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The cost to replace a chimney damper ranges from $160 to $520, depending on the type of damper and the complexity of the installation. If you're looking to repair an existing damper, expect to pay around $100 and $225, depending on the extent of the damage and your location. Hiring a professional ensures proper installation or repair, which can help maintain energy efficiency and prevent drafts, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term savings.

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.

No, you should never leave a fireplace burning overnight or unattended during the day. While fireplaces are made to contain fires, fires can and do spread from fireplaces, so it’s crucial that you’re there to monitor them and put them out if needed. If you’re worried about putting out a fire before bed, stop feeding it fuel long before bedtime and actively put out the fire using your poker, a shovel, and some baking soda.

The installation cost for a brick or stone gas fireplace typically ranges from $3,500 to $12,000. Key factors that influence the total expense include the type of material chosen, labor costs, the setup for the gas line, venting requirements, and any custom design elements.