Post by : Admin
16-Dec-2021
It’s that time of the year again in Connecticut when homeowners have all prepped up to use their idle sitting fireplaces in the long, cold winter. Some say that fireplaces only have a ten percent heat efficiency compared to the 60 percent efficiency of wood stoves.
The fact, as true as it may be, cannot undermine the beauty and warmth that a fireplace can add to your home. This is why, we have compiled a list of things you can try this winter to improve the efficiency of your fireplace, all the while keeping it an eco-friendly option.
There’s no denying that all wood produces soot and creosote when burnt. But it’s also is true that hardwood burns slower than softwood, meaning it produces creosote at a slower pace. Subsequently, because it burns slow, hardwood provides more fire with less firewood. It is important to note that hardwood is a relatively more expensive choice but one that’s good for your health and environment.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a fireplace, if used improperly would impact the energy consumption of your house by a 30 percent addition. This is why it’s important that you understand the use of fireplace components such as the damper, cap etc.
For the wood to catch fire, it’s imperative that it gets enough oxygen. So make sure to open up your damper before starting a fire to help circulate the air. Once the fire is burnt and your living space is warm, make sure to close the damper tightly. This will allow the hot air to stay in your house and continue to yield better heat.
The chimney, flue, and liners are all important components of a functioning fireplace. To make sure that your chimney is not clogged and the air passes in and out efficiently, a chimney sweep is highly essential. Chimney sweeps are also important to prevent fires caused by soot and creosote formation on the chimney liner. Make sure to have your chimney swept at least once a year as per the NFPA recommendation. In case you use softwood, you may need chimney sweep more often due to higher amounts of creosote produced by the wood.
Fireplace inserts can help you improve the efficiency of your fireplace by up to 65 percent by ensuring that the heat does not pass out via the chimney. These inserts are both aesthetically pleasing and improve the burning duration.
For those in Connecticut, investing in a good fireplace insert is a long-term and useful investment. You can also check out fireplace inserts offered by Creative Masonry & Chimney. Call us today to book one and enjoy a warmer, cozier winter this year.
