Bans may snuff gas fireplaces out. Here’s what it will take to convert them. Converting to wood-burning or electric is a job for a professional, and it might mean opening your wallet wide ...

Make sure your fireplace functions properly so it's ready whenever you, your family and friends want to enjoy it. Proper ...

But what about the neighbors? Wood-burning fireplaces are a huge problem in cities, pushing the PM 2.5 levels way up. Next to cars, they are the biggest urban source of particulate matter.

This gas-powered fireplace at The Fireplace Shop in Hampton features a remote control with temperature settings. “We sold way more wood stoves back in the day,” Youens said.

Vent-free gas fireplaces have been on the market for about four years and have grown rapidly in their popularity, mainly for aesthetic value rather than for heating use.

If you already have a gas fireplace, burn prevention experts encourage you to buy a free-standing screen that goes in front of your fireplace. Most fireplace shops sell them for $100 or less.

Under pressure from federal regulators, fireplace manufacturers agreed to add screens to the glass doors of gas fireplaces to prevent serious burns to an estimated 200 children a year 5 and younger.