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Yes, there are regulations on using wood stoves, particularly concerning emissions and installation standards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets emission limits for wood stoves to ensure they burn cleaner and more efficiently. Additionally, local building codes may have specific requirements for installation and venting, so it's essential to check with local authorities before installing or upgrading your stove.

Sap, despite its stickiness, is primarily made of water and is responsible for wood being “green” when it’s first cut. Green wood doesn’t burn very easily and will snap and crackle a lot, not ideal for a fire pit or fireplace. That’s why it’s best to let fresh, sap-filled wood season or dry out for at least a season before you start burning.

The best time to clean your chimney is before you actually need to use it. For most of us, that means getting your chimney cleaned in the spring, summer, or early fall. You may find that chimney sweeps are booked up when the winter months fade and the first round of customers begin to hire them for cleanings, but you also don’t want to wait until too late in the fall when chimney sweeps might be responding to other customers who waited until the last minute. Thus, the safest bet may be the summer.

Like any other household appliance, electric fireplaces can wear out after about 10 to 20 years. With more frequent use, the parts will wear out quicker, and you may get just 7 to 10 years out of a well-loved electric fireplace. Fortunately, electric fireplaces come with a lower upfront installation cost compared to alternatives like gas, so you can install a replacement for less.