There are a lot of different parts inside your fireplace and chimney that make it possible to build a cozy fire. One of the most important elements is the fireplace damper. When someone refers to ...

Fireplaces may smoke due to issues with the damper, flue blockages, drafts, or air pressure fluctuations. Have your fireplace serviced once a year by a professional chimney sweep to avoid smoke ...

Q. I've got a chimney question that is somewhat similar, although not exactly, to one you answered in your column a few months ago. This has to do with smoke coming down the chimney. I have two ...

Often we receive e-mail from readers about the columns we publish. Sometimes we get thanks and kudos and occasionally we get raspberries. Often we get suggestions on better ways to do a job, and a ...

Q: We own an older house in Los Gatos. It was built in 1930s. The fireplace was built without a damper. There is also a glass-door fire screen that can be closed. We get an odor of ashes even when the ...