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Yes. Not only do gas stoves present the risk of a gas leak, but cooking with gas produces twice as much harmful particulate matter. According to Columbia University’s Climate School, gas stoves can also release formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and carbon monoxide, which can be toxic in high concentrations.

While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.

Yes, you need to leave your chimney damper open when burning a creosote log so that smoke and other debris doesn’t waft into your house as it’s burning. You’ll need to make sure your damper is fully open, even when the log continues to smoke, until it’s completely out and cold.

Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.

Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.