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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.

Yes, you can put a freestanding one in a corner if you’re tight on space. Because pellet stoves don’t get as hot as other types of wood stoves, there only needs to be 3 inches of clearance from the wall on each side. Placing it in a corner should not impact the ventilation—you’ll still need to follow safety precautions by not installing too close to a window. Typically, it’s 4 feet from a window or 18 inches if the stove uses an external air source for combustion. Always check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.

You can close up a chimney instead of demolishing it. Homeowners often go this route because the cost of removing a chimney, especially a structurally important chimney, can be expensive.

Properly closing up a chimney involves closing and sealing the damper, installing a chimney cap damper, and sealing the fireplace opening with a door or bricks. The cost to seal and cap a chimney is around $500 to $650—significantly less than the average chimney removal cost.

Soapstone wood stoves hold onto heat the longest, which means you can burn less fuel and enjoy the warmth for longer. Additionally, catalytic wood stoves include a catalytic combustor that can reduce emissions and create a cleaner burn no matter what the stove is made of. Of course, the most efficient wood stoves also tend to be costlier up front—but they can still save you money in the long run.