If you didn’t clean your chimney during spring cleaning, it’s time to now before the temperatures get chilly. If you’re thinking “I cleaned out the ashes in April,” emptying the ashes isn’t enough.

Some folks love the romance of a wood-burning fire. Others may prefer the all-night warmth of a wood stove. But almost everyone can agree they’d prefer their fires to stay safely in the firebox of ...

We can't wait to light the first fire of the season, crawl under a blanket, and sip some hot cocoa. But hold on a second—when is the last time you had your chimney cleaned? If you haven't had your ...

Q. I used my masonry fireplace as often as possible during winter to cut my utility bills. What should I do to minimize the amount of creosote buildup and what chimney problems should I look for now?

Maintaining your fireplace routinely is critical for safety. The cleaning process doesn't replace the service provided by a professional chimney sweep, but it is great for regular upkeep. “Dirty ...