Place the rocks in an old strainer and rinse them with cold water. Vacuum any dirt, dust, or debris from the firebox floor. Spread the rocks on an old towel and let them dry. Pro tip: Throw the dirty ...

There’s something special about a real, wood-burning fireplace: The scent, the crackling sounds, and watching the logs slowly burn down to glowing embers. But they’re also a hassle, and pretty dirty.

Gas fireplaces are a great addition to any home since they are so easy to use, clean, and maintain. Additionally, they are energy efficient and more environmentally friendly than wood-burning ones.

Q: Read your article [about fireplace cleaning]. I have a propane gas fired fireplace that uses Rasmussen/Alterna Fire Stones. Do not believe that previous owner (3.5 yrs ago) ever used the fireplace.

Dear James: It’s a mess carrying firewood indoors, so I want to modernize my old brick fireplace with one that uses gas logs. Are there any tips on how to do this project myself? — Kathy H. Dear Kathy ...

Vent-free gas logs burn less gas than their big brothers. They usually are permitted to burn only a maximum of 40,000 Btus per hour. Since your fireplace flue is closed or non-existent, all of this ...