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Pellet stoves are safer than wood stoves in many ways. They don’t produce as many creosote deposits as wood stoves do, they create less smoke, and the flames are contained, decreasing the risk of any sparks or embers creating a house fire. Pellet stoves also burn more cleanly and efficiently than wood stoves do.

Like other kinds of masonry and brickwork, a properly installed chimney should have a lifespan that extends beyond multiple generations of homeowners. But there are parts of the chimney that will need to be replaced more frequently. 

• Clay tile or cast-in-place liners should be replaced every 50 years.

• Stainless steel liners will last an average of 15–20 years.

• Mortar will require replacement every 25–30 years.

• Chimney crowns have an average lifespan of 50–75 years.

Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.

Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.

Running a gas fireplace is potentially cheaper than using central heating if you are heating a single room and don’t need to heat the entire house. That's because gas fireplaces are a better source of direct heat, making them more efficient for warming small spaces. Central heating, while more efficient for whole-home warmth, uses more energy overall. Strategically using a gas fireplace, therefore, can help lower heating bills.