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 ...

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.

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 ...

Buy a bendable “noodle brush” to clean the smoke shelf and a long-handled brush to clean soot off the sides of the firebox. Pro tip: There’s no “one-size-fits-all” brush for cleaning the flue. So ...

Q. How much does chimney cleaning cost? A. Chimney cleaning costs depend on several factors. What type of chimney do you need a chimney sweep to inspect? Hiring someone to clean a boiler chimney can ...

A chimney sweep doesn’t need a top hat and a coat with tails to make sure your smokestack is clean and safe. But, it seems, some think it helps. “In the early days, we used to actually wear top hats ...

You get down next to your fireplace and crane your neck just enough to see up to the top of your chimney. You see a handful of cracks in the terra cotta clay lining here and there, but the bottom line ...

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more. DEAR SUN SPOTS: We place a large container (butter dish or large tin can) of ...

PORTSMOUTH — Whether they're clearing the way for a nocturnal visitor or ensuring the safety of a home, contemporary chimney sweeps are still performing a vital role for local homeowners. To some, the ...

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 ...