How to Prep Your Fireplace for the Cold Season

Family sitting by the fireplace

Photo:  Catherine Yeulet/istock

Things to Know Before You Spark Up the Logs

With natural gas and propane prices continuing to rise, you’ll likely be looking to the old fireplace this winter to help cut your home-heating bills. But before you spark up the logs, take heed that fireplaces and chimneys are involved in 42 percent of all home-heating fires. So first make sure yours is up to snuff by following these seven safety tips.

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Chimney sweepers from the film Mary Poppins

Photo:  The Everett Collection