As the temperatures cool down in Arizona more of us are lighting up our fireplaces and improper use is leading to home fires. Mesa, Az., Fire Department says they are seeing a new trend, fires that are too big for the fireplace. Public Information Officer Forrest Smith says homes built in the past 15 years typically have smaller chimneys and can't handle the same amount of heat as a traditionally built fireplace. More

By now everyone who heats with wood should have their wood bin full. The wood you burn this year should have been cut last year or in early spring at the latest. Seasoned wood is a must for optimum heat. If the wood still is green it takes more heat to get the water out and will heat your home less. Also the water in the wood makes for creosote build up in the chimney. Speaking of chimneys, by this time you also should have cleaned your chimney or had a professional do it. More

If you are thinking about adding doors to your Marco fireplace, we can help. We have the OEM doors and they can be easily installed by the homeowner in about 15 minutes.

Doors on your fireplace will dramatically increase the efficiency of your unit and will stop heat loss up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use.

Please visit our web site for door options and instructions for installing your Marco doors.

A fireplace is meant to be the centerpiece of your living space, the heart of your home. Sometimes, however, this focal point is less than impressive and more than lacking in the drama factor. If your fireplace is bland, plain or simply unattractive, a quick color change can do wonders. The secret is using multiple coats to build up depth and create a faux finish, rather than just painting on one flat color.

You will need three complimentary colors for this project in progressively darker shades. Natural stone and earthy colors, such as grays and browns, are ideal. A quart of each color will be more than enough to complete your fireplace. Flat exterior paint works best, providing better resistance and more clemency for the hot environment of the fireplace surround than interior glossy paint.

First, choose a color for your base coat. This should be the lightest color of the three. For instance, if you are going for a stone look, choose a medium gray.

The next color will be used for ragging over the top of your base. This color should be several shades darker than the base color and will provide dimension to your finish.

Finally, choose an accent color. This color will be used in moderation, to highlight and further enhance the finish. It can be a varying color from the first two, as long as it is natural and complimentary.

Begin by protecting all surfaces you don't wish to be painted with drop cloths and painters tape. Apply an even coat of your base color with a paint roller or large paintbrush. A second coat may be needed, depending on the surface and color being painted.

Once the base has completely dried, you can begin applying the next color. Working in one small area (for instance, if your fireplace is brick, do one brick at a time), daub several uneven streaks of paint on the surface. Using a rag, rub the paint, spreading it and pulling it randomly. Continue with another small area until the entire fireplace is complete. A spray bottle of water can be used to dilute the paint while you're working, making it easier to spread and thinning out some areas, creating a more authentic look.

After you have ragged the fireplace to your satisfaction, use the third color to highlight some crevices, corners and other key areas (It is not necessary to rag this color on the entire fireplace). Use the same technique with the rag and spray bottle to soften the edges of the paint.

In addition to painting, you can enhance the look of your fireplace with a few tiles, appliqués, onlays or other architectural elements. In no time and with just a little paint and a few decorative touches, it can be simple to change a plain, ordinary fireplace into a showstopper.

Would you like the beauty and warmth of a fire with realistic flames but without all the work of cleaning the chimney, carrying wood, cleaning the ashes, not to mention the danger of setting fire to the house? If so, an electric fireplace is the ideal solution for you. More

Buy Electric Fireplaces here....

Burning green wood in inefficient stoves can lead to a lot of problems according to the Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada). Greg Noel, the association's director of environmental initiatives set up a booth in a mall recently, promoting the safe and responsible burning of wood. More

According to the National Association of Home Builder's "Home of the Future" study, nearly half of industry experts surveyed say a room with a centrally located indoor fireplace remains a critical part of new home construction. Whether you're renovating an existing space or contemplating creating your own home's hearth room, start with the natural focal point of the room - the fireplace. Building a hearth room has never been easier using today's prefabricated fireplace, which does not require a stone foundation, said Deidra Darsa, Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association spokeswoman in Arlington, Va. More

The hearth room is a home's hot spot. Centrally located, often adjoining the kitchen, it becomes a place for families to chill out around to the fireplace. Historically, a home's hearth was an integral and utilitarian part of the kitchen, used for cooking and for heating the house, says Stephen Melman, National Association of Home Builders spokesman in Washington, D.C. Today's hearth room still brings people together," Melman says, "Families congregate in areas of a home where there's warmth and comfort. With a fire going, that is often the hearth room." More

Check your local building code to determine how far the hearth must extend in front of the firebox and the area on the sides and top of the opening that require noncombustible material. Expect 8 to 12 inches on the top and sides and a minimum of 18 inches for the hearth. When it comes to the hearth, the deeper, the better. There's nothing worse than a hot ember that burns a hole in the carpet. The remainder of the wall can be any material you want, from drywall to plaster to the rustic appearance of wood. More

Your fireplace holds the key to a cozy home and energy savings. The image of a family gathered around the fireplace, basking in its warm glow, is a classic for a reason: there's really nothing quite as cozy as flames crackling in a fireplace. Many homeowners are embracing that image once again - and saving money on their heating bills to boot. More