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Adding a fireplace to your home is one of the most rewarding upgrades a homeowner can make. Whether you live in Hamilton Township, Ewing, Plainsboro, or a nearby Mercer County community, a new fireplace brings warmth, character, and long-term value to your living space. For many homeowners, the process feels uncertain. What does fireplace installation…

Igniting a fireplace with a closed damper is as dangerous as starting a car in a sealed garage. Doing so traps smoke and toxic carbon monoxide in your home—posing serious, even lethal, risks.  Originally invented in the 1920s as a means for controlling combustion to improve safety and efficiency, the metal or cast-iron damper is…

A fireplace should add comfort, not cause discomfort. Unpleasant odors can completely ruin the calming effect of your home and make the space feel less inviting. Many homeowners notice smells during certain seasons, not every day. Odors often signal buildup, moisture, or airflow issues. But the good news is that most causes are easily identifiable…

I don’t know about you, but after the recent winter storm, I’m looking forward to the warmth of spring that’s right around the corner. While you’re trading weekends on the slopes for walks in the park and getting ready for your spring cleaning, don’t forget about the biggest workhorse atop your house, the chimney. Since…

Your fireplace surround can serve as a charming focal point year-round. It being early in the year, if you have a hearth, decorate your mantel for Valentine’s Day! Our chimney sweeps at Mercer County Chimney Service are CSIA-certified, but we aren’t too into our industry to think of the romantic side of fireplaces. We think…

Fireplaces should be simple. The answer is yes, but there are still some things to consider when it comes to the “best” way to do things. A lot of what we hear and accept as “common wisdom” is actually outdated or just flat-out wrong. Even minor missteps can lead to smoke issues, damage, or even…

There’s nothing better than relaxing by a warm, crackling fire on a chilly night. Cold drafts and whistling can quickly turn your cozy fireplace retreat into a drafty hassle. If your fireplace is letting in drafts or making unusual noises, then it’s time to consider fireplace soundproofing and draft control. A few simple fixes can…

As the holiday season approaches, there will likely be many opportunities to gather by the fire with family and friends. Which means it’s the perfect time to ensure your hearth is ready for the fireplace season! At Mercer, we believe every fireplace should bring warmth and comfort. Schedule a professional chimney cleaning and inspection before…

The weather is changing. Summer is behind us now. The outlook for a more comfortable night’s sleep is exciting to many. As we put away our pool toys and prepare our gardens for the upcoming season, we also must contemplate what we need to do with our chimney to prepare for the upcoming winter. Taking…

It’s National Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, and this years theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”.  The National Fire Protection Association wants to work to ensure everyone is educated about using Lithium-Ion Batteries safely. They suggest three important steps, BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely! We will cover these in more…