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Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory are the best types of wood to burn in a wood stove. These woods burn hotter and longer than softwoods, producing less creosote and fewer emissions. Hardwoods provide a more efficient and cleaner burn, which helps maintain better air quality and reduces the frequency of cleaning and maintenance required for your stove.

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.

Replacing older chimneys or fireplaces, like wood-burning stoves, with something more eco-friendly can actually increase the value of your home. Some homeowners opt to remove chimneys as they pursue LEED certification, which may also increase the value of your home. But in general, many potential buyers actually look for operational fireplaces in homes, so removing a chimney and fireplace could decrease your home’s value by up to $5,000.

The cost to replace a chimney damper ranges from $160 to $520, depending on the type of damper and the complexity of the installation. If you're looking to repair an existing damper, expect to pay around $100 and $225, depending on the extent of the damage and your location. Hiring a professional ensures proper installation or repair, which can help maintain energy efficiency and prevent drafts, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term savings.