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You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.

Wood-burning fireplaces typically make homeowners insurance more expensive, simply because they increase the risk for a fire in your home. Gas and electric inserts are less likely to bring up your insurance rates, but you should always speak with your agent to understand how installing any type of fireplace will affect your premiums.

You should not attempt to disable a smoke alarm unless you’ve already activated a replacement unit. To stop a hardwired smoke alarm from beeping, reset the device or silence the alarm. If you’re removing a hardwired alarm, shut off the power, turn the unit counterclockwise to remove it from the ceiling, and disconnect the wiring.

A chimney liner isn’t required for an outdoor fireplace; you don’t technically need one if the masonry chimney uses the proper dimensions and is built to code. However, a chimney liner does serve as a protective coating for the flue. Adding a liner could improve performance, safety, and durability. In short, while not necessary, it wouldn’t hurt.