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Author Profiles

Wendy Paris

is a New York-based freelance writer who has written for This Old House magazine, as well as for The New York Times and Salon.com.

BY THIS AUTHOR

Gas inserts require little maintenance

Save Money With a Fireplace Insert

Adapt your fireplace, an inefficient heating source, with an insert to improve efficiency and maintain that cozy hearth look while generating heat. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $64-$255/yr (using zoned heating)
Effort Med 3 hrs-1 wk (shop, install)
Investment High $3,000-$4,000 (w/ install)
Added to Binder
Home Fire Place Efficiency Home Fire Place Safety

Wood Fireplace: 9 Tips for Safety and Efficiency

Besides the annual inspection and sweep for your chimney, improve the function of your wood fireplace with responsible use.  Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hrs. (install)
Investment Low $50-$200 (stainless steel chimney cap)
Added to Binder
Man replacing chimney cap on house

Chimney Inspection Cost and Types

With an annual fireplace chimney inspection—and possible sweeping—you can improve fireplace performance, and snuff out chimney fire and carbon monoxide concerns. Here are the types and cost of each. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hours
Investment Low $79-$200 (level-one inspection)
Added to Binder
Home Emergency Kit Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

Make A Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

Make a home emergency preparedness kit with all the essential supplies to aid you in case a disaster strikes your area. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 hours to assemble kit
Investment Low $50-$70 for a Red Cross kit
Added to Binder
Radiant Heat For Remodeling Remodeling With Radiant Heat

Radiant Heat Takes the Chill Out of Your Remodel

Adding radiant heat is an easier remodeling project for your family room, bathroom, and basement than you think. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1 day to 1 week
Investment High $5,000-$15,000 (1,000 sq ft)
Added to Binder
Radiant Home Heat Benefits Why Choose Radiant Home Heating

Radiant Heat: 5 Hot Reasons to Love It

Radiant heat warms the body, not the air, producing a toasty feeling that takes the chill out of winter. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Low $256/yr off heat bill
Effort Med 1 day-1 wk
Investment High $5,000-$15,000 (1,000 sf)
Added to Binder
Wood Burning Stove Savings Savings For Wood Burning Stoves

Wood Stoves Burn Wood, Not Money

Adding a wood stove is an energy-efficient, money-saving way to bring a cozy feeling to your house, if you’re willing to spend time stoking the fire. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Med $64-$255 year (using zoned heating)
Effort Low 4-6 hrs (install)
Investment Med $3,000-$4,200 (with install)
Added to Binder
Gas inserts require little maintenance

Gas Fireplace Inserts: Pros and Cons

Add a gas-burning fireplace insert if you want clean air and the ultimate in convenience. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1-2 days
Investment Med $3,000-$4,000 (install insert)
Added to Binder
Inserts For Fireplaces Fireplace Wood Burning Inserts

Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts Save Energy

Install a wood-burning fireplace insert if you want to keep the magic of a wood fire but make your open fireplace more energy efficient. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Low $64-$255 year (off heating costs)
Effort Med 1-2 days
Investment Med $3,000-$4,000 (install insert)
Added to Binder
Pellet Burning Fireplace Inserts Fireplace Pellets

Pellet-Burning Fireplace Inserts Use Renewable Energy and Provide Convenience

A pellet-burning fireplace insert makes an open fireplace more efficient and convenient, and lets you burn renewable fuel. Here are the advantages, disadvantages, and costs. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1-2 days
Investment Med $3,000-$4,000 (install insert)
Added to Binder