"Kenny Morales is certified to work with gas fireplaces and he really is an expert. He’s reliable, personable, and reasonable. I will use him again and recommend Genesis Chimney Services wholeheartedly."
"American Professional Chimney installed a gas fireplace that is both beautiful (looks like a real wood fireplace) and warm. They installed a gasline that was done a very professional way, burying the line underground. Stephen and his team did an impeccable job, clearly explaining the pros and cons of the many options. Super happy with the service."
"Everything went great! Brandon did a great job convincing us that the propane insert would be better than an electric insert. Rudy and crew worked very hard to get our new Trilliant propane insert installed. Tiffany did a wonderful job of getting the new fireplace set-up for use. Everyone was very pleasant and easy to work with. We can't wait for cold weather so that we can start using the new fireplace."
"They cleaned the chimney and we used the coupon successfully. Afterwards, I shined a flashlight up the chimney and could see and physically pull additional ash from the sides with a cloth in my hand. It was mostly clean, but a little attention to detail could have cleaned the lower end better. Also, they told us we have a safety issue with a crack in the floor. They took the fireplace apart on the spot, but didn't have the parts to fix it. The chimney sat unused for 3-4 weeks in winter as we waited for them to get the part. After that time and repeated calls with no scheduled install date in sight, we cancelled the repair and had them come back and put the fireplace back together."
"Everything went very well. Fortunately I had not attempted to use my fireplace before getting it checked and cleaned. There were several problems that the previous owner had neglected to repair. Now everything works well, and the fireplace looks much better! I am enjoying the benefits of having a safe wood-burning fireplace in my family room. "
A fireplace hearth is necessary in most areas per building codes, especially for gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Electric fireplaces may not require a hearth, so check local building codes or ask a pro for guidance if you’re leaning toward electric. A fireplace hearth can decrease the risk of flying embers creating a fire and burning your home down. That’s why fireproof material, like tile, is used for the hearth.
Creosote logs can help to reduce new creosote build-up by about 60%, however they don’t replace regular cleaning. While creosote logs can help to prevent build-up of creosote in your chimney, they won’t remove build-up that’s already there. Creosote logs can be used as a preventative measure in conjunction with regular cleaning, but you will still need to clean your chimney about once per year.
Sap, despite its stickiness, is primarily made of water and is responsible for wood being “green” when it’s first cut. Green wood doesn’t burn very easily and will snap and crackle a lot, not ideal for a fire pit or fireplace. That’s why it’s best to let fresh, sap-filled wood season or dry out for at least a season before you start burning.
Yes, you can put a freestanding one in a corner if you’re tight on space. Because pellet stoves don’t get as hot as other types of wood stoves, there only needs to be 3 inches of clearance from the wall on each side. Placing it in a corner should not impact the ventilation—you’ll still need to follow safety precautions by not installing too close to a window. Typically, it’s 4 feet from a window or 18 inches if the stove uses an external air source for combustion. Always check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
There are several maintenance tips you should take to ensure your pellet stove's safety and proper maintenance. You should vacuum the ash pan every week to prevent overflowing and clean the stove and surrounding vents every three to four months. It’s also important to get a professional inspection every year and install a carbon monoxide detector close to your stove. Be sure to dispose of hot ashes in a closed metal container; store it outside, away from the house. Only use the pellets recommended by your stove's manufacturer, and follow any cleaning and maintenance instructions.
The Potomac, MD homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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