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Some types of electric fireplaces use more electricity than others. Models that produce 1,500 watts will have more of an effect on your heating bill than 750-watt models. 

Electric fireplaces use an average of $1.85 of electricity every eight hours. These minimal operational costs aren’t likely to make a big difference in your electric bill—unless you’re using it as a primary heating source for your home and it’s running most of the time.

Chimneys should either be sealed or waterproofed, which is different from sealing off—closing at both ends—a chimney. Waterproofing and sealing are both crucial steps to take to prevent water damage and the chimney leaking inside the house. While waterproofing is more comprehensive, both help safeguard your chimney, extending its life span and preventing expensive repairs. 

The best style of chimney cap for a brick chimney is one that fits tightly around the brick top of the chimney. The cap should have a screen to fully enclose it to keep animals out. The best materials include stainless steel, copper, or aluminum that fit tightly or are custom fabricated for a perfect fit on your chimney.

Removing a chimney is difficult. You may need to take it out brick by brick from inside the walls. If it’s part of the load bearing structure of the home, removing it becomes even more difficult. Chimney removal cost can range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the job, and whether or not it’s load bearing. For this reason, many people will choose to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the bottom and top. You could remove the visible exterior section of the chimney at the roofline before sealing it, too.