Energy Efficiency Tips: Maximizing your Fireplace this Winter
Entry #3206, January 19, 2014
Many homeowners like to light up the fireplace instead or besides switching on the thermostat during the winter months. In fact, there might be no better way of spending a holiday evening than sitting in front of a fire with friends and family. However, some safety hazards are there related to fireplace and you also have to know how to use firewood to save energy. Keep your home energy efficient and have a safe winter with these helpful tips.
Energy Efficiency Tips: Maximizing your Fireplace this Winter
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Use Dried and Seasoned Firewood
At first, you have to take care of the firewood that will be burnt inside the fireplace. It should be dried and seasoned properly before using in the fireplace because wet wood wastes energy by creating excessive smoke. You can use a wood moisture meter to check the moisture level of the firewood. It may cost you a little money but will save loads eventually.
Clean the Fireplace
The fireplace should be cleaned properly, at least once a year most importantly before using it during the winter months. Any garbage jamming the chimney, including built-up ash known as creosote and fallen leaves from nearby trees, should be cleared thoroughly. A blocked chimney is likely to force smoke back inside the home.
Avoid Disposing of Unwanted Items into the Fireplace
Gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter can cause fire to grow quickly out of hand. So, avoid these flammable things while starting fire in the fireplace and use newspapers or dry kindling instead. In addition, resist the temptation of throwing toy packaging, wrapping paper, or any plastic-made thing into the fire because the plastics and chemical dyes in these things release toxins when burnt.
Image via: Decor Pad
Prevent Wastage of Hot Air
The warmth from the fireplace does not circulate evenly through the room and tends to stay around the wood-burning appliance, meaning wastage of energy. The space will be much more comfortable if you can make hot air spread more effectively into the room. Run the ceiling fan on low speed to move air trapped near the ceiling. It will help moving the air from the ceiling down the walls and into the room. The wastage of hot air can also be prevented by improving the insulation in the home.
Image via: Holzman Interiors
Use a Fireplace Screen
A screen around the fireplace will save your kids and pets from flames by catching the sparks. Besides, a fireplace door will prevent hot air going outside the home and cold air from entering. As a result, you can save on your heating bills too.
A fireplace can be an effective means of keeping a home warm besides saving money on energy bills. So, follow these tips to keep your home toastier and cozier on these freezing nights.
For more energy efficiency tips on Stagetecture, click here.
