Mechanical Mentor

Stoves, venting, and home systems explained

Chimney Components And Installation

Chimney Cap Replacement: Check Fit, Mesh and System Compatibility

Choose a replacement chimney cap by vent system, mounting dimensions, mesh and condition. Know when cleaning, chimney repairs or professional access come first.

By Gus Halloran · Oct 24, 2026

Latest

HVAC System Identification And Basics

Corner Electric Fireplace: Check Fit, Power and Heat

Check corner dimensions, heater clearances, outlet capacity and realistic heat output before choosing a freestanding or built-in electric fireplace.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Fan for Log Burners: Choosing and Positioning a Stove Fan

Learn what a heat-powered log-burner fan does, how to check temperature compatibility, where to place it, and what to do if it stops spinning.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Log Burning Fans: What They Do and How to Choose One

Learn what heat-powered log burner fans can do, how to check temperature and placement, and when an appliance-approved blower is the better choice.

Chimney Components And Installation

Electric Chimney Insert: Check Fit, Power and Fireplace Condition

Check fireplace dimensions, clearances, electrical supply and chimney condition before choosing an electric insert—and set realistic heat expectations.

HVAC System Identification And Basics

Electric Fireplace Insert: Check Fit, Power and Heat

Check fireplace dimensions, electrical supply, airflow and realistic heat output before buying an electric fireplace insert.

Stove And Flue Venting

Fireplace Stove Pipes: Choose the Right Venting System

Identify the right fireplace or stove pipe by fuel, appliance and vent route. Check connector limits, clearances, sizing and replacement compatibility.

More articles

Gas Leak And Carbon Monoxide Safety

White Gas: What It Is and Where It Can Be Used Safely

Identify white gas, check stove compatibility, and understand why camp fuel belongs outside—not in a fireplace, home heater, or indoor emergency stove.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Wood Stove With Blower: What It Does and How to Choose

Learn what a wood-stove blower does, when it helps, how to verify an approved kit, and what to check if the fan will not start.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Wood Burning Cook Stove: Check Fit, Venting and Cooking Controls

Check a wood burning cook stove’s approval, clearances, hearth, chimney and oven controls before choosing a model for your kitchen or cabin.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Potbelly Stove: Fuel, Clearances and Chimney Checks

Learn how to check a potbelly stove’s fuel, listing, clearances and chimney, and why antique looks or a new reproduction do not establish safe installation.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Modern Wood Burning Stove: Choose by Fit, Heat and Controls

Look beyond contemporary styling: check a modern wood stove’s clearances, chimney, heat ratings, combustion controls and maintenance before buying.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Small Combustion Stove: Check Heat Output and Installed Space

Choose a small combustion stove by its approval, clearances, hearth, flue and usable heat output—not just its body size or advertised heating area.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Small Wood Burning Stove: Choose by Heat and Installed Footprint

Choose a small wood burning stove by clearances, chimney requirements, usable heat output and log size—not just its outside dimensions.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Cast Iron Stove: What to Check Before Buying or Using One

Check a cast iron stove’s construction, used-stove defects, hearth requirements and chimney compatibility before buying it or lighting your first fire.

Stove And Flue Venting

Installation of a Log Burner: A Planning Checklist

Plan a log burner installation by checking the exact stove, chimney route, clearances, hearth, air supply and approval before comparing quotes.

Chimney Components And Installation

Chimney Flue: What It Is and What to Check Before Use

Learn how a chimney flue differs from its liner and damper, what appliance compatibility requires, and which warning signs call for professional inspection.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

High-Efficiency Wood-Burning Stove: Compare the Right Ratings

Compare wood-stove HHV efficiency, usable heat output and combustion types—then check chimney compatibility, clearances and firewood moisture.

Wood Stove Heating And Firewood

Wood Burner and Fireplace: Choose the Right Setup

Compare an open fireplace, wood-burning insert and freestanding stove, then check fireplace compatibility, flue requirements and clearances.

All 95 articles, newest first →