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’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>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Athena, OR

Q: How do I get my bioethanol fireplace to run the longest?

• <div><p>A sneaky but important element to how long your new fireplace runs is choosing the right burner size. Avoid choosing a bioethanol fireplace with a small burner (less than two gallons) and opt for one that holds between two to four gallons for a longer burn time or else you&rsquo;ll be stuck frequently refilling your 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: 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: How often does a chimney need to be repointed and how long does the new pointing last?

• <div><p>When done correctly by a professional, chimney repointing can last for several decades&mdash;often 30 years or more. This maintenance is crucial for keeping the chimney structure sound, improving its waterproofing, and preventing more significant and costly repairs, such as a partial or complete rebuild. It is recommended to schedule an annual inspection to catch any potential issues early. If you notice the chimney's brickwork looks worn out or crumbly, you should hire a professional to inspect it.</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.

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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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!

1 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

A sneaky but important element to how long your new fireplace runs is choosing the right burner size. Avoid choosing a bioethanol fireplace with a small burner (less than two gallons) and opt for one that holds between two to four gallons for a longer burn time or else you’ll be stuck frequently refilling your fireplace.

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.

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.

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.

When done correctly by a professional, chimney repointing can last for several decades—often 30 years or more. This maintenance is crucial for keeping the chimney structure sound, improving its waterproofing, and preventing more significant and costly repairs, such as a partial or complete rebuild. It is recommended to schedule an annual inspection to catch any potential issues early. If you notice the chimney's brickwork looks worn out or crumbly, you should hire a professional to inspect it.

The Athena, OR homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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

See all articles

Allie Ogletree
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
How Much Does a Bioethanol Fireplace Cost? [2026 Data]
Bioethanol fireplaces are a chimney- and vent-free way to enjoy a real-flame fire in your home. Keep reading to find out how much ethanol fireplaces cost.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Sep 14, 2026Sep 14, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Haley Nothstein
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Use our guide to estimate your fireplace repair costs, based on the type of fireplace you have—and what part is broken.
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•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
11 Parts of a Fireplace You Should Know
There are many working parts of a fireplace, and a basic understanding of their functions can help homeowners properly maintain all of them over time.
Kaitlyn Pacheco
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Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
50+ Stylish Fireplace Ideas to Boost Your Home’s Value
Did you know fireplaces are a profitable home feature? From cozy indoor retreats to trendy outdoor designs, these fireplace ideas are sure to inspire you.
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•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
12 Cozy Bedroom Fireplace Ideas to Consider
With a few easy decorating tips, you can make your bedroom fireplace the stylish focal point of your room. Up the cozy aesthetic of your bedroom with these 12 ideas.