The temperatures are rising and spring is officially underway. For most, that means saying farewell (for now) to the cozy fires of the burning season. Before you call fireplace season a wrap, there are a few things you should do, so that your fireplace will be ready...
A gas fireplace or insert gives you the ambiance and warmth of a flame without relying on solid fuels or producing some of the byproducts of a wood-burning unit. They’ve risen in popularity over the years, and as they’ve graced more and more homes, manufacturers have...
Creosote. It’s that dark, tarry substance that can build up in your chimney. It doesn’t go away on its own and, because it’s a combustible, it can become a hazard if left unchecked. So, what’s the best way to get rid of it? Are the creosote sweeping logs that are...
Knowing what to burn in a wood burning fireplace may seem cut and dried (no pun intended), but there’s likely more to it than you think. Is any wood suitable fuel for your fireplace? Do some wood varieties burn better than others? Is tossing cardboard, paper...
When you think of owning a fireplace you likely imagine reading a book next to the glow and warmth of a flickering fire or enjoying the crackling and popping of the wood as it burns in the background of the daily going-ons of your home. Anyone who regularly uses a...
So, you go to light a fire on a cold, winter evening, but instead of peaceful flames, you’re met with smoke in your living space – and you need to know what to do about it. Well, there are actually many things that can cause airflow to be restricted or to...
Like many who enjoy lighting up cool, dusky evenings with the comfort of a cheery fire, you’ve probably considered how to do so as safely as possible. Yet, as the season famous for enjoying fires draws near, it’s a good idea to refresh yourself on fireplace safety. We...
Every spring and summer, aerial acrobats known as chimney swifts return to their breeding grounds in the eastern part of the country, ranging from here in New York, as far south as Arkansas and northern Florida. Once here, these beautiful creatures make their homes...
Your home needs regular maintenance year round, but as fall and winter approach, some extra precautions typically need to be taken. From scheduling a tune-up for your furnace to making sure your pipes are insulated, ensuring your home is ready to take on anything the...
Transferring property? Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, you want to be sure that everything in the home is in good condition and functioning properly. And you want to be thorough, too. It’s easy to overlook a seemingly small issue, but even unassuming...
