Serving Minneapolis & Surrounding Areas 

Fireplace Maintenance for Gas & Wood Burning Fireplaces

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4.9
Based on 218 reviews
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AirRiffic delivers expert fireplace cleaning, inspection, and repair for residential and commercial properties across the Twin Cities.

Locally owned and owner-operated, we bring over 25 years of industry experience to every job, keeping your fireplace safe, efficient, and ready to use year-round.

Inspector examines fireplace with clipboard and helmet.

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Before and after fireplace cleaning comparison

Gas Fireplace Cleaning & Tune-Up Process

Covers cleaning, inspection, and minor tune-ups for gas fireplaces.

Our gas fireplace service includes a full cleaning, inspection, and performance check to make sure the unit is operating safely and burning the way it was designed to.

We start by cleaning the burner, ports, pilot assembly, glass, and log set. Dust, carbon buildup, and residue can cause delayed ignition, weak flame patterns, excessive soot, and unusual odors, so removing that buildup is the first step in restoring proper operation.

Next, we inspect key components for wear or malfunction — including the thermocouple, thermopile, pilot assembly, and gas flow. Once the fireplace is cleaned, we test ignition, verify flame stability, check for sensor issues, and confirm the unit is burning clean and efficiently.

The final result is a gas fireplace that lights reliably, burns evenly, and operates safely throughout the heating season.

Chimney cleaning before and after images.

Wood-Burning Fireplace Maintenance Process

Focuses on safe operation and efficiency for traditional and prefabricated wood systems.

For wood-burning fireplaces, we remove soot, ash, and creosote from the firebox and chimney path, then inspect the flue, damper, and draft behavior. Creosote buildup and chimney wear can restrict airflow or push smoke back into the room, so we make sure the chimney is venting correctly and that structural components are in good condition.

After cleaning and inspection, we test the draft and review recommended repairs to ensure the fireplace is safe, reliable, and ready for regular use.

Why Fireplace Maintenance Matters

A fireplace might look simple from the outside, but it’s a working system that relies on clean airflow, safe components, and proper draft to run the way it should. When soot, creosote, and dust build up or parts wear down, the system loses efficiency and can become unsafe.

Whether it’s a gas unit with fading flames or a wood-burning fireplace that pushes smoke into the room, these problems don’t fix themselves. Routine maintenance keeps the system burning cleanly, prevents damage from heat and residue, and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns or expensive repairs later on. If a fireplace is used, it needs consistent care to stay safe and reliable.

Technician repairing gas fireplace with tools.

Why Choose AirRiffic for Gas & Wood-Burning Fireplace Services

Experienced, Owner-Operated Service

You get over 25 years of real, hands-on experience. No rushed crews or subcontracted tech.

No Shortcut Approaches

We take the time to clean, test, and diagnose the system properly, so it runs safely and reliably.

Commercial-Grade Tools & Equipment

Our process is designed to restore proper airflow, draft, and clean combustion for both gas and wood-burning fireplaces.

Trusted by Homeowners & Businesses

We maintain fireplaces in single-family homes, multi-family buildings, townhomes, restaurants, salons, assisted-living communities, and more.

Gas Fireplace Cleaning & Tune-Up Add-On Services

Pilot Assembly / Thermocouple / Thermopile Replacement

If the fireplace won’t stay lit or struggles to ignite, these are usually the first parts to wear out. Replacing them restores steady ignition and reliable operation.

Log Set Realignment

Logs that shift or settle can block flame flow or change how the burner lights. We realign the log set so the fireplace burns cleanly and safely.

Glass Cleaning

Gas fireplace glass can cloud over time from heat and residue. We clean it carefully so you get a clear view and proper heat output.

Gasket or Seal Replacement

Worn or cracked gaskets allow extra air into sealed systems, weakening flames and affecting efficiency. We replace seals to maintain correct combustion.

Draft or Ignition Diagnostics

If the unit flickers, burns unevenly, or won’t ignite, we track down the actual cause instead of guessing or swapping parts unnecessarily.

Wood-Burning Fireplace Maintenance Add-On Services

We service both masonry fireplaces and prefabricated wood systems, offering everything from annual cleanings to major repairs, restorations, and full chimney rebuilds. Whether it’s routine maintenance or structural work, our focus is on safety, proper draft, and long-term performance.

Chimney Sweep (Creosote & Soot Removal)

We remove soot and creosote from the firebox, smoke chamber, and accessible flue areas to improve airflow, reduce smoke issues, and lower the risk of chimney fires.

Level 1 Safety Inspection

A complete visual inspection of the firebox, damper, flue, smoke chamber, exterior chimney, and chimney structure to confirm safe operation.

Level 2 Video Inspection (Real Estate & Diagnostic)

A full video scan of the flue to document hidden damage, prior fire events, blockages, missing liners, or structural issues not visible during a Level 1 inspection. Required for home sales and major system changes.

Draft & Smoke Issue Diagnosis

We identify problems such as smoke backing up into the home, weak draft, odor issues, negative pressure, and fires that struggle to start. Common causes include creosote restriction, blocked flues, chimney height concerns, or airflow imbalances inside the home.

Chimney Liners (Installation & Replacement)

We install and replace stainless steel chimney liners for fireplaces, inserts, and wood stoves. Liners improve draft, correct damaged flues, meet code requirements, and drastically increase safety.

Wood Stove Installation & Maintenance

We service and maintain wood stoves and insert systems, including cleaning, gasket checks, baffle inspection, draft evaluation, and ensuring the flue is properly sized for the appliance.

Crown Repairs & Crown Replacements

We repair cracked or failing chimney crowns and install new long-lasting crowns designed to keep water out of the chimney system and protect the masonry from Minnesota weather.

Spalling Brick Repair & Water Damage Prevention

Spalling brick is one of the most common chimney issues in Minnesota. It happens when water absorbs into the masonry, freezes, expands, and breaks the brick surface apart. We repair damaged brick, replace compromised sections, and address the root cause to prevent continued deterioration. Left untreated, spalling can lead to structural failure, leaks, and costly rebuilds.

Major Chimney Repairs & Structural Restoration

We repair smoke chambers, cracked flues, refractory panels, loose brickwork, failing mortar joints, and other issues found during inspections. Our goal is to restore safe and efficient operation.

Complete Chimney Rebuilds

When a chimney is structurally compromised or beyond repair, we provide full rebuilds to restore safety, improve draft, and bring the system up to modern standards.

Joseph Becker profile picture
Joseph Becker
15:24 13 Dec 25
Justin came out and repaired our Heat N Glo fireplace. Had to reschedule due to recent storm but communicated was great in addition to explaining the issues and providing good, solid maintenance advise. Would highly recommend
Keith Norberg profile picture
Keith Norberg
20:57 04 Dec 25
Very friendly and did a awesome job. I just moved into this house and wanted to make sure my furnace and vents were clean you should have seen the dirt he thinks it might have never been cleaned before but he kept a smile in his face and was very professional. I recommend these guys for fast service and very professional work.

Thanks
kelly awes profile picture
kelly awes
03:37 11 Nov 25
Excellent! Made time in the day to help try to retrieve a dead mouse in the vent. Communicated awesome, will 💯 use for duct cleaning!
Nick Zech profile picture
Nick Zech
15:58 28 Aug 25
Justin did a great job. The ducts were pretty nasty. I recommend AirRiffic for any duct situation!
Emma Batta profile picture
Emma Batta
14:29 31 Jul 25
Great guy! Work was good. Showed me our furnace filter how dirty it got during the cleaning. What disappointed me is I asked if I got pictures of before and after. I was told yes and that he could show me what was coming out. I never got pictures, when I asked to see what the vacuum got out he told me it was dumped already. Disappointed that I couldn’t see exactly what came out. Also- I found a vent that was not done. Price was couple hundred cheaper than everywhere else. Overall happy with the service, just disappointed by the missed vent and no pictures as advised.

Update: Justin came back and redid my whole house again. Very much appreciated! He was dedicated to make it right. Great person. Recommend him for sure.
Laura profile picture
Laura
02:24 04 May 25
Justin is excellent! We had him clean our air and dryer ducts before we move in to our new home. Very reasonably priced, neat, quick and thorough. We also enjoyed our chat with him during the work. We will be having him come back out to check on our gas fireplace in the fall. Highly recommend Justin and his team.
Kelly Bredesen profile picture
Kelly Bredesen
16:20 18 Apr 25
Clean, professional, on time and a pleasure to work with
Beth H profile picture
Beth H
15:49 15 Apr 25
Justin was extremely thorough, and uncovered a distressing amount of old drywall dust in out ducts. We're breathing much freer now.
Nicole profile picture
Nicole
18:20 07 Apr 25
Justin was awesome! Provided me with excellent explanations of what I needed and why and was straight forward on the price and services. I will most definitely hire him again as I highly recommend. Thank you!
Nick Madsen profile picture
Nick Madsen
19:57 01 Apr 25
Great service and a very nice job done
Carol B profile picture
Carol B
17:32 01 Apr 25
Hired to clean air ducts. Excellent service! Timely, personable, professional and informative. Went above and beyond. Definitely recommend and will do business in the future with him. Thanks Justin!!
Matthew Egan profile picture
Matthew Egan
18:51 30 Jan 25
Justin is fabulous! Nice and thorough cleaning our ducts and dryer vent. Absolutely would recommend!
James Gould profile picture
James Gould
01:59 12 Jul 24
We had our refrigerator coils cleaned recently and the cleaning part was fine and the person who did the cleaning was nice and on-time. The problem is that they left our kitchen filthy with dust. We had to spend the rest of the day cleaning the kitchen ourselves. Also our recently refinished wood floors were damaged (after we indicated that they were recently refinished). My suggestion if the company is monitoring their reviews:

1. Put up plastic sheeting that a lot of other contractors use to prevent the kitchen from getting filthy when you blow out the dust. Refrigerators are usually in kitchens where there's food and surfaces to prepare food, so it's essential that it's clean and not covered in dust.
2. Make sure to project the property of the homeowners - i.e. the wood floors and other surfaces. I think a thin piece of wood with some felt under it would do the trick.
3. You're the experts - if there's anything the homeowners should do ahead of time to prepare, inform them.

UPDATE: The company reached out directly and did everything they could to make it right. I really appreciate that and the excellent customer service (so rare these days). So, I'd definitely recommend working with them and will do so in the future.

Book Your Fireplace Service

A clean, well-maintained fireplace keeps your home or building safe, efficient, and ready to use throughout the heating season. Whether you rely on a gas unit, a traditional wood-burning system, or a combination of both, AirRiffic brings the experience and care needed to keep everything running the right way — no shortcuts, no guesswork.

AirRiffic proudly serves homeowners, property managers, and businesses across Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Minnetrista, Hudson (WI), and the surrounding Twin Cities metro.