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Creosote logs can help to reduce new creosote build-up by about 60%, however they don’t replace regular cleaning. While creosote logs can help to prevent build-up of creosote in your chimney, they won’t remove build-up that’s already there. Creosote logs can be used as a preventative measure in conjunction with regular cleaning, but you will still need to clean your chimney about once per year.

The easiest fireplace to build is an electric fireplace. These aren’t true fireplaces but can mimic the look of a traditional fireplace. True fireplaces, made of brick and stone, are complex and require professional installation; adding them to an existing home is demanding and expensive. You could spend $30,000 to have a real fireplace installed.

There are several maintenance tips you should take to ensure your pellet stove's safety and proper maintenance. You should vacuum the ash pan every week to prevent overflowing and clean the stove and surrounding vents every three to four months. It’s also important to get a professional inspection every year and install a carbon monoxide detector close to your stove. Be sure to dispose of hot ashes in a closed metal container; store it outside, away from the house. Only use the pellets recommended by your stove's manufacturer, and follow any cleaning and maintenance instructions.

No, there are no ventless pellet stoves. Because pellet stoves burn wood pellets, they produce wood smoke—which contains carbon monoxide. This harmful substance needs to be vented out of your living area. That said, there are vent-free and ventless fireplaces that run on natural gas and propane. These offer the heating and ambiance of a fireplace without the need to vent thick and hazardous wood smoke.