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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.

The best wood for a fireplace includes hardwoods, such as ash, birch, cherry, maple, and oak. These woods ignite quickly and put out the most heat. They also produce less smoke than other types of wood. Softwoods, such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, are poor choices for burning in a fireplace because they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes it challenging to light.

Sometimes chimney caps blow off during storms or fall off after rusting away. While this typically won’t cause structural damage, failing to replace a chimney cap can. A chimney cap prevents moisture, animals, and debris from entering your chimney, all of which can cause serious problems, such as damage to the masonry or blockages in the flue.

There are several maintenance tips you should take to ensure your pellet stove's safety and proper maintenance. You should vacuum the ash pan every week to prevent overflowing and clean the stove and surrounding vents every three to four months. It’s also important to get a professional inspection every year and install a carbon monoxide detector close to your stove. Be sure to dispose of hot ashes in a closed metal container; store it outside, away from the house. Only use the pellets recommended by your stove's manufacturer, and follow any cleaning and maintenance instructions.