Get matched with top fireplace pros in Thurman, NY

Q: Can you use a fireplace after the insert is removed?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: Can I inspect my own chimney?

• <div><p>Homeowners can conduct basic visual inspections and cleaning, but professionals provide thorough checks that identify hidden issues safely.</p></div>

Q: What is the best type of firewood?

• <div><p>Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.</p></div>

Q: What materials should I not use to clean soot off a stone fireplace?

• <div><p>Avoid using abrasive cleansing powders on natural stone, as these products could damage the porous material. Using bleach is also a poor idea because of the porosity of the stone. Avoid using a scrub brush with metal bristles, as they could scratch the stone. If you know who manufactured your stone or who installed the fireplace, you may want to contact that entity for any advice on cleaning it safely.</p></div>

Q: Can you burn other materials in a pellet stove?

• <div><p>No. Pellet stoves are specifically designed to burn manufactured wood or biomass pellets. Attempting to burn other materials, such as regular firewood or paper products, can damage the stove, compromise its efficiency, and even pose safety hazards due to inconsistent combustion and increased emissions. It's crucial to follow manufacturer guidelines and only use pellets that are specifically recommended for your pellet stove model to ensure safe and optimal performance over its life span.</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 chimneyPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas) - InstallGas, Pellet, or Wood Stove - 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

16 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

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%

82 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

4.2(

)

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+3 more

Serving Thurman, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Serving the Tri-State Area, Shamrock Chimney will provide you with a dedicated approach to ensure your chimney is kept clean and safe. Our team provides chimney solutions for every problem, protecting homes from dangers of leaking chimneys and flues. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

+57

23 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by16%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%

6 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

"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 outstanding. Highest possible recommendation from this homeowner."

+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

"Wonderful, much better than I ever would expect! Guys were professional, responsible, on time and very considerate of our house and belongings. Would highly recommend these guys again!!!!!!"

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

"The experience was good. They were very punctual and very professional. The servicemen even wore plastic booties to make sure he’s not messing up the house. They came exactly when they say they were going to come. They did their normal job. With price, you always like the cheapest."

Recommended by98%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 37

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

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.

Homeowners can conduct basic visual inspections and cleaning, but professionals provide thorough checks that identify hidden issues safely.

Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.

Avoid using abrasive cleansing powders on natural stone, as these products could damage the porous material. Using bleach is also a poor idea because of the porosity of the stone. Avoid using a scrub brush with metal bristles, as they could scratch the stone. If you know who manufactured your stone or who installed the fireplace, you may want to contact that entity for any advice on cleaning it safely.

No. Pellet stoves are specifically designed to burn manufactured wood or biomass pellets. Attempting to burn other materials, such as regular firewood or paper products, can damage the stove, compromise its efficiency, and even pose safety hazards due to inconsistent combustion and increased emissions. It's crucial to follow manufacturer guidelines and only use pellets that are specifically recommended for your pellet stove model to ensure safe and optimal performance over its life span.

The Thurman, NY homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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