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You should schedule a fireplace inspection at least once a year, per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). However, this is the minimum requirement even if you’re diligent with fireplace maintenance between uses. If you suspect your fireplace is malfunctioning, schedule one sooner to avoid fire hazards or the release of harmful emissions like carbon monoxide in your home.

In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.

Pellet stoves burn compressed wood byproducts, making them very efficient and clean-burning. However, even efficient combustion still produces fine dust particles, which could have an effect on the health of vulnerable people in your household, such as infants and people with asthma. A wood stove pro can help determine whether the levels in your home are unsafe.

You can relight a pilot light by yourself, but it’s not always the safest choice to do so. While the job is straightforward, a small mistake could end in a gas leak, fire, or explosion. That’s why we recommend everyone hire a pro for this job. Local furnace pros have lit dozens if not hundreds of pilot lights, and they’re well-versed and highly experienced in the proper safety protocols to keep you, your family, and your home safe while doing so.