Get matched with top fireplace pros in Elwell, MI

Q: How can I tell if my chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed?

• <div><p>There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.</p></div>

Q: How difficult is it to remove a chimney?

• <div><p>Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.</p></div>

Q: Should you block both the top and bottom of your chimney?

• <div><p>You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.</p></div>

Q: What is the most efficient type of wood stove?

• <div><p>Soapstone wood stoves hold onto heat the longest, which means you can burn less fuel and enjoy the warmth for longer. Additionally, catalytic wood stoves include a catalytic combustor that can reduce emissions and create a cleaner burn no matter what the stove is made of. Of course, the most efficient wood stoves also tend to be costlier up front&mdash;but they can still save you money in the long run. </p></div>

Q: What are common issues found during a chimney inspection or cleaning?

• <div><p>Common issues discovered during a chimney inspection or cleaning include creosote buildup, cracked liners, structural degeneration or masonry degradation, and obstructions such as blocked flues or animal nests. These issues are potential safety hazards that can lead to combustion problems or poor air quality if not addressed.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Elwell, MI

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Elwell, 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 Elwell, 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 July 17, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
Very happy with Mr. Appliance. They arrived in a timely manner, placed a clean rug outside my door and placed clean booties over their shoes, keeping everything clean (this impressed me as most repair people or service people just track in whatever is on their feet. They found the issue with...
Mr. Appliance of Mid Michigan
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Reviewed in June 2026
Sully and Bryce were very friendly and professional. They worked hard and everything was cleaned up inside and out! I would recommend All Weather Seal to my family and friends!
All-Weather Seal of West Michigan
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Reviewed in February 2024
Christian and his team ran new wiring and circuits for a new lighting fixture over our kitchen bar. They did a great job and cleaned up afterwards. I would definitely call them again if we needed any additional work done.
Hollums Electric LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
They are pleasant, thoughtful, tell you exactly what they will be doing each day they come, one of the best interior paint jobs I have seen. Listen to you if you need to express any concerns. Always worked with my so-and-so I. AA+
Searle Painting and Staining
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Reviewed in April 2023
I found Adams Plumbing & Heating to be fast, professional, and reasonable with regard to cost. They fixed an urgent plumbing issue within the hour of calling; I'm very happy to have them as a resource here in Alma and would certainly recommend them.
ADAMS PLUMBING & HEATING INC
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Reviewed in January 2023
What a difference our house is so much warmer the drafts are gone. Their customer service was fantastic they cleaned up so well you canâ t even tell they were here.
RetroFoam of Michigan Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2022
I was very pleased with the quality and price! I Would definitely recommend considering Keystone 5S for your project needs!!
Keystone 5S, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
They did a great job removing a fallen tree on my property. Also there great on price and customer service.
Marvin's Lawn Care
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Reviewed in July 2022
Five Star Bath Solutions did a wonderful bathtub to shower conversion with new glass shower doors, grab bars, a bench, and shelves and a new shower faucet. They gave helpful advice on new bathroom storage, a new toilet, and new vanity lighting. Assembled these items and installed them for me....
Five Star Bath, Inc - Lansing
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Reviewed in March 2022
Showed up on time, very hard working crew! Clean up after removal of tree was exceptionally good. Would highly recommend them!
Big Bear Tree Care
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Find Fireplace pros in Elwell

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 Elwell, 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

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One pass masters

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 Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

Very hard working individual looking to subcontract work and make people some money and bring new jobs to housekeepers and cleaners daily

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

Serving Elwell, 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

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All American Chimneys

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - InstallPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

All American Chimneys is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. We look forward to working with you!

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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 Elwell, 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!

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RIA Home Solutions LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Credit card accepted

R.I.A. Home Solutions provides an affordable and experienced aide in all of your home projects! \n\nIn this economy our team understands that spending to much on something as simple as installing a window/door or even adding insulation to your attic can hurt the bank.\n\nThat is why as a family owned and operated contractor business we have a strict over head to reduce labor costs and offer you the affordable project you deserve!\n\nOur team has over a decade of experience across most industries including residential and commercial! \n\nSome of the services we offer:\n*Blown in Cellulose/Fiberglass\n*Attic Ventilation \n*Vinyl and Aluminum Siding Repairs\n*Landscaping\n*Driveway Seal Coating\n*Pressure/Soft Wash(Roofs/Siding/Pathways/Driveways)\n*Windows/Doors/Decks\n*Flooring/Drywall/Painting\n*Restoration\n\nContact us anytime for your free walkthrough and estimate! Email/PM/Call/Text

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

Serving Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Excellent experience I came home to a brand new place . Spotless from walls to the floors"

Response time1 hour

Response rate100%

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McMillen Residential Services

5.0(

)

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

Serving Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

McMillen Residential Services is a 3 division company. We offer concrete solutions and new construction along with patios and walk ways, Landscaping from mulch and rock beds, weeds ,seeding,hardscape and softscape. Lastly we provide full remodels and individual, flooring and drywall all the way to tile and framing, with 70 years of experience within our team we are your best option for project needs.

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Central Michigan Masonry

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Central Michigan Masonry 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.

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Bare knuckle Builders

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 Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

At Bare Knuckle Builders, we deliver renovations with impact - strong, stylish, and built to last. Whether you're selling, upgrading, or starting fresh, we'll transform your house into a home that's worth fighting for.

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Showing 1-10 of 20

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.

Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.

You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.

Soapstone wood stoves hold onto heat the longest, which means you can burn less fuel and enjoy the warmth for longer. Additionally, catalytic wood stoves include a catalytic combustor that can reduce emissions and create a cleaner burn no matter what the stove is made of. Of course, the most efficient wood stoves also tend to be costlier up front—but they can still save you money in the long run.

Common issues discovered during a chimney inspection or cleaning include creosote buildup, cracked liners, structural degeneration or masonry degradation, and obstructions such as blocked flues or animal nests. These issues are potential safety hazards that can lead to combustion problems or poor air quality if not addressed.

The Elwell, MI homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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