and my business to you all! My name is Priscilla Lopez, proudly serving Albertville and surrounding areas with reliable, high-quality cleaning services.\n\nI know life gets busy, and keeping up with cleaning can be overwhelming—that’s where I come in! Whether you need a deep clean, routine maintenance, or help getting your space back in shape, I’m here to make it easier for you.\n\n🧼 What I offer:• Deep cleaning• Regular weekly/bi-weekly cleanings• Move-in / move-out cleanings• Customized services based on your needs\n\nI take pride in the little details and treat every home like my own. My goal is to leave your space spotless and give you more time to focus on what matters most.\n\n📩 Message me today to book your cleaning or ask any questions—I’d love to work with you!\n\nSpots are filling fast, so don’t wait! 💛

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L&J cleaning

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplace

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Hello, my name is Jesica with l&J cleaning. I live in Montevallo Al, I have two kids a 3 year old and a 9 month old. I love to help mommies that are always busy and have their hands full. I make your home fill relaxing with out stressing out to kept it clean. I can weekly biweekly or or monthly. I can clean out before moved in or move out.

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WSB CLEANING SOLUTIONS L. L. C.

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

At WSB Cleaning Solutions LLC, we proudly serve Birmingham, Alabama with professional commercial and residential cleaning. From offices and medical facilities to homes and rental properties, we deliver dependable service and quality results every time.

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Tyler Bright

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

I am a motivated person who is dedicated to providing exceptional services for customers.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Maid You Look Cleaning Services

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

We don’t just clean — we make you l👀k. ✨\n We clean Apartments, Commercial suites, and Houses. Message me for quotes and any cleaning services. AL📍

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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C2 Cleaning Industries

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Ensley, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Request Quote

...

Showing 1-10 of 76

Fireplaces FAQs, answered by experts

In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.

Clean regularly, check for cracks, and inspect the chimney annually for safety.

You can research your fireplace insert or retrofit by checking out the EPA wood stove database. The database includes information, such as a model's emission rate, efficiency, and carbon dioxide output.

In most homes, your chimney and HVAC are separate from each other. However, you can use your chimney to save on heating costs in the winter. Turn off your HVAC system and start a cozy fire, then watch the electric bills drop during the coldest months. Make sure your flue is closed when not in use so that you don’t end up pumping heat or cool air from your system outside.

Chimney liners often benefit from insulation, though it is not always required. Insulation helps improve the liner's efficiency by keeping flue gasses hotter, which enhances draft and reduces creosote buildup. It also prevents condensation, which can lead to corrosion. Insulation is important for chimneys on exterior walls or in colder climates. Some building codes may require insulation, so checking local regulations is essential.

The Ensley, AL homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Tyler Lacoma
•
Sep 14, 2026Sep 14, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Haley Nothstein
•
Oct 2, 2026Oct 2, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Use our guide to estimate your fireplace repair costs, based on the type of fireplace you have—and what part is broken.
Melissa Graham
•
Oct 7, 2026Oct 7, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Fireplace? [2026 Data]
The average cost to remove a fireplace is $4,500, but your overall cost will depend on the type of fireplace, its condition, and other factors.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
11 Parts of a Fireplace You Should Know
There are many working parts of a fireplace, and a basic understanding of their functions can help homeowners properly maintain all of them over time.
Kaitlyn Pacheco
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
50+ Stylish Fireplace Ideas to Boost Your Home’s Value
Did you know fireplaces are a profitable home feature? From cozy indoor retreats to trendy outdoor designs, these fireplace ideas are sure to inspire you.
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•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
12 Cozy Bedroom Fireplace Ideas to Consider
With a few easy decorating tips, you can make your bedroom fireplace the stylish focal point of your room. Up the cozy aesthetic of your bedroom with these 12 ideas.