Get matched with top gas fireplace pros in Norridgewock, ME

If you're looking for supplemental heating for your home, an electric fireplace can be worth purchasing. A prefab, freestanding model will only set you back a few hundred dollars and can help to heat up drafty or cooler rooms. Electric fireplaces don't have the maintenance requirements of gas or wood-burning fireplaces and don't require you to buy wood or other fuel.

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.

When it comes to noise levels, outdoor wood furnaces typically fall within a manageable range that's comparable to other standard heating systems. The noise generated by an outdoor wood furnace is primarily attributed to the operation of the fan and blower components responsible for circulating heated air throughout your home.

These fans and blowers are designed to minimize sound while effectively distributing warmth. While you might notice a subtle hum or airflow noise when they're in operation, it's generally not intrusive or disruptive to your daily activities.

Removing a chimney is difficult. You may need to take it out brick by brick from inside the walls. If it’s part of the load bearing structure of the home, removing it becomes even more difficult. Chimney removal cost can range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the job, and whether or not it’s load bearing. For this reason, many people will choose to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the bottom and top. You could remove the visible exterior section of the chimney at the roofline before sealing it, too.