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If you have a chimney, you need a flue or chimney cap. The right covering keeps rain, debris, and animals from getting into your flue or chimney and causing damage. A flue or chimney cap also provides fire protection. The mesh insert around the cap keeps sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting leaves and other materials.

Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces.

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.

There are a few things you can keep an eye out for that indicate you may need to call in a gas fireplace repair tech:

• Your fireplace pilot light won’t stay on.

• You notice the smell of rotten eggs.

• You hear hissing coming from the gas fireplace.

• You notice a soot build-up.

• The fire goes out unexpectedly.

If you notice a rotten egg smell or hear hissing, you could have a gas leak, which is extremely dangerous. Call the fire department and your gas company first to shut off the gas and air out your home before calling for a repair.