Get matched with top fireplace pros in Albany, CA

Q: Are there any limitations to using wood stove fans?

• <div><p>While wood stove fans are effective for improving heat distribution, they rely on the stove reaching a certain temperature to operate efficiently. If the stove does not generate enough heat, the fan may not start or may not move air effectively. Additionally, like any fan, wood stove fans cannot cool a stove or reduce its heat output&mdash;they only redistribute existing warmth. </p></div>

Q: How do I stop my fireplace from smoking?

• <div><p>How you stop your fireplace from smoking depends on the cause. Sometimes it&rsquo;s as simple as opening the damper. Other times, you need to battle air pressure. The best course of action is to ensure proper ventilation, whether that means opening a door or a window; avoid building a large fire, which produces more smoke; and use seasoned hardwoods, which produce less smoke than other types of wood. If the issue persists, call a pro ASAP.</p></div>

Q: What are the health issues with wood-burning stoves?

• <div><p>Both wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can emit smoke and other combustion gases that are harmful to human health. <a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/wood-burning-stoves-and-heaters">According to the American Lung Association</a>, wood smoke can lead to coughing and wheezing as well as long-term health impacts like increased risks for heart attacks and stroke. </p><p>Newer models meet the modern efficiency standards set in 2020 by the Environmental Protection Agency for cleaner burning, more efficient wood stoves. Regular maintenance can also minimize smoke.</p></div>

Q: How do I know which size wood stove fan to choose?

• <div><p>Selecting the right size wood stove fan depends on the size of your stove and the room it heats. Larger stoves or rooms may benefit from fans with larger or multiple blades, as these can move more air efficiently. Consider the fan's specifications and airflow capacity to match it with your stove's heat output for optimal performance. </p></div>

Q: What is the best type of firewood?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Albany, CA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Albany, CA 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 Albany, CA 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 November 21, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Prompt arrival. Great ability to analyze chimney and fireplace , and show us what was needed so we could have a fire. I would hire again any time and highly recommend.
Good Guys Services
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Reviewed in March 2022
We hired Bayside Builders to do our home renovation project because we needed some help with designing and building a new outdoor fireplace. They were able to come up with an impressive design, plus they did such a great job with the construction! The pergolas they built for us are doing wonders...
Bayside Builders Group, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2020
Nice job. 65" flat mount above a fireplace. Complex construction behind the wall. Oliver and team successfully hooked up electrical, installed the flat mount for the tv and patched up the wall. Super friendly and helpful.
Hdconcept Paredes
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Reviewed in September 2019
My remodeled 1941 and 1968 bathrooms look absolutely amazing! They are beautiful...Onaje and his crew did a fantastic job! Replaced all the floors and lights in house too, tiles fireplace, love all of it! His crew...Marcus and Robert were outstanding, I m going to miss seeing them everyday! They...
Cornerstone Construction
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Reviewed in November 2016
First rate from the initial phone call, getting scheduled, having to make a change, their flexibility, timeliness -- to the actual service itself -- Carrie and Kevin were both knowledgeable, efficient and have great energy. The entire process of assessment and corrective steps were transparent,...
Northstar Construction Group Inc
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Reviewed in October 2016
Smoothly. It was several hours of work by Randy, and the result is a fully functioning fireplace. We are delighted with the result and very appreciative of Kidd Fireplace's action to find and implement a definitive and successful solution. As well, the new fireplace passes the cat test. No more...
Kidd Fireplace & Spa
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Find Fireplace pros in Albany

United Chimney Service, Inc.

4.4(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+2 more

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"United Chimney just finished about 1 hr ago. Punctuality, cleanliness of workers, English speaking, looked at the job and then set about doing it, left the work area completely clean and vacuumed. I am very satisfied and will use this firm again."

Response time8 hrs

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Deni was great and did a thorough job. We got 5 fireplaces/woodstoves cleaned and have been using them since."

+32

Response time8 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by48%of homeowners

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Chimney Sweep Masters

4.5(

234

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional crew led by Jonathan. They were on time and communicated very well. Very good work was done on the ducts, chimney, and fireplace."

Response time9 hrs

Response rate100%

18 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Cali Chimney Sweep Inc.

4.4(

)

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Prompt,responsive and personable. Cleaned up well at end of deep clean if fireplace"

Response time11 hrs

Response rate90%

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Northstar Construction Group Inc

4.1(

754

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"A company you can count on. Very high integrity. The owner is outstanding and maintains a high level of excellence. They did excellent work cleaning our flue and gas fireplace logs and burners. Wow it looks better than new and works perfectly now. Superb work. If you have a gas fireplace have them clean it or if you want a new one these are the folks to call."

+32

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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McCormick Home Builders, Inc.

4.6(

)

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Our remodeled kitchen exceeded all expectations. Leoni’s eye for design brought our ideas to life, creating an open and functional layout perfect for entertaining. The team’s craftsmanship was top-notch, and they respected our home, leaving it clean each day. The project was finished on time and within budget, and our kitchen now feels like a welcoming and sophisticated part of our home. I’d recommend McCormick to anyone wanting a home transformation without stress!"

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by18%of homeowners

Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas) - Install

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Excellent service. He even added glowing rocks to my fireplace."

+22

Response time2 days

27 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Home Pro Remodeling & Construction, Inc.

4.1(

)

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"All work has been really great."

Response time5 days

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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Marco's Gutter Cleaning

4.4(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Marco's Gutter Cleaning is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time3 hrs

Response rate97%

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Luis house cleaning service

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 Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular weekly service, Luis House Cleaning is here to make your home shine. With attention to detail, professional care, and eco-friendly products (available upon request), we guarantee a spotless clean—every time.\n\n• Licensed & Insured\n • Eco-Friendly Products Available\n • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee\n • Free Estimates\n • Trusted & Background-Checked Cleaners\n

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Showing 1-10 of 92

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

While wood stove fans are effective for improving heat distribution, they rely on the stove reaching a certain temperature to operate efficiently. If the stove does not generate enough heat, the fan may not start or may not move air effectively. Additionally, like any fan, wood stove fans cannot cool a stove or reduce its heat output—they only redistribute existing warmth.

How you stop your fireplace from smoking depends on the cause. Sometimes it’s as simple as opening the damper. Other times, you need to battle air pressure. The best course of action is to ensure proper ventilation, whether that means opening a door or a window; avoid building a large fire, which produces more smoke; and use seasoned hardwoods, which produce less smoke than other types of wood. If the issue persists, call a pro ASAP.

Both wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can emit smoke and other combustion gases that are harmful to human health. According to the American Lung Association, wood smoke can lead to coughing and wheezing as well as long-term health impacts like increased risks for heart attacks and stroke.

Newer models meet the modern efficiency standards set in 2020 by the Environmental Protection Agency for cleaner burning, more efficient wood stoves. Regular maintenance can also minimize smoke.

Selecting the right size wood stove fan depends on the size of your stove and the room it heats. Larger stoves or rooms may benefit from fans with larger or multiple blades, as these can move more air efficiently. Consider the fan's specifications and airflow capacity to match it with your stove's heat output for optimal performance.

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.

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