But the crackle and glow of burning wood come at a cost: cleaning. Wood-burning fireplaces produce smoke and gasses—byproducts that cling to the chimney’s liner as soot and creosote.

Cleaning chimneys can be done in a number of ways, both DIY and with the help of a professional—and no, we’re not talking about a jovial spectacle of soot-slinging, singing chimney sweepers ...

Sarah Wilson keeps track of her heating costs on colorful paper taped to the inside of a secretary desk in her living room. She’s got records going back to 2017, and the price of her last oil ...

Fortunately, an annual chimney inspection and sweep can address these issues. If you use your fireplace regularly, autumn is an excellent time to hire someone for an inspection and cleaning.