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The short answer is yes, but the longer answer is more complex. Unless the fireplace is ventless by design, you’ll need some type of exhaust pipe system to safely send fumes and other harmful byproducts out of the house. Even then, ventless fireplaces are not always permitted because they do keep the byproducts inside of your house. Ventless fireplaces are safest when installed in spaces that are themselves well-ventilated, like large rooms with lots of windows.

Your pilot light needs to be on whenever you’re using your furnace to heat your home. However, you might decide to turn it off during the summer months, when you don’t need heating. Doing this can save you a little bit of money on utility costs—just make sure you’re fine with relighting your pilot light (or hiring a professional to do it) when fall comes around and you’re ready to get cozy.

Yes, fire extinguishers eventually expire. However, the good news is that a properly stored fire extinguisher can last a decade or longer. They don’t have an expiration date on the canister, but you can check the manufacturing date on the “UL” nameplate near the classification information. Maintenance will also give your fire extinguisher longevity. Check the gauge at the top of the extinguisher every month. You'll want to make sure the gauge needle is in the green section, and if a hose or nozzle has been used or damaged, you need to replace it.

Smoke detectors come in two different options: hardwired or battery-operated. While hardwired units are attached directly to the home’s electrical system, a battery-operated smoke detector only needs a simple battery for operation and can be placed virtually anywhere in your home. Some homeowners may mistakenly think their battery-operated units are hardwired in because all their units are interconnected, but many battery-operated units can operate within a smoke alarm network in your home.