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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.

If your gas fireplace is vented through a chimney, a chimney cap is highly recommended. While not all gas fireplaces require a traditional chimney, for those that use one, a cap provides several key benefits. It prevents rain, debris, and animals from entering the chimney, which can cause blockages or damage. A cap also helps prevent downdrafts that could push harmful gases like carbon monoxide back into your home. When installing a cap, ensure it is appropriate for a gas fireplace and does not restrict proper ventilation.

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.