Is a fireplace insert safer than a fireplace?

• <div><p>Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.</p><p>Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.</p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Onaway, MI

Q: Do all chimneys need a damper?

• <div><p>No, not all chimneys need a damper. However, most chimneys do, especially in newer homes. Most gas-burning fireplaces cannot function safely without a damper. Only some older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without one. A chimney without a damper is essentially just an open hole in the roof of your home.</p></div>

Q: What maintenance helps keep fireplaces and chimneys in good condition?

• <div><p>Creosote control, maintaining cap mesh integrity, and swift repairs keep systems robust.</p></div>

Q: Why doesn’t my chimney flue close?

• <div><p>If you haven&rsquo;t had your chimney cleaned in some time, soot and grime can build up, making it difficult for the lever to release to close the flue. When this happens, locate the lever and clean it thoroughly. If this doesn&rsquo;t help, consult with a fireplace repair pro to examine it for you.</p></div>

Q: How do I know which size wood stove fan to choose?

• <div><p>Selecting the right size wood stove fan depends on the size of your stove and the room it heats. Larger stoves or rooms may benefit from fans with larger or multiple blades, as these can move more air efficiently. Consider the fan's specifications and airflow capacity to match it with your stove's heat output for optimal performance. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Onaway, MI

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Onaway, 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 Onaway, 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 April 21, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
TimberRidge Pro did a fine job on our master bath renovation . AJ was great at offering ideas and suggestions for products to use. He actually met us at Home Depot to help us make choices! That was VERY impressive! He began our job 2 weeks early (what contractor does that?) and had all of our...
TimberRidge Pro
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Reviewed in August 2024
Going on time, and on budget.
Zuker Building
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Reviewed in January 2024
On time and very nice
BayView Electric
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Reviewed in January 2024
Great price nd floors look amazing
Chris Prow Contractor
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Reviewed in December 2023
Very helpful and efficient interactions to determine structural requirements for windows in foundation wall.
SJW Engineering LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Darryl did an amazing job on painting my bathroom and installing a dimmer switch. He also converted my kitchen light from fluorescent to LED. Would highly recommend!
Next level services
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Reviewed in September 2022
This is the go to company for these services. One of the few that actual exceed expectations. I cannot recommend them enough.
Northern Window Washing
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Reviewed in September 2022
AMAZING! Friendly, Thorough and did such a GREAT JOB I am going to continue with them for a very long time! WOW! Amazing Difference in my home!!
Locke's Housekeeping
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Reviewed in August 2022
Spectacular customer service skills for starters! She cleaned places I never thought about, thoroughly I might add! In a timely manner to boot. Extremely pleased with the job she did! 10/10 recommended to friends and family
Locke's Housekeeping
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Find Fireplace pros in Onaway

Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

4.5(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+3 more

Serving Onaway, 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%

163 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Alexis Huston

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 Onaway, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

I’ve been in the cleaning business for the last 15 years. I am 34 with two young children and really enjoy cleaning and organizing, making space for homeowners to feel more clear minded and less stressed.

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

Serving Onaway, 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 Onaway, 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 Onaway, 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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New Era Contracting

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 Onaway, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. As a locally owned and operated business you can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today, and we look forward to working with you!

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Northern Husky Pressure Washing

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 Onaway, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Welcome to Northern Husky Pressure Washing. We are the premier professional home improvement company in Michigan. We offer the highest quality and most attentive customer service. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Whether your project involves minor cleaning or a complete property cleaning, we are glad to be your number one choice. Please call us today to schedule your appointment!

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

No, not all chimneys need a damper. However, most chimneys do, especially in newer homes. Most gas-burning fireplaces cannot function safely without a damper. Only some older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without one. A chimney without a damper is essentially just an open hole in the roof of your home.

Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.

Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.

Creosote control, maintaining cap mesh integrity, and swift repairs keep systems robust.

If you haven’t had your chimney cleaned in some time, soot and grime can build up, making it difficult for the lever to release to close the flue. When this happens, locate the lever and clean it thoroughly. If this doesn’t help, consult with a fireplace repair pro to examine it for you.

Selecting the right size wood stove fan depends on the size of your stove and the room it heats. Larger stoves or rooms may benefit from fans with larger or multiple blades, as these can move more air efficiently. Consider the fan's specifications and airflow capacity to match it with your stove's heat output for optimal performance.

The Onaway, MI homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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

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