Get matched with top fireplace pros in Windom, MN

One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.

Some homes with wood-burning fireplaces don't have ash pits due to design choices, construction practices, or the age of the house. Many older abodes don't have them because ash pits weren't a standard feature when they were built. Additionally, in smaller homes or homes with less frequent fireplace use, builders might have opted to forgo an ash pit to reduce costs or simplify maintenance.

Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.

How to light a gas fireplace depends on the particular model of gas fireplace you have in your home. In most cases, you can light gas fireplaces using a control panel, remote, key, or switch. You should reference your fireplace’s manual to see how your unit operates.