Get matched with top fireplace pros in Lander, WY

You can let a fire burn out in a fireplace as long as you or someone else will stick around to monitor it until it goes completely out. This may take several hours. To prepare, stop adding fuel to the fire well before you’re ready to call it a night. If you’re using the fireplace for warmth, you’ll want to cover up in some blankets as the flame dies down.

The cost to replace a chimney is about $10,000 on average and can cost up to $15,000, depending on the size, accessibility, materials, and extent of the replacement. Sometimes tearing the chimney down to the roof line and rebuilding it is an option. But if the chimney's internal structure deteriorates badly enough, a complete demolition down to the fireplace or the foundation may be necessary.

Most homeowners put a layer of compact sand or gravel at the bottom of their firepit, but you can also choose more decorative options like fire-resistant paving stones, bricks, or fire pit glass. Dirt by itself can even work, but other materials do a better job of spreading the heat around.

Fireplace inserts can increase home value when installed correctly. Since they improve heating efficiency significantly, this will be a bonus to homeowners who are looking for a functional alternative heat source. Plus, inserts are less maintenance and less of a liability than a traditional fireplace. You’re very likely to recover fireplace insert installation costs when you sell your home.