Nothing creates a cosier or more romantic atmosphere than a wood-burning fireplace.
But with the winter frost coming and no end in sight to the rising electricity and gas prices, it seems that the loving embers or a real fire can also help to protect people from the effects of the credit crunch.
Writing in The Guardian, Andrew Martin explains that wood is considered a carbon neutral fuel and that modern stoves are capable of efficiently controlling heat, exhaust and air-flow.
The soot-covered chimney sweeps who populated the world of Oliver Twist might be pleased to learn that modern fuels, such as anthracite or treated wood, are also smokeless.
Mr Martin explained that the hearth remains the focus of his front room, ahead of the television.
'A fire is more visually interesting than 90 per cent of TV programmes, and has better dialogue,' he added, dryly.
The latest stoves can even be connected to central heating systems to provide greater levels of fuel efficiency alongside the beauty of their dancing flames.
Now could be the time to strike while the poker is hot and invest in a new fireplace.
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