Get matched with top fireplace pros in Thurman, NY

Q: Do all chimneys need a damper?

• <div><p>No, not all chimneys need a damper. However, most chimneys do, especially in newer homes. Most gas-burning fireplaces cannot function safely without a damper. Only some older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without one. A chimney without a damper is essentially just an open hole in the roof of your home.</p></div>

Q: Are elm trees good for firewood?

• <div><p>Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce&mdash;which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke&mdash;elm isn&rsquo;t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.</p><p>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&rsquo;t a bad choice overall.</p></div>

Q: What is the best style of chimney cap?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Can a hot fire burn off or remove creosote?

• <div><p>While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.</p></div>

Q: Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace?

• <div><p>Depending on the model of your fireplace, you can leave your pilot light on year-round. This does use a small amount of fuel, so you&rsquo;ll save on your energy bill by turning off the pilot light seasonally. Keep in mind that some gas fireplace models don&rsquo;t have a standing pilot light.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Thurman, NY

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Thurman, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Thurman, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on December 10, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Had our chimney cleaned by Champ’s today! Jared was excellent!!! Was very communicative, and informative! Did a superb job with prompt, polite and professional service! Would highly recommend!
Champs
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Reviewed in March 2025
I called A&F because I was having trouble with my wood burning stove. I had smoke coming into the living room whenever we lit a fire. I had called local places and two separate times, the companies didn’t call or show up. I spoke to Al at A&F and they showed up and quickly diagnosed the problem....
A and F Chimney Service LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
Scott and his crew are AMAZING!! Scott returned our call on the same day. He discusses all the cost associated with you project in a very timely manner. Scott and his crew are very respectful, friendly and certainly know exactly what they are doing. Scott stands by his and his crew's work....
Phoenix Properties Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
A+ across the board! Service by technicians Jeremy and his apprentice was prompt, thorough, professional and courteous. From the complete cleaning of fireplace insert and chimney flue to exterior inspection of chimney and flashing, replete with a detailed photo summary, the entire experience was...
Chimney Heroes
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Reviewed in May 2022
Julia did a great job in my home. I met her through her furniture business, I hired her to paint my fireplace. She did great job and would hire her again in a heartbeat!
Restore and Decor on Lawrence, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
APX handled the remodel of my kitchen, fireplace, flooring throughout and bathroom. It turned out perfect! Alex was very attentive and listened to my ideas/concerns. He was very easy to work with. We ran into a couple of unexpected snags and he was very innovative and flexible even with my...
APX Home Improvement, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2016
Based on calls to other Sweeps covering the area they were more reasonable on pricing and able to respond in the time frame we needed. Bob was prompt and professional. He took the time to explain what he was doing and show me what he found. Then he provided information on maintenance options...
Champs Chimney, Awning & Fireplace
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Reviewed in January 2014
On 12/24, at 2:30 pm, we realized we had no heat. Guests were arriving for Christmas. <br /> We called Sears immediately, and they initially promised a service call on 12/31. We begged, and they moved it up to 12/28. We had neither heat nor hot water, as the boiler provided both....
SEARS HOME IMPROVEMENT PRODUCTS
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Reviewed in October 2012
I am in contract to buy this house, and was concerned about the chimney and it's flues based on the home inspector's report. I called Jamie in to do a more detailed inspection and estimate. <br /> We started in the basement, where we inspected the cleanouts for the two flues. Jamie carefully...
Chimney Heroes
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Reviewed in December 2008
Replaced flue liner with diameter that is too small. Rumford fireplace is now smoking up the family room. Called to complain and Mike sent his assistant, who told me i needed a grate raised up on bricks to improve the draw. The crew broke the throat damper during installation. Mike sent a...
Absolute Chimney
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Find Fireplace pros in Thurman

Champs Chimney, Awning & Fireplace

4.7(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyGas, Pellet, or Wood Stove - InstallPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas) - Install+2 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very professional. Called before they arrive as promised. Josh clearly knows his stuff and was very friendly. We just had new carpet installed in the room with the fireplace and he was very careful not to soil the carpet. Highly recommend."

Aristocrat Estate Retractable Awning 22 x 13

Regency E33 Gas Insert Masonry Fireplace

+15

Response time1 day

18 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Northeastern Chimney Solutions

4.2(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were very helpful and provided a lot of information and explanation, so I am happy with it!"

Response time1 day

Response rate95%

90 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

4.2(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyGas, Pellet, or Wood Stove - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair+3 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He did a wonderful job!"

+57

93 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by15%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+7 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent timely work. Costs were within quote."

Response time1 hour

Response rate99%

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Stella Stone & Steel LLC

5.0(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They are very professional, do beautiful work and are too craftsman, really nice guys to work with."

+53

Response time2 days

Response rate86%

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Lakeside pavers and hardscape

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+1 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

Doing paver work has been my passion for years. I think of it as an artisan style. Whatever you need or want. We can get done

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

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The Cleaning Momma

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

I’ve been cleaning majority of my life. It’s something I love to do. I like being able to clean and organize things.

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Our fireplace stopped working - Jorge and team showed up early and fixed the problem quickly and with no fuss. What more do you want? Good work all."

+13

Response time1 day

Recommended by91%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+9 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Fantastic. Prompt, quality and professional"

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Astar Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

4.8(

138

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+9 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1976

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did an excellent job."

Recommended by98%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 38

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

No, not all chimneys need a damper. However, most chimneys do, especially in newer homes. Most gas-burning fireplaces cannot function safely without a damper. Only some older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without one. A chimney without a damper is essentially just an open hole in the roof of your home.

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.

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.

While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.

Depending on the model of your fireplace, you can leave your pilot light on year-round. This does use a small amount of fuel, so you’ll save on your energy bill by turning off the pilot light seasonally. Keep in mind that some gas fireplace models don’t have a standing pilot light.

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