Get matched with top fireplace pros in Liberal, KS

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.

Yes. It’s okay to leave a pellet stove on overnight, and these stoves can provide 24 to 48 hours of warmth from one ignition. However, you should practice proper pellet stove maintenance, like cleaning the burn pot before each use, deep cleaning the unit at least once per year, and running the fan when the stove is lit.

Fireplace inserts can increase home value when installed correctly. Since they improve heating efficiency significantly, this will be a bonus to homeowners who are looking for a functional alternative heat source. Plus, inserts are less maintenance and less of a liability than a traditional fireplace. You’re very likely to recover fireplace insert installation costs when you sell your home.

The installation cost for a brick or stone gas fireplace typically ranges from $3,500 to $12,000. Key factors that influence the total expense include the type of material chosen, labor costs, the setup for the gas line, venting requirements, and any custom design elements.