Get matched with top fireplace pros in Newfolden, MN

Depending on who’s doing the estimating, about 22,000 to 25,000 chimney fires happen each year in the United States. Given the fact that millions of Americans have fireplaces (and chimneys), that means chimney fires aren’t exactly common—but they’re not rare, either. Since they’re so dangerous, it’s important to take precautions to prevent them.

You don’t necessarily need a chimney for a pellet stove. However, all pellet stoves need some type of venting system to get rid of gasses and other potentially harmful byproducts of combustion. If you don’t have a chimney, an alternative option is to vent your pellet stove through an exterior wall of your home.

A 40-pound bag of wood pellets can provide a solid 24 hours or so of burn time, though the exact length may vary. If you’re using your pellet stove as an exclusive heat source during the winter, you’ll need an estimated 100 to 150 of those 40-pound bags, depending on how hot you like to keep your home, its size, the climate, and other factors.

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.