Fireplaces seem to be a focal point during the holidays, either providing warmth in the cold temperature, decorative elements, and of course, the old fashioned present delivery system. Your fireplace, the most low-tech piece of equipment in your house, may seem like a simple load-and-light operation, but ignoring annual maintenance can impair its performance, leading to heated air (and dollars) blowing out the chimney, harmful smoke inside, and possibly even a chimney fire.