Fireplaces evoke romance and a scintillating nigh night with some wine and a long-winded exchange of ideas and banter. More than that, however, fireplaces are our protection against the cold of the sweater months. They are certainly a great way to reduce the cold and chilly air during the winter seasons. But sometimes, the warmth caused by your fireplace just isn’t enough, especially on a freezing winter night.
Moreover, most homeowners nowadays do not entirely depend on their wood stove or fireplace as their main source to warm them up. Over the years, more convenient heat sources and modern advancements in heating have placed the fireplace in the background.
Still, a fireplace is a great way to save energy and money by turning down the thermostat even if it’s just a bit. But if it’s not used and handled correctly and efficiently, a fireplace won’t function as intended. As a result, you won’t get the warmth you so desire.
Don’t fret. There are tried-and-tested ways to get your fireplace in running condition. Welcome the modern fireplace into your life. Here are the essentials.
Prepare Seasoned and Dried Firewood
The kind of wood you prepare for your fireplace is also one of the factors to get more heat during cold times. Make sure it is seasoned and dried because wet wood creates never-ending smoke and wasted fuel, EPA recommends.
When you prepare seasoned firewood it usually takes about 6 months up to a year for it to be ready. The moisture in firewood usually dissipates during those times. Thus, preparing a lot of seasoned firewood before winter comes is smart for a more efficient natural heat.
Fireplace Insert
Sure, the aesthetic and crackle of seasoned firewood are very comforting to look at. But it’s not the most convenient. Especially because you need to regularly put firewood in your fireplace for constant warmth.
Know however that there is a more efficient way to have unlimited heat sources during winter without using firewood. This is to install a closed combustion system called a fireplace insert to your newly built or existing fireplace. To note, wood-burning fireplace inserts are awesome. As it allows you to save a lot on your heating bills, it’s truly a win-win.
So how does it work?
The increase in heat caused by a fireplace insert is due to its design as they are usually made from steel or cast iron. This can turn any fireplace into a closed chamber. It’s more efficient and far safer. Instead of drawing air inside your house, the air comes from the outside.
Thus, this makes your home a lot more comfortable to live in with, sans the hassle of tending to a traditional fireplace. Plus, installing this system provides more heat than firewood can ever give.
Get an Annual Inspection
Having your fireplace routinely checked even before using it is a smart move. Especially for people who are dependent on their fireplace as their main source of heat during the cold weather.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that every fireplace and chimney should be inspected, chimney repair mobile al, and cleaned annually. By doing so, you should hire a professional to inspect every nook and cranny of your fireplace, especially your vulnerable chimney.
A clean chimney can prevent the worst-case scenario: a house fire. This is because a chimney sweep can identify if there are any damages in your flue lining and remove creosote. Plus, it improves the efficiency of your fireplace and increases the heat source.
Preparing for something inevitable like the cold winter season is always a smart decision. So that you can enjoy reading a book on a cozy sofa and a warm fireplace without worrying about any future incidents that can happen to your home.
