"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."
"I cannot say enough good things about the folks at Masters Chimney. Mark and Jeff were terrific to work with and worked with us to get our fireplace inspections and repairs done in a timely fashion to accommodate the sale of our house. Their team was hard-working and efficient and made sure the repairs went smoothly. I highly recommend the folks at Masters Chimney - they are great!"
"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."
"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."
"Very well. I burn 3-5 cords of wood per year and it is essential that I have a clean flue to prevent chimney fires. Jamie was prompt, courteous and did a very professional job. Would definitely hire again next year."
Pellet stoves are designed to operate quietly, often emitting only a soft hum from the combustion fan and auger. Compared to traditional wood-burning stoves or furnaces, modern pellet stoves are relatively quiet during operation. This minimal noise ensures they can efficiently heat living spaces without causing disruption, making them a preferred choice for those seeking both comfort and peace of mind.
Avoid using abrasive cleansing powders on natural stone, as these products could damage the porous material. Using bleach is also a poor idea because of the porosity of the stone. Avoid using a scrub brush with metal bristles, as they could scratch the stone. If you know who manufactured your stone or who installed the fireplace, you may want to contact that entity for any advice on cleaning it safely.
In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.
Pellet stoves do require electricity to power their automated features, such as the pellet feeder, fans, and digital controls. However, their electricity consumption is relatively low compared to other household appliances. During a power outage, pellet stoves equipped with battery backup systems or manual ignition options can still operate, though fans and automatic feed mechanisms may not function. Have a backup heating plan in place for these situations, especially if you live in a region prone to severe weather events.
Depending on who’s doing the estimating, about 22,000 to 25,000 chimney fires happen each year in the United States. Given the fact that millions of Americans have fireplaces (and chimneys), that means chimney fires aren’t exactly common—but they’re not rare, either. Since they’re so dangerous, it’s important to take precautions to prevent them.
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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