For many homeowners, fireplace season means warming cold toes by a crackling fire, safe from the strong winds and chilly weather that fall brings. However, without a proper chimney cap, the fireplace could provide no such haven—homeowners may be forced to deal with rain and snow in the home, animals looking for shelter, and potential chimney fires.

In addition to scheduling regular inspections and sweepings, which is discussed in more detail in part one of this blog, homeowners can take further steps to discourage the buildup of creosote, minimize the threat of harmful emissions, and ensure the safety of their chimneys.

Although the image of soot-blackened Victorian chimney sweeps is outdated, professional chimney cleaning—and the attendant benefits—is still as important as ever. Clogged or neglected chimneys are not only less efficient and smellier, but they can also pose safety risks.

A fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any room in the house where the family might gather, providing warmth, light, and a cozy ambiance. However, a fireplace system has to be carefully maintained to make sure that the common problems that affect chimneys don’t impact the safety and beauty of your family’s favorite gathering spot.

If you have plans to build a home or remodel your current one, you might be enticed this winter by the image of a warm fireplace. Few things make a place quite as homey as a glowing fire around which you can warm up your toes, sip on a cup of cocoa, and watch as winter passes by outside.

Home Reports would like to extend a heartfelt Happy Holidays greeting to all of our homeowners and Best Pick companies. Whether you’re traveling or entertaining at home, we have provided a few helpful tips to ensure your holidays are safe.

Routine home maintenance probably isn’t at the top of many homeowners’ lists this holiday season. However, to increase the likelihood of a warm and safe winter, it’s important to make sure certain parts of your home – such as your furnace, chimney, and hot water heater – have received the attention they need.