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There are several maintenance tips you should take to ensure your pellet stove's safety and proper maintenance. You should vacuum the ash pan every week to prevent overflowing and clean the stove and surrounding vents every three to four months. It’s also important to get a professional inspection every year and install a carbon monoxide detector close to your stove. Be sure to dispose of hot ashes in a closed metal container; store it outside, away from the house. Only use the pellets recommended by your stove's manufacturer, and follow any cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Chimney caps are necessary both from a building safety standpoint in most municipalities and to keep your home protected from a variety of issues. Chimney caps are not only mandated by building code in most areas, but they also serve to keep squirrels, raccoons, and other pests out of your home, as well as snow and rain. Therefore, they help to avoid property damage, making them a worthwhile investment.

A fireplace can increase a home's value by as much as 12%, with some reports indicating that homes with fireplaces list for around 13% more than the median sale price. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a charm that many homebuyers find desirable. The actual return on investment depends on the fireplace's size, type, and material.

However, a fireplace can detract from a property's value if it is unusable, not up to code, or in need of immediate repairs. The type of fireplace also matters; custom electric fireplaces and inserts can add value, while freestanding units that can be removed have less impact.

You should only use water to put out a fire in your fireplace in an emergency situation. Even then, it is better to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire quickly. Make sure every room in your house that has a fireplace also has a fire extinguisher—and that everyone in your household knows how to use one.