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For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.

Fireplaces can theoretically help you save on heating bills if you lower the temperature throughout the rest of your home and heat only a single room that you occupy using the fireplace. However, in most cases, homeowners won’t save any money on heating bills. Gas and electric fireplace inserts could actually lead to a spike in your respective energy bills if you use them frequently, and if you don’t keep up with chimney maintenance and repairs, your traditional masonry fireplace could actually be a source of heat loss in the winter.

You should use an angled brush to first paint the mortar lines, then go in with a high-density roller to evenly paint the bricks one at a time. You can also use a flat paintbrush to paint individual bricks, but a roller is faster and easier to use thanks to its longer handle and wider surface area for coating the bricks. To finish, go in with the paint brush for edges or hard-to-reach areas.

In most homes, your chimney and HVAC are separate from each other. However, you can use your chimney to save on heating costs in the winter. Turn off your HVAC system and start a cozy fire, then watch the electric bills drop during the coldest months. Make sure your flue is closed when not in use so that you don’t end up pumping heat or cool air from your system outside.