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Photo: Emilija Randjelovic / iStock / Getty Images Nothing ties a room together like a warm, cozy fireplace. But what are your options if your home doesn’t already have a chimney? You could consider adding either an electric or gas fireplace. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so we’ll break down everything you need to…

Photo: rh2010 / Adobe Stock An outdoor firepit is a great way to upgrade your patio to enjoy time outdoors without a disruptive overhaul. Wood and gas firepits are both excellent choices, and each comes with its advantages and drawbacks. Gas firepits are perfect for those who want something easy to maintain without a smoky…

Photo: Anastasiia Shavshyna / E+ / Getty Images An ideal time to start winterizing your home is before the snow season hits. Heating the house during the winter, however, consumes a lot of energy. It’s also when homeowners typically experience a spike in their utility bills. A home energy audit from a local professional can…

Reviewed by Bob Tschudi, Home Building and Remodeling Expert. A fire pit is a great way to enjoy time outside. This easy DIY project is great for all skill levels and customizable to your own backyard or patio. It can be built in grass, on concrete, or patio pavers. Gather around a warm and cozy…

When choosing the best type of firewood, it is important to know that some woods burn best for certain kinds of fires. Understanding the characteristics of hardwood versus softwood, seasoned versus unseasoned and the heat value of each species can help you burn better, safer fires. Keep your chimney in good shape and make your…

On This Page: How Pellet Stoves Work Pellet Stove Efficiency Pros and Cons Pellet Stove Maintenance & Common Issues How Does a Pellet Stove Work? A pellet stove burns pellets made from organic materials such as food or wood waste. They are usually in the form of densely packed, small cylindrical pellets. One ton (about…

Perhaps the only thing better than having a fireplace for your home is installing a fire pit in your backyard. Not only is it a feature in and of itself, it adds to anything you do in your yard. When installing a fire pit, you’ve got a few options: DIY the project using cinder blocks…

Few things are more comforting that sitting in front of a fire in your living room. At one time, log fireplaces were used as a primary source to heat a home. Today, fireplaces are built for aesthetics and ambience. For this reason, a gas fireplace is a terrific option when looking at adding that level…

Before you light the Yule log this holiday season, it’s a good idea to make sure your chimney is prepared to handle it. Though often neglected, chimney cleaning is essential if you want your Christmas to be as safe as it is jolly. The good news is, chimney cleaning is not just quick, but affordable,…

Bathroom and kitchen remodels are great, but they can also be incredibly expensive. There are other ways to improve your home. One way that doesn’t require a second mortgage is a fireplace remodel. The fireplace is one of the coziest, visible, and practical areas of your home. A remodel is great to vamp up your…