How do I know if my chimney is safe?

• <div><p>There are a few things you can look out for to ensure your chimney is safe to use. Check for the following issues:</p><ul><li><p>Cracks or missing pieces in the masonry of the chimney</p></li><li><p>Creosote buildup in the chimney, which is a black, tar-like substance</p></li><li><p>Cracks, stains, or scorch marks in the firebox</p></li><li><p>Water stains in or around the fireplace</p></li><li><p>A broken or stuck damper</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What are the three types of stoves?

• <div><p>Gas, electric, and inductive. Technically speaking, inductive stoves also fall under the electric stove category. However, they use electromagnetic energy to turn the cookware itself into a heat source instead of heating the burner to heat the cookware. As a result, they ensure precise temperature control, which is often the biggest complaint from people switching from gas to electric.</p></div>

Q: When should I replace my fireplace?

• <div><p>Deciding when to replace your fireplace depends on its condition and your preferences. Replacements may be necessary if your fireplace shows extensive damage, safety issues, or inefficiency. Signs include deteriorating masonry, cracked firebox panels, or a faulty chimney. Aesthetic reasons, such as outdated design, can also drive replacement. Wanting something more sustainable and energy-efficient is another good reason to replace your old fireplace.</p></div>

Q: How long can I run a ventless fireplace?

• <div><p>Even though ventless fireplaces are safe to use overall, you shouldn&rsquo;t let them run for more than a few hours per day. It&rsquo;s also important to make sure the room with the fireplace is well-ventilated. If not, the water vapor from the fire could increase the humidity levels in your home, potentially resulting in mold growth.</p></div>

Q: Can I use any type of wood in my outdoor furnace?

• <div><p>While you have some flexibility in the types of wood you can use in your outdoor furnace, it's important to make wise choices for optimal performance and efficiency. Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry, are generally recommended for their higher energy content and cleaner burn. These hardwoods produce more heat per volume and tend to produce fewer creosote deposits, which can accumulate and cause a chimney fire, according to the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/frequent-questions-about-wood-burning-appliances#pollution">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Athena, OR

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Athena, OR 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 Athena, OR 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 August 07, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
Great company to work with! They were professional, responsive, and did an excellent job on our garage door. Everything was installed correctly and looks great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality work and great service.
SUMMIT GARAGE DOORS & GATES
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Reviewed in June 2025
They completed the job ahead of schedule. The work was excellent, as it was on an earlier job they did for us. Always go the extra mile to make sure all is as it should be and make us very happy. We wholeheartedly recommend the excellence of their work.
Mark J O'Neill Jr.
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Reviewed in August 2024
Great price, had my roof done in 2.5 days. Also left the property spotless.
RV American Roofing LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
They started on the exact day promised.....were very tidy and extremely respectful.....did an absolutely great job...love the new deck...would definitely recommend Mike and crew for any project you might have. Judy Harris Betts
Elk Head Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
We have had Ryan help us with several projects - including some that included plumbing and welding elements. He is also a great woodworker! He is conscientious, hardworking, honest. Highly recommended.
Handyham The Handyman
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Reviewed in April 2023
The best and most experienced company ever dealt with. Had others and never really solved problems. He very good and knows what needs be done. Once he did services all problems were solved no ants and no scorpions etc. can not say enough knows products Annâ s has best products out there
Norton Pest Control
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Reviewed in December 2022
We had some major water damage that had not been addressed before we moved in. The damage included water heater area and extended into the bathroom floor under the vanity. Let me tell you, this was not a pretty job to take on, and being an old mobile home, never straightforward. Greg was so kind...
G&L Builders LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
They did a great job. They did a really good job cleaning up. Prices are great as well.
Jones Excavation, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Ivan is SUPER quick and keeps my system running TOP NOTCH... Thanks Ivan *****
Total Comfort Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Great service we were really happy with the results and Gabriel being so helpful and kind willing to go above and beyond. I would highly recommend to anyone.
NW Surface Tech
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Find Fireplace pros in Athena

Nicks Eco Friendly Painting LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Approved

We are family owned and operated and have been serving Washington State for 15 years! The services we offer are Painting, drywall, carpentry and much more!! We strive on detail, quality and reasonable pricing. Over 20 years experience. We service all of Benton, Yakima, Franklin,and Umatilia Counties. Possibly farther depending on details we have done work all over Washington State.

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Jo Cleans

New to Angi

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

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Approved

Hi there! I’m Josephine, the one behind Jo Cleans, and I’m so glad you found me! ❤️ I genuinely love helping people make their homes feel fresh, comfortable, and welcoming. 🧽✨\n\nLife gets busy, messy, and overwhelming—there’s no judgment here! Whether you need a routine cleaning, deep clean, or just some help getting your space back under control, I’m here to help.\n\nI’m hardworking, dependable, detail-oriented, and I treat every home with the same care and respect I’d want for my own. My goal is simple: to make your life a little easier and leave your space looking and feeling its best!

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything is going great. Also added some other equipment such as app controlled door locks, etc."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+12 more

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Cleaning and installation services for your stoves and fireplaces. Whether it's wood, gas or pellet, we service them all. we have the experience, connections and style to bring your vision to life,on schedule and on budget! Call us today for the area's best!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.0(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace - Repair

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

"I have been using them for 3 years for multiple projects and would not go to somebody else. They also built a cabin in the woods. It was built 10 miles from the road so it was like carrying all the stuff up the path. They also did the garage and remodeling of the house, mostly kitchen and a little bit of plumbing work in the bathroom. I am still using them and I would be using them for the next thing that will be coming up too."

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I am a former United States Marine. I have experience in cleaning AND in organizing. I really enjoy this line of work.\nI have worked in restaurants closing and cleaning their grills, fryers, kitchen.

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KatesKeenKlean

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Having partnered in ownership of a cleaning company in San Diego California I bring a versatile set of skills to meet every demand. \nIncluding safe and toxic free cleaning agents and proper disposal of waste. \nQuick turnovers for airbnbs and or vacation rentals. \nReoccurring cleans for busy households. \nOne time standard clean, deep cleans, move out / in cleans.\nI also offer gift cards. \nAs homes can be on different levels of attention needed I prefer to bid the job after I am able to do a walk-through with the customer. \nGreat references and before and after pics.

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Gas, electric, and inductive. Technically speaking, inductive stoves also fall under the electric stove category. However, they use electromagnetic energy to turn the cookware itself into a heat source instead of heating the burner to heat the cookware. As a result, they ensure precise temperature control, which is often the biggest complaint from people switching from gas to electric.

Deciding when to replace your fireplace depends on its condition and your preferences. Replacements may be necessary if your fireplace shows extensive damage, safety issues, or inefficiency. Signs include deteriorating masonry, cracked firebox panels, or a faulty chimney. Aesthetic reasons, such as outdated design, can also drive replacement. Wanting something more sustainable and energy-efficient is another good reason to replace your old fireplace.

Even though ventless fireplaces are safe to use overall, you shouldn’t let them run for more than a few hours per day. It’s also important to make sure the room with the fireplace is well-ventilated. If not, the water vapor from the fire could increase the humidity levels in your home, potentially resulting in mold growth.

There are a few things you can look out for to ensure your chimney is safe to use. Check for the following issues:

Cracks or missing pieces in the masonry of the chimney
Creosote buildup in the chimney, which is a black, tar-like substance
Cracks, stains, or scorch marks in the firebox
Water stains in or around the fireplace
A broken or stuck damper

While you have some flexibility in the types of wood you can use in your outdoor furnace, it's important to make wise choices for optimal performance and efficiency. Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry, are generally recommended for their higher energy content and cleaner burn. These hardwoods produce more heat per volume and tend to produce fewer creosote deposits, which can accumulate and cause a chimney fire, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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