Is a fireplace insert safer than a fireplace?

• <div><p>Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.</p><p>Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.</p></div>

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Q: How do I know if my chimney damper is open or closed?

• <div><p>The simplest way to tell whether your chimney damper is open or closed is to put your hand near the fireplace opening. If you feel a breeze, the damper is open. But if no draft comes from the chimney, the damper is closed.</p></div>

Q: Can you burn wood filled with sap?

• <div><p>Sap, despite its stickiness, is primarily made of water and is responsible for wood being &ldquo;green&rdquo; when it&rsquo;s first cut. Green wood doesn&rsquo;t burn very easily and will snap and crackle a lot, not ideal for a fire pit or fireplace. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s best to let fresh, sap-filled wood season or dry out for at least a season before you start burning.</p></div>

Q: What holds a chimney liner in place?

• <div><p>A chimney liner is held in place by a top plate and attached top clamp, both of which should be included in most chimney liner kits. The top plate seals to the top of the chimney flue and attaches directly to the liner. This not only holds the liner in place but supports its weight in the chimney.</p></div>

Q: Does an outdoor fireplace need a chimney liner?

• <div><p>A chimney liner isn&rsquo;t required for an outdoor fireplace; you don&rsquo;t technically need one if the masonry chimney uses the proper dimensions and is built to code. However, a chimney liner does serve as a protective coating for the flue. Adding a liner could improve performance, safety, and durability. In short, while not necessary, it wouldn&rsquo;t hurt. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Kapaa, HI

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Kapaa, HI 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 Kapaa, HI 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 24, 2025

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

The simplest way to tell whether your chimney damper is open or closed is to put your hand near the fireplace opening. If you feel a breeze, the damper is open. But if no draft comes from the chimney, the damper is closed.

Sap, despite its stickiness, is primarily made of water and is responsible for wood being “green” when it’s first cut. Green wood doesn’t burn very easily and will snap and crackle a lot, not ideal for a fire pit or fireplace. That’s why it’s best to let fresh, sap-filled wood season or dry out for at least a season before you start burning.

A chimney liner is held in place by a top plate and attached top clamp, both of which should be included in most chimney liner kits. The top plate seals to the top of the chimney flue and attaches directly to the liner. This not only holds the liner in place but supports its weight in the chimney.

Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.

Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.

A chimney liner isn’t required for an outdoor fireplace; you don’t technically need one if the masonry chimney uses the proper dimensions and is built to code. However, a chimney liner does serve as a protective coating for the flue. Adding a liner could improve performance, safety, and durability. In short, while not necessary, it wouldn’t hurt.

The Kapaa, HI 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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