How do I know if my chimney is safe to use?

• <div><p>One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.</p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Chatham, MI

Q: What is a pellet stove?

• <div><p>Pellet stoves are used as heat sources for homes. They work by burning biomass pallets, which might be composed of wood, sawdust, or food waste. The pellets are stored in the stove's hopper until the stove is ignited, at which point some are released into the stove's firebox to burn for heat. Unlike most fireplaces, pellet stoves have a thermostat that adjusts the temperature by releasing more or fewer pellets, depending on how warm you want to make your living space.</p></div>

Q: How do I know what type of fireplace I currently have?

• <div><p>If you have a gas fireplace, you should be able to see a vent exiting the fireplace directly to the outside of your home. You may also see gas lines leading to the fireplace. If the firebox in the fireplace is completely empty, it&rsquo;s a wood-burning fireplace. There should be no burners or igniters in the fireplace.</p></div>

Q: Can you use a chimney without a flue?

• <div><p>No. Removing the cause of concern will only lead to deeper concern. You cannot use any fire-powered appliance like a fireplace or furnace without an escape route for the smoke and fumes. If you remove the flue intending to repair or replace it, you should only use the fireplace, wood stove, or furnace once the flue is in working order. If you cannot replace the flue you have removed, call a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/chimney-repair/">chimney repair professional</a> immediately.</p></div>

Q: What is the disadvantage of a wood furnace?

• <div><p>One disadvantage of a wood furnace is that you need a constant supply of wood to run it. Even if you have a good amount of wood on your property (or have another way to get affordable wood), you&rsquo;ll still need to chop it, store it, and re-fuel your furnace with it to keep your house heated. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your fireplace service project in Chatham, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Chatham, MI

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Chatham, MI 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 Chatham, MI 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 March 24, 2023

Reviewed in March 2023
EV staff were punctual and very professional. They explained the process and detailed the cost estimate to include the entire job. There were no surprises or hidden expenses..
Enviro-FOAM
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2022
Excellent work at s reasonable price. He arrived on time and did not mind when I continually added jobs to the original plan. He patched drywall and made my kitchen, basement, front porch all look like brand new. I would hire him again.
Red White & Blue Paint Crew
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2020
I had Merrifield Exteriors install new basement windows in our home. They were great to work with and we are very pleased. I recommend them highly.
Merrifield Exteriors, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2019
I would not have been able to stay in Florida if he had not made my steps into my trailer so I could get in easily. He made them exactly like I wanted. I can go up and down easily and safely and I would recommend him to anyone.
Acosta Flooring
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2018
Very thorough and did a great job! I will use them every time I need gutters cleaned.
101st Professionals
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2018
Ramon responded quickly to my initial inquiry about installing new granite countertops in our condo. Within the week, the area was measured and, we visited AZ Tile and chose a slab. Elvis and his crew installed them during the evening hours ,to accomodate our schedule. They were...
Granite Karma, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2017
Very professional and a pleasure to work with. I recommend them.
Foundation Recovery Systems
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2017
Employees are courteous and work hard to complete all requested work.
Hummingbird Landscape and Design, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2016
I will never use this company again. They did no work and sent me a bill for $337.05. The invoice did not break down the per hour labor cost so called. Was told lobar was time was 3.5 hours at $84.30 per hour ($295.05) plus I was billed mileage totaling $42...total cost of $337.05. I live in...
DRESSELER MECHANICAL INC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
They came on time & started right away & did a wonderful job. Very professional.
Johnson Glass Cleaning
Request a quote

Find Fireplace pros in Chatham

Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

4.5(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+3 more

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Chuck arrived with a helper and explained everything to us. He cleaned the chimney and left us with some estimates for potential work. He was knowledgeable and pleasant. I would use him again."

+31

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

81 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Swick Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electrical

4.0(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyGas, Pellet, or Wood Stove - InstallClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+6 more

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Swick provides home services to Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, Munising and the greater area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our services include Heating & Cooling, Electric, Plumbing, Electric Stove & Fireplace and related home services. Quality doesn't cost, it pays!

68 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything is going great. Also added some other equipment such as app controlled door locks, etc."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Request Quote

Heating Solutions Inc

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 Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

At our company, we take immense pride in our wealth of experience, expertise, and the exceptional customer service we offer to meet our clients' needs. Our mission is to consistently deliver outstanding design work and drawings, from project initiation to completion. We place great emphasis on understanding and exceeding our customers' needs and expectations, ensuring that every interaction is conducted with the utmost professionalism. Our reputation is founded on top-notch service and quality, irrespective of the size of the project. Get in touch with us today!

Request Quote

Atlas Masonry And Construction

New to Angi

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

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Atlas Masonry And Construction is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Request Quote

Magnetic Services LLC

1.0(

)

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

At Magnetic Services, we provide dependable garage door services homeowners can trust, built on honesty, integrity, and quality workmanship. Our skilled team is committed to keeping your garage door operating safely and smoothly, whether you need a repair, replacement, installation, or routine maintenance. From broken springs and damaged panels to opener issues and full garage door upgrades, we handle every job with care and expertise. We combine local, personalized service with reliable support, allowing us to respond quickly and provide solutions that fit your homes needs. At Magnetic Services, our goal is to exceed expectations and be your trusted partner for safe, efficient, and long-lasting garage door service. Call today!

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Pellet stoves are used as heat sources for homes. They work by burning biomass pallets, which might be composed of wood, sawdust, or food waste. The pellets are stored in the stove's hopper until the stove is ignited, at which point some are released into the stove's firebox to burn for heat. Unlike most fireplaces, pellet stoves have a thermostat that adjusts the temperature by releasing more or fewer pellets, depending on how warm you want to make your living space.

If you have a gas fireplace, you should be able to see a vent exiting the fireplace directly to the outside of your home. You may also see gas lines leading to the fireplace. If the firebox in the fireplace is completely empty, it’s a wood-burning fireplace. There should be no burners or igniters in the fireplace.

No. Removing the cause of concern will only lead to deeper concern. You cannot use any fire-powered appliance like a fireplace or furnace without an escape route for the smoke and fumes. If you remove the flue intending to repair or replace it, you should only use the fireplace, wood stove, or furnace once the flue is in working order. If you cannot replace the flue you have removed, call a chimney repair professional immediately.

One disadvantage of a wood furnace is that you need a constant supply of wood to run it. Even if you have a good amount of wood on your property (or have another way to get affordable wood), you’ll still need to chop it, store it, and re-fuel your furnace with it to keep your house heated.

One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.

The Chatham, MI homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Allie Ogletree
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
How Much Does a Bioethanol Fireplace Cost? [2026 Data]
Bioethanol fireplaces are a chimney- and vent-free way to enjoy a real-flame fire in your home. Keep reading to find out how much ethanol fireplaces cost.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Sep 14, 2026Sep 14, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Haley Nothstein
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Use our guide to estimate your fireplace repair costs, based on the type of fireplace you have—and what part is broken.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
11 Parts of a Fireplace You Should Know
There are many working parts of a fireplace, and a basic understanding of their functions can help homeowners properly maintain all of them over time.
Kaitlyn Pacheco
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
50+ Stylish Fireplace Ideas to Boost Your Home’s Value
Did you know fireplaces are a profitable home feature? From cozy indoor retreats to trendy outdoor designs, these fireplace ideas are sure to inspire you.
C.E. Larusso
•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
12 Cozy Bedroom Fireplace Ideas to Consider
With a few easy decorating tips, you can make your bedroom fireplace the stylish focal point of your room. Up the cozy aesthetic of your bedroom with these 12 ideas.