Get matched with top fireplace pros in Republic, MI

You can install a range hood and use the vent to protect your kitchen cabinets from heat and steam from the stovetop. For added heat protection, homeowners can install metal heat shields to exposed sections of the cabinets. It is also essential to keep cabinet surfaces clean by removing any grease buildup that can cause a fire.

While hardwoods are the best woods to burn, a few types of woods should be avoided when burning. Wood that has not had time to season, or “green wood,” should be avoided. The extra water in the wood makes it smoke horribly, which is not a quality you want. Additionally, it’s best to avoid any wood that is manufactured or has been treated, including coated or sealed wood, painted wood, or pressure-treated wood. These woods have chemicals that will be released into your air when burned and can cause health problems.

Certain fireplace repairs will require that your contractor is licensed, including anything that involves moving, installing, or repairing gas lines. In that case, your professional will need to be a certified plumber. You can use Angi’s licensing lookup tool to confirm that the company you’re hiring is properly licensed. Most states don’t have specific license requirements for other fireplace repairs, but most demand at least a general contractor’s license. It’s also a good idea to look for companies certified by the National Fireplace Institute, as those pros tend to be more qualified to carry out the repair.

The cost difference between a gas fireplace and a wood-burning fireplace depends on the type of wood-burning fireplace installed. The cost to install a gas fireplace tends to be cheaper than the cost to install a brick wood-burning fireplace. Installing a gas fireplace costs about $3,600 on average, whereas the cost to build a masonry wood-burning fireplace can go up to $30,000. The cost to install a wood-burning fireplace insert or stove can cost from $700 to $6,500, about the same as a gas fireplace on average.