Nothing quite matches the warmth and ambiance of flickering flames in a fireplace. On a cold day, a fire is the perfect focal point for reading a good book or enjoying quiet conversation. But wood-burning fireplaces have fallen under scrutiny in recent years because of concerns about carbon output and pollution caused by particulates in their smoke.

Fortunately, conventional wood-burning fireplaces have evolved to mitigate some of the air pollution problems associated with them. Today a variety of options are available that produce heat with much less pollution.

In this section of HomeTips, you will find helpful information for making fireplace buying decisions, as well as do-it-yourself information for fireplace care.