Questions About Fireplace & Chimney Service

At minimum, once a year — even if your fireplace appears to be working fine. Gas fireplaces accumulate dust, debris, and carbon deposits on the burner, glass, and components with every use. Annual service ensures everything is clean, properly adjusted, and operating safely. In high-use homes or vacation properties that sit unused for extended periods, annual service is especially important. Many issues develop gradually and are invisible until they cause a problem or a safety concern.

The NFPA and CSIA both recommend that chimneys serving wood-burning fireplaces and stoves be inspected and swept at least once per year. In Teton County's climate — with long heating seasons and heavy wood use — annual service is essential, not optional. Creosote builds up with every fire, and even moderate accumulation can become a serious fire hazard. If you've gone more than a year without service, or if you've just purchased a home, schedule an inspection before lighting any fires.

A full service visit covers: inspection of all gas components including the burner, pilot assembly, ignition system, gas valve, thermopile or thermocouple, and venting; cleaning of the glass, burner, logs or media, and firebox interior; adjustment of the flame height and air-to-gas ratio; testing of all safety systems; and a written report of findings and any recommendations. If repairs are needed, we'll explain clearly what's required and why before doing any additional work.

Our chimney service includes professional rotary cleaning of the full flue to remove creosote, soot, and debris; a dedicated camera inspection run through the entire length of the flue to document liner condition, mortar joints, blockages, and any structural concerns; inspection of the firebox, damper, smoke shelf, and crown; and a written service report. We use professional rotary equipment — not just a basic brush — which is far more effective at removing hardened creosote and glazing.

Common signs that your gas fireplace needs service: the glass is cloudy, hazy, or sooty; the flame looks yellow or orange instead of blue with yellow tips; the pilot light goes out frequently or is hard to light; the fireplace makes unusual sounds; it takes longer to heat up than it used to; or you notice a gas smell. For wood fireplaces: you can see visible creosote buildup, you notice reduced draft, smoke enters the room, or it's been more than a year since the last service. When in doubt, call — it's always better to check.

Yes. A fireplace that appears to be working fine can still have carbon buildup on the burner reducing efficiency, a thermocouple that's close to failing, a gas valve that's not operating within spec, or a venting issue that isn't yet causing symptoms. These things don't announce themselves before they become problems. Annual service catches small issues before they become expensive repairs or safety hazards — and keeps your warranty valid on most units.

Yes — pellet stove service is one of our core offerings. Pellet stoves require more frequent cleaning than most people realize. A full service includes cleaning the burn pot, heat exchanger, ash traps, and convection pathways; inspecting and testing the auger motor, combustion fan, convection blower, and igniter; inspecting and cleaning the venting system; and checking the control board and sensors. Pellet stoves that aren't regularly serviced develop ash buildup that reduces efficiency, causes shutdowns, and can become a fire risk.

Clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of residential house fires in the United States. Lint is highly flammable and accumulates in the vent line with every load of laundry. Beyond fire risk, a restricted vent forces your dryer to work harder — increasing energy use, extending drying times, and significantly shortening the life of the appliance. The NFPA recommends dryer vents be cleaned at least once per year. Homes with long vent runs, multiple bends, or flexible plastic duct (which should be replaced with rigid metal) are at higher risk and may need service more frequently.

NFPA 211 is the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances — the nationally recognized safety code that governs how chimney and fireplace systems should be installed, maintained, and inspected. When we say every inspection is performed to NFPA 211 standards, it means our work meets the baseline that insurance companies, lenders, and attorneys recognize as the industry standard. It matters particularly in real estate transactions, insurance claims, and any situation where documentation of the system's condition is required.

Yes — this is a significant part of what we do. We provide NFPA 211 compliant pre-purchase inspections for real estate transactions throughout Teton County, with camera documentation of the full flue and a written report suitable for buyers, sellers, agents, and attorneys. We understand closing timelines and work to schedule and deliver promptly. If you're buying or selling a home with a fireplace, chimney, or pellet stove, a thorough inspection protects everyone involved.

We perform all three NFPA 211 inspection levels. A Level 1 inspection is the standard annual inspection for a chimney that has been in continuous service with no changes. A Level 2 inspection is required when a property changes ownership, when appliances are added or replaced, or after any event that may have affected the chimney — it includes camera documentation of the flue interior. A Level 3 inspection involves more detailed examination when a serious hazard is suspected. For most real estate transactions, a Level 2 inspection is appropriate.

Every inspection report documents the system inspected, the date and scope of service, findings from the visual and camera inspection, any conditions that require attention, and specific recommendations with an explanation of why each item matters. Reports are written in plain language — not technical jargon — so buyers, sellers, agents, and attorneys can all understand what was found. Reports are delivered promptly after the inspection and can be shared with all parties in a transaction.

Schedule an inspection before you use it — regardless of what the previous owner told you or what a general home inspector noted. General home inspectors are not chimney or fireplace specialists and typically do a visual check only, without camera inspection or the technical knowledge to identify many common issues. A dedicated fireplace and chimney inspection gives you a clear picture of what you have, what condition it's in, and what — if anything — needs to be addressed before you light your first fire.

Yes. We sell and install gas fireplaces, gas inserts, wood-burning fireplaces, wood stove inserts, and pellet stoves. If you're building a new home, remodeling, or looking to add a fireplace to an existing space, we can help you select the right unit for your space, heating needs, and aesthetic — and handle the full installation. We work with all major brands and have experience with everything from simple insert swaps to complex new-construction installations.

In most cases, yes. A gas insert is a popular and practical option — it fits into your existing wood fireplace opening, uses your existing chimney with a liner, and delivers the warmth and ambiance of a real flame without the work of managing wood fires. We'll assess your existing fireplace, recommend the right insert for your space, handle the installation, and take care of everything from the gas line connection to the final startup and test.

We work with all major hearth brands including Heat & Glo, Heatilator, Majestic, Mendota, Napoleon, Regency, Fireplace Xtrordinair, Lopi, and others. For pellet stoves we service all major brands as well. If you have a unit from a brand not listed, chances are we can still help — call us and we'll let you know.

We serve Teton County Idaho and Teton County Wyoming and surrounding areas — including Jackson, Victor, Driggs, Alta, Tetonia, Alpine, and all surrounding communities on both sides of the state line. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, give us a call and we'll let you know.

The easiest way is to call us directly at (307) 413-9508 — we'll get you on the schedule quickly. You can also send an email to info@fireandhearth.net or use the contact form on our website. We'll confirm your appointment, let you know what to expect, and show up on time.

We recommend scheduling your annual service before the start of the heating season — late summer or early fall is ideal. That's when demand is highest and availability fills up fastest. Pre-purchase inspections we try to turn around as quickly as possible given real estate timelines. For urgent repairs or a fireplace that isn't working, call us directly and we'll do our best to get to you promptly.

Yes. In addition to residential work, we service commercial properties including vacation rental units, lodges, and other commercial buildings throughout Teton County. Property management companies rely on us to keep fireplace systems across their entire portfolio properly serviced and documented.