As the winter months approach, many people naturally "nest" and enjoy the warmth of their homes. A fireplace is a wonderful way to add more warmth – figuratively and literally. There are woodburning, gas burning and electric options in numerous styles. Some are ventless and easily installed into almost any room in your home.

In communities with older architecture, woodburning fireplaces are fairly common. These should be cleaned regularly by a reputable chimney sweep for maximum enjoyment and safety. Whether considering the purchase of a new home with a fireplace or already enjoying a home that has one, people frequently ask about these fireplace terms:

Facing is the material on the wall (brick, tile, stone, metal or most any fireproof material) surrounding the opening of the fireplace. It must meet building code requirements.

A mantel or mantelpiece is what frames the facing. Many styles are widely available and can change the look of a room. From a simple horizontal shelf to a heavy, ornate molding, the choice of a mantelpiece adds to the architecture or design elements of a house.

Hearth is the fireproof material in front of the fireplace, usually 12-18 inches deep, that must meet building code requirements. It’s either on floor level or a raised platform.

The firebox is the ‘floor’of a fireplace, where the fire is lit and burns.

A chimney is where smoke is drawn up and outside. The damper regulates the airflow by opening and closing, and must be open when a fire is lit so the smoke can safely escape.

The flue is the fireproof passageway lined in a material such as clay or concrete, where smoke goes up through the chimney.

When coming in from the cold this winter, we may choose to relax by curling up with a good book and some hot cocoa or with the comfortable conversation of family and friends. But whatever our choice, it can be wonderfully warmed by the addition of a fireplace.