Fireplace Store FAQs

Bring lasting warmth and timeless style to your home with help from Majestic Distributing Co-The House of Fireplaces in Elgin, IL. Whether you're drawn to traditional wood-burning or sleek electric fireplace designs, classic wood-burning hearths, or efficient gas and pellet stove options, our specialists are here to answer your questions and guide you through every step. From product selection to professional installation and ongoing service, we make it easy to understand your options and protect your investment with expert care and craftsmanship.

Find an extensive range of styles to choose from in our expansive showroom in Elgin, IL. Please contact us at (847) 741-5903 with any questions you may have. You can also send us a message or request a callback.

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How Do I Know Which Kind of Fireplace Is Right for My Home?

Choosing the right fireplace starts with understanding how each style fits your space, lifestyle, and home heating goals. From classic wood-burning and wood stove designs to modern gas, electric, pellet, direct-vent, and ventless options, each offers distinct advantages in efficiency, ambiance, and installation requirements. Exploring differences like available venting, maintenance preferences, and desired heating levels helps ensure your fireplace complements both your home’s design and the way you live.

For expert guidance on choosing the right option for your home, please refer to our product comparison overview.

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Are Gas or Electric Fireplaces Cheaper to Run?

Choosing between a gas or electric fireplace comes down to how you want to balance efficiency, upfront cost, and everyday convenience. Gas fireplaces typically deliver increased heat output and lower long-term operating costs, making them ideal for larger spaces or frequent use. Electric fireplaces offer easier installation, minimal maintenance, and flexible placement, making them a smart fit for apartments or supplemental warmth. Choosing the best option for you depends on your space, energy costs, and planned year-round usage.

For additional information on the benefits of a gas or electric fireplace, view our model differences guide.

Electric vs. Gas Fireplaces

How Often Should I Clean or Service My Fireplace?

Fireplace and stove maintenance schedules vary by type and how often they’re used, but regular service is essential for safety and efficiency. Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves should be inspected and cleaned annually to remove creosote buildup, while pellet units typically need more frequent cleanings throughout the heating season due to ash accumulation. Gas fireplaces generally require a professional inspection once a year to ensure burners, vents, and connections are operating properly. Regular servicing not only protects your investment but also helps maintain efficiency, safety, and long-term performance across all fireplace styles.

How Much Heat Will the Different Types of Fireplaces Produce?

Heat output differs by fireplace type, with traditional wood-burning fireplaces offering ambiance and moderate warmth, while modern wood stoves deliver significantly higher, more efficient heat for comfort in a single room or throughout the home. Gas fireplaces provide consistent, controllable heat with high efficiency and minimal maintenance, making them ideal for supplemental warmth. Pellet stoves generate steadily increased heat using compressed fuel, often rivaling wood stoves in performance with added convenience. Electric fireplaces focus more on visual appeal and zone heating, supplying gentle, soothing warmth best suited for smaller spaces.

What Information Should I Bring to the Store Before Making a Purchase?

Things to consider before visiting our Elgin, IL, showroom include having a clear vision of your space and how you plan to use your fireplace or stove. Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves often require chimney access and available clearances. For gas models, note whether you have natural gas or propane access, the location of existing gas lines, and where venting could be installed. Pellet stoves require information on electrical access, fuel storage space, and desired heating distribution. Providing basic room dimensions, ceiling height, photos of the installation area, and preference of ambiance versus heat output helps us recommend a solution for your home that fits within your budget.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Fireplace or Stove?

Installation timelines vary depending on the type of fireplace or stove and the complexity of the setup. Gas fireplaces and inserts are often the quickest to install, sometimes completed within a single day. Wood-burning fireplaces or stoves may take longer to install due to venting, chimney work, safety clearances, or structural modifications. Pellet stoves typically fall in between those timeframes, with installation depending on electrical access and venting needs. Existing infrastructure, permitting, and custom finishes can also influence the overall timeline.

Where Can I Find More Information?

No matter which style of fireplace or stove you’re considering, the experienced team at Majestic Distributing Co-The House of Fireplaces is ready to help you explore the options that best complement your home, lifestyle, and design goals. From expert installation to tailored maintenance and repair solutions, we ensure your fireplace performs flawlessly while enhancing the beauty of your space.

We proudly serve a variety of communities throughout Chicagoland and select areas of northern Illinois, and partner with leading fireplace manufacturers, including Wh ite Mountain Hearth, Heat & Glo, Heatilator, Majestic, and Monessen. See our complete list of fireplace manufacturers here.