Get matched with top fireplace pros in Hancock, MI

Cracks in the chimney can be very serious, depending on their location and size. Even small cracks can become serious over time if left unrepaired. Cracks allow heat and moisture to deteriorate your chimney and harmful carbon monoxide gas to seep into your home. Small cracks can often be caulked, while large cracked sections may require full replacement.

A fireplace can increase a home's value by as much as 12%, with some reports indicating that homes with fireplaces list for around 13% more than the median sale price. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a charm that many homebuyers find desirable. The actual return on investment depends on the fireplace's size, type, and material.

However, a fireplace can detract from a property's value if it is unusable, not up to code, or in need of immediate repairs. The type of fireplace also matters; custom electric fireplaces and inserts can add value, while freestanding units that can be removed have less impact.

Not all gas fireplaces need a chimney. If you install a ventless gas fireplace, it will release low levels of combustion byproducts back into your living space (instead of pushing them outside through a chimney or vent). Ventless fireplaces burn fuel efficiently, so the emissions are minimal—but they could bother people with allergies or respiratory issues.

Both wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can emit smoke and other combustion gases that are harmful to human health. According to the American Lung Association, wood smoke can lead to coughing and wheezing as well as long-term health impacts like increased risks for heart attacks and stroke. 

Newer models meet the modern efficiency standards set in 2020 by the Environmental Protection Agency for cleaner burning, more efficient wood stoves. Regular maintenance can also minimize smoke.