Best fireplace pros near Mayville, MI

Fireplaces can theoretically help you save on heating bills if you lower the temperature throughout the rest of your home and heat only a single room that you occupy using the fireplace. However, in most cases, homeowners won’t save any money on heating bills. Gas and electric fireplace inserts could actually lead to a spike in your respective energy bills if you use them frequently, and if you don’t keep up with chimney maintenance and repairs, your traditional masonry fireplace could actually be a source of heat loss in the winter.

Yes, you should seal and cap an unused chimney to protect it from damage. Sealing the structure helps prevent moisture damage, which can lead to issues like cracks, spalling, efflorescence, and damaged mortar joints. Capping the chimney is also crucial to prevent blockages, damage from invasive critters, and downdrafts, while still allowing for proper air ventilation to manage moisture. For the best results, consult a chimney professional to select the right type of chimney or flue cap for your home. It's also wise to continue with annual chimney inspections to maintain the structure's integrity.

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. 

The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.