Should You Consider Repairing or Replacing Your Fireplace?  

Fireplaces have come a long way throughout the centuries. In the earliest homes in the United States, fireplaces were a necessity for both warmth and cooking. Today, they remain a popular feature that adds coziness and ambience to modern American homes.  

However, fireplaces don’t last forever. Sooner or later, they require repair or replacement. Given the age of most U.S. homes — the median age of owner-occupied U.S. homes is 37 years — many homeowners may face the question of whether to repair or replace their fireplaces in the near future.  

More than 50% of homes were built before 1980, according to the National Association of Home Builders. However, the average fireplace only lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 years, depending on its usage, maintenance, and construction. In some cases, a wood-burning brick fireplace could last up to 100 years or longer.  

One key question is how do you know when to replace your fireplace? Let’s explore some of the signs that something is wrong, factors to consider when making the decision, and how Best Fire Hearth & Patio can help.  

Signs a Fireplace Isn’t Working Correctly

Gas and wood-burning fireplaces both require maintenance and upkeep to maintain proper operation. In some cases, homeowners can tackle some of those projects on their own. In other instances, clear signs indicate a need for professional help. Some of the signs that indicate your fireplace isn’t working the way that it should include the following:

Gas Fireplaces

When they work well, gas fireplaces offer nearly effortless operation. However, when these fireplaces need attention, you may notice one or more of the following issues:  

• Pilot Light Problems: This tiny flame stays lit all the time, providing easy ignition when the main burners are lit. If the pilot light goes out and doesn’t re-light, it could indicate there is moisture in the line or some other issue that requires help from a technician. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, you could have an issue with one of the components in the fireplace. 
• Decreased Heating: Lower flame height and diminished heat output could be a sign that your fireplace needs thorough cleaning. A technician can handle this for you in addition to inspecting the chimney, flue, and vents for any obstructions.  
• Soot Accumulation: Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, gas models should not accumulate soot. If they do, it may be an indication that an issue exists with something inside the fireplace or there is a problem with the venting. 
• Turning On and Off: A breeze in the chimney, dirt accumulation, an issue with the burner or thermocouple, or a worn-out millivolt generator can all cause this issue. Professional diagnostics and repair are essential.  
• Smell of Sulfur: If you smell a rotten egg-like smell or hear hissing, it could indicate a dangerous problem. In short, you have a gas leak, which is why you can smell that sulfuric odor. Natural gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to the otherwise odorless fuel. If you hear hissing or smell signs of a leak, immediately evacuate your home. Go outside and call 911. 

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

If you have a wood-burning fireplace and notice any of the following, consider calling for professional fireplace repair services. Certified technicians can diagnose the problem and make appropriate repairs and recommendations to ensure your safety and comfort.  

• Cracks and Wear: You should periodically inspect the firebox. Any gaps, cracks, or deterioration are a sign that you immediately need repairs. Otherwise, wear in the firebox lining can create excess heat accumulation and cause permanent damage to the fireplace.  
• Creosote Accumulation: This hard, black, tarry substance builds up when the smoke from your fireplace condenses and cools. It can build up in the chimney and cause smoke to back up into your home. It’s also flammable and poses a safety risk over time.  
• Cracked Firebricks: Wood-burning fireplaces are lined with firebricks to help protect the rest of the structure from the intense heat of the fire. These bricks don’t last forever and can be damaged by age, shifts in the foundation, chimney fires, and installation issues. As they fail, they could increase the risk of harmful gases accumulating inside your home. 
• Smoke Stains: If you see sooty-looking stains on your ceiling, smoke is likely seeping out of a gap between the firebox and hearth. This can be caused by normal settling, but it could also indicate an issue with the flue. 

Repair vs. Replace: What to Consider

Age is one of the most significant factors to consider when you decide whether to repair or replace a gas fireplace or a wood-burning unit. Like most household appliances, fireplaces don’t last forever. Depending on their construction and amount of use, the typical fireplace only lasts 10 to 30 years. If you have a fireplace that is 10 to 15 years old, replacing it may make more sense than continuing to make repairs.  

Other considerations include the frequency of necessary repairs, safety issues, and the desire for new and updated technology or increased heat output. To make the decision easier, ask yourself the following questions:  

• Does your fireplace lack ample heat output?  
• Are you calling repair technicians frequently for repeated or new problems? 
• Do you see white stains or soot accumulation?  
• Have you dreamed of giving your fireplace a new look? 
• Are you concerned about the safety of your fireplace?  

If you answered yes to any (or all) of the above, it may be time to replace that outdated fireplace.  

Convert to a Gas Fireplace Insert

If you have a wood-burning fireplace in need of replacing, consider converting to a gas fireplace insert. Your fireplace will remain the heart and hearth of your home, providing the same focal point it always did. However, you will have the added benefit of the convenience of gas, cleaner-burning fires, and improved efficiency. A gas fireplace insert fits neatly into the existing opening and offers all the advantages of a gas fireplace.  

How Best Fire Hearth & Patio Can Help

At Best Fire, we provide comprehensive repair and maintenance services to keep your fireplace working safely and efficiently. When you’re ready, we also carry a range of replacement options, including gas fireplace inserts for every style, size, and budget.  

Stop by our Albany, New York, showroom to see how fast and easy it could be to replace your fireplace or call us at (518) 245-6639 to learn more.