Get matched with top fireplace pros in Bernardston, MA

Q: What are the disadvantages of fireplace inserts?

• <div><p>Fireplace inserts have several potential disadvantages. The cost of the insert and its installation can be a significant investment, as the process can be complicated and expensive, particularly if modifications to the existing fireplace are necessary. Aesthetically, some people find that inserts lack the traditional look and authentic ambiance of an open, crackling fire. There are also ongoing costs for maintenance, cleaning, and fuel. Fuel type can be a limitation; for example, an insert may be unusable if you don't have access to its specific fuel source. Maintenance and repairs can also require specialized services, especially for gas or electric models. Finally, while an insert is more efficient than an open fireplace, it may not heat a home as evenly as a central HVAC system.</p></div>

Q: What type of wood is best to burn in a wood stove?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What type of fireplace insert is most efficient?

• <div><p>Gas fireplace inserts are considered the most efficient because they convert more of the fuel source&mdash;gas&mdash;into heat. They offer excellent heat output per the amount of fuel they use. While electric fireplace inserts are praised for their efficiency, keep in mind that they don&rsquo;t offer as strong a heat output but may still be a great choice if you want an efficient option. </p></div>

Q: Do fireplace repair companies need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Certain fireplace repairs will require that your contractor is licensed, including anything that involves moving, installing, or repairing gas lines. In that case, your professional will need to be a certified plumber. You can use Angi&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">licensing lookup tool</a> to confirm that the company you&rsquo;re hiring is properly licensed. Most states don&rsquo;t have specific license requirements for other fireplace repairs, but most demand at least a general contractor&rsquo;s license. It&rsquo;s also a good idea to look for companies certified by the National Fireplace Institute, as those pros tend to be more qualified to carry out the repair.</p></div>

Q: How tall are chimney caps typically?

• <div><p>Ideally, your chimney cap should be at least 8 inches above the top of the flue, though it's better if it's even higher. You want it to sit that high because it won't affect the chimney's draft, which pulls the smoke up and out of your chimney and away from your home.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Bernardston, MA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Bernardston, MA 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 Bernardston, MA 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 August 23, 2026

Find Fireplace pros in Bernardston

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+2 more

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The McBriens Fire & Flue team arrived quickly and pinpointed the issue right away. My fireplace is now working again, just as the colder season approaches! Thanks, Omar!"

+19

Response time9 hrs

Response rate100%

49 neighbors recently requested a quote

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+2 more

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Your Chimney Doctor is committed to excellence in every aspect of our\nbusiness. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty,\nand personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service\nwe bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of\nour trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals.\nAbove all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their\nconcerns the basis of our business.

98 neighbors recently requested a quote

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5 Star Chimney Service

4.5(

169

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Sean and Alan were good. They pointed and flashed the chimney the same day and left."

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

3.6(

982

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+2 more

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They inspected the chimney from up on the roof, something that the chimney sweeps that had been cleaning the chimney since 2016, when we first moved in, had never done. They took pics and showed us how the lining of the chimney was collapsing and it had been in this state for a long time. So in addition to cleaning the chimney, they also replaced the lining inside it. It was an expense I didn't expect, but we use the fireplace a lot and it needed to be done."

+73

Response time4 hrs

Response rate99%

16 neighbors recently requested a quote

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+5 more

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Steve, is very professional and did a great job fixing the gas fireplace."

+36

Response time4 days

Response rate100%

35 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Sidewinder Industries Handyman Services

4.5(

)

Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Hi there! We’re Sidewinder Handyman Services, proudly serving homeowners since 2025. Whether it’s a small repair, a big upgrade, or something in between, we’re here to make your projects simple, stress-free, and affordable. Our goal is to take the hassle out of home maintenance so you can focus on enjoying your space.\n\nLet’s get your to-do list done! Reach out today for your FREE quote and see how easy it can be to love your home again."

+15

Response time6 hrs

Response rate100%

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LJ Masonry repair

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

3 years of bricklaying experience 🧱.

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Master Chimney Sweepers

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1977

Credit card accepted

Master Chimney Sweepers is Massachusetts' premier chimney cleaning company. We proudly serve Natick and its surrounding areas. Call today to set up an appointment with our staff. We look forward to your call.

Request Quote

UCS Construction and Design

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

We are new company just getting started I have a team of licensed professionals I work with. We are very well rounded in our field of work. Doing everything from small handyman repair and installation work to full remodels and renovations. No matter how big or small the job is we are here to help and give great prices and discounts to help home owners and other professionals. Always leaving up to code, quality work, and satisfied customers behind. We also do custom work such as Accent/feature walls that give a home that unique and elegant feel to it.

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Fernandez and España LLC

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Bernardston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

😃Ready to work. With the best possible attitude and the appropriate tools—whatever you wish to transport—and with the utmost safety.🫡

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Showing 1-10 of 48

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Fireplace inserts have several potential disadvantages. The cost of the insert and its installation can be a significant investment, as the process can be complicated and expensive, particularly if modifications to the existing fireplace are necessary. Aesthetically, some people find that inserts lack the traditional look and authentic ambiance of an open, crackling fire. There are also ongoing costs for maintenance, cleaning, and fuel. Fuel type can be a limitation; for example, an insert may be unusable if you don't have access to its specific fuel source. Maintenance and repairs can also require specialized services, especially for gas or electric models. Finally, while an insert is more efficient than an open fireplace, it may not heat a home as evenly as a central HVAC system.

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.

Gas fireplace inserts are considered the most efficient because they convert more of the fuel source—gas—into heat. They offer excellent heat output per the amount of fuel they use. While electric fireplace inserts are praised for their efficiency, keep in mind that they don’t offer as strong a heat output but may still be a great choice if you want an efficient option.

Certain fireplace repairs will require that your contractor is licensed, including anything that involves moving, installing, or repairing gas lines. In that case, your professional will need to be a certified plumber. You can use Angi’s licensing lookup tool to confirm that the company you’re hiring is properly licensed. Most states don’t have specific license requirements for other fireplace repairs, but most demand at least a general contractor’s license. It’s also a good idea to look for companies certified by the National Fireplace Institute, as those pros tend to be more qualified to carry out the repair.

Ideally, your chimney cap should be at least 8 inches above the top of the flue, though it's better if it's even higher. You want it to sit that high because it won't affect the chimney's draft, which pulls the smoke up and out of your chimney and away from your home.

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