Best fireplace pros near Appleton, MN

You don’t need electricity for a wood-burning stove unless it has a blower fan. Some wood-burning stoves include blower fans to help with heat distribution, but blower fans have a motor and use electricity to power the fan. You can still operate a wood stove without using the blower fan, so it’s a good source of heat if you have a power outage or are looking to lower your electric bill during winter.

Beyond having an inspection, it’s important to do chimney maintenance at least annually to be certain the chimney is safe to use. Cleaning the flue of any built-up particles, creosote, and soot reduces the risk of fire. Fortunately, the cost of hiring a pro to do a chimney inspection often includes a chimney cleaning, so you may not have an extra expense for maintenance.

For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.

Firewood tends to be cheaper during the spring and summer. When the demand for firewood is lower during these seasons, many firewood companies offer lower prices and added discounts. In addition, the supply of firewood is typically higher in these months, meaning the quality is typically higher as well.