Best fireplace pros near Edgerton, MN

Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.

Depending on the model of your fireplace, you can leave your pilot light on year-round. This does use a small amount of fuel, so you’ll save on your energy bill by turning off the pilot light seasonally. Keep in mind that some gas fireplace models don’t have a standing pilot light.

Professional chimney cleaning, also known as chimney sweeping, typically costs between $130 and $400, with a national average of about $260. The final price depends on several factors, including the size and accessibility of your chimney, the number of chimneys being cleaned, and the type of chimney you have. A standard cleaning involves a chimney sweep scraping creosote, dirt, and other debris from the entire flue. Many professionals also include an inspection with this service, but the cost of any necessary repairs is typically extra. Additional services, such as installing a fireplace damper, will also increase the total cost. It is recommended to schedule a cleaning and inspection annually, preferably before you begin using your fireplace for the season, and to get price quotes from at least three companies to find the best deal.

Yes, it can be worth installing a gas fireplace, depending on your home heating needs. The cost to install a gas fireplace can be much lower than the cost to install a comparable wood-burning fireplace. The convenience of starting a fire with the flip of a switch and turning it off just as quickly makes a gas fireplace a big time saver over starting and maintaining a wood-fueled fire. A gas fireplace also does not require ash cleanup or frequent chimney cleaning to remove creosote and other buildup that can lead to chimney fires. Gas fireplaces burn and heat much more cleanly than wood fireplaces.