Get matched with top gas fireplace pros in Bladenboro, NC

Yes, burning wood with Dutch elm disease is a safer way to dispose of it than, say, tossing it in with the rest of your yard waste, which could potentially allow it to spread to healthy trees. But it’s always a good idea to check with your local government to make sure you’re complying with any ordinances about removing diseased trees as well as burning brush piles.

Typically, a home that has a functioning fireplace will be worth more to a buyer than the exact same home without a fireplace. Having a fireplace is a desirable feature among many home buyers. However, if your fireplace is in poor shape or needs extensive repairs at the time you are trying to sell the home, it may end up detracting from the home’s value in the eyes of buyers, making removal an option worth considering.

Both wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can emit smoke and other combustion gases that are harmful to human health. According to the American Lung Association, wood smoke can lead to coughing and wheezing as well as long-term health impacts like increased risks for heart attacks and stroke. 

Newer models meet the modern efficiency standards set in 2020 by the Environmental Protection Agency for cleaner burning, more efficient wood stoves. Regular maintenance can also minimize smoke.

While fireplace inserts can help you make more use of your fireplace, they do come with some drawbacks. Some cons of fireplace inserts include the sometimes high cost of the insert and installation, the ongoing maintenance to buy fuel and clean the fireplace insert, and the efficiency. Fireplace inserts can operate more efficiently than an open fireplace, but they may not heat your home as evenly as an HVAC system.