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You can use a fireplace with a broken damper, but only if the damper is in the open position. If not, your fireplace will not properly vent smoke outdoors. Never operate your fireplace if the damper is sealed shut and you cannot open it, as deadly smoke will quickly fill your home. If your fireplace damper is broken, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

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.

Visible signs that call for repair include cracks in the structure, the bricks, or mortar as well as loose bricks, flaky mortar, and chimney leaks. Some less obvious signs are dampness, discoloration, and efflorescence, a white substance that can look like a pale stain on the bricks. All of these indicate water damage, which can be devastating to a chimney’s safety.

In many cases, yes, you can remove a fireplace while keeping the chimney. You’d just need to seal the chimney at the bottom and the top. If you’re considering this option, bring it up with your chimney professional. They can determine if your chimney can remain intact without the support of the fireplace underneath it.