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January 11, 2012
Cold winds, freezing rain, snow and ice, there’s no denying it, winter is upon us. You own a fireplace and you simply adore it. And why shouldn’t you, there’s nothing better than enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate in front of a warm and cozy fireplace after spending some time outside in the brisk winter air. But have you ever wondered how you could improve the quality of your fireplace by installing a fireplace blower?
Sharing the heat throughout the home:
The beauty of fireplace blowers is that they can be installed on any type of fireplace, gas or wood. A fireplace keeps your house nice and warm all winter long, but a lot of the heat that it produces is lost because it escapes through the chimney. The purpose of a fireplace blower is to keep that warm air inside your home and distributing it over a wider space than your fireplace alone. A fan blower can successfully distribute the heat more evenly within the room in which the fireplace is installed. If you had a fireplace installed in your home because you wanted to save on your heating bills this winter, installing a fireplace blower is a smart choice because by sharing the heat more evenly throughout your entire home, you will have to rely less and less on electrical or oil heating solutions.
Using the fire’s full potential:
Having a fireplace blower really brings out the quality and luxury of owning a fireplace. You don’t need to add more fuel to your fire or to turn the gas up in order to keep yourself warm when it gets extra chilly outside. By using a fireplace blower, you will be exploiting the full potential or your fireplace by distributing the heat of the fire throughout your entire home.
Maintenance issues:
A few times a year, blowers do need to be cleaned. If your blower isn’t distributing heat as efficiently as it used to or if it sounds louder than it normally does, it may be time to clean it. Like a traditional portable fan, a fireplace blower accumulates dust which decreases its ability to turn and ultimately reduces its output. You can always ask a professional to clean your fireplace blower for you, or you can do it yourself by following the instructions that were provided to you when you bought your device. One thing you must keep in mind before commencing any type of cleaning or maintenance on a fireplace,; make sure it’s cool! If embers are still red and glowing inside it, it’s not cool enough, walk away and come back to begin your work a little later.
Valerie Gravel is a guest blogger for Monmet Technologies. Monmet Technologies offers a range of high-performance gas and wood-burning fireplace fan kits and fireplace blowers.
December 8, 2011
This time of year presents plenty of opportunities for special moments with family and friends. Why not let your hearth get in on the fun by picking up some special fireplace accessories? Flame enhancers, like those available in Magical Cone Colors gift packs, add a splash of brightness to the flames and present an extra cheerful warmth in your home.
Burning in blues and greens, these specially formulated pine cones can be placed directly into your fireplace insert or wood stove. Allow them to burn right alongside seasoned firewood and watch the flames come alive with sparkle and holiday cheer. The products’ natural shape is festive all on its own, so keep a bundle near the hearth for a simple and tasteful holiday decoration that’s also handy for adding to the fireplace.
Flame enhancers give your fire an extra special look this holiday season. Add sparkle to your dinner party or simply enjoy a more festive fire with the family. These products, as well as other festive fireplace accessories, are also ideal gifts for those hard-to-buy-for loved ones on your list.
November 10, 2011
Wood stove thermometers help to avoid chimney fires and other dangerous occurrences. But many would argue that these wood stove accessories are not necessary for homes that have a modern, high efficiency wood stove. Look closely at what these accessories are for before dismissing them entirely.
A wood stove thermometer is used to gauge the temperature of the flue pipe (magnetic varieties), the flue gases (probe varieties) or the surface of the stove (stove top varieties). This information warns of excessive temperatures and inefficient or unsafe burning. Some would argue that glass viewing doors offer similar warnings on newer models, but many hearth experts state that the temperatures provided by wood stove thermometers inform the users and help maintain a safe atmosphere.
Considering the affordable price of these wood stove accessories, it makes sense that wood stove users invest in this extra level of safety. Check with your local stove shop for the ideal brand and read through the owner’s manual of your wood stove – it may recommend a certain type or give further instructions on the use of this accessory.
October 3, 2011
Your fireplace will see plenty of action this winter as temperatures drop and the warmth of the flames calls out to your family. Make sure that your hearth is properly equipped by having all of the best fireplace accessories on hand. These must haves will help your winter season to be warmer, brighter and more cheerful.
Fan kits help to move that heat around, making even the farthest corners comfortable. There are stovetop models and those that can be installed in doorways or near vents. Airflow and room design will dictate which style works best for your home.
Dress up the hearth with a fireplace screen, as practical as it is beautiful. A fireplace rug is another smart inclusion. It will protect your flooring from random sparks, as well as adding color to the area. Keep your broom, ash shovel and ash bucket handy as well, right beside an attractive log rack. These elements will be well used over the winter months, but also serve as an accent for the hearth as a whole.
Your living space will be much more comfortable and beautiful with the right fireplace accessories included. Pick up these and many others at your local stove shop and get everything ready for the coming winter.
July 19, 2011
Installing a fireplace or wood stove in your home is an exciting step to take, as you are increasing the luxurious quality of your home You will probably take this step as a means of increasing the comfort of your home, whether for the sake of actual warmth in the winter months, or simply for the pleasant atmosphere that a crackling fire can pull together. Either way, you are sure to soon be enjoying the additional comfort in your home. However, when installing a fireplace or wood stove, it is also important to consider the safety of your home and everyone in it. Wood burning fireplaces and stoves are generally made fairly safe, but wherever there is fire, there is risk of an accident. Fortunately, many home security companies now offer fire and smoke alarms as a part of their security packages. Much like standard protective devices against home invasion and theft, accident detectors are a huge part of keeping a home environment safe.
Unfortunately, fires can catch and spread extremely quickly, even in a home where people are conscious of the risks involved in having a fire. However, with a sensitive smoke detector system installed in your home, you will be alerted at the slightest sign of smoke. Many people assume that because house fires are generally quite noticeable, smoke detectors are unnecessary. However, when it comes to your safety, every second counts, and the extra time you gain from a working smoke detector can help you in multiple ways. Not only will you have ample time to escape your home if necessary, but you may also be alerted in time to save some of your possessions, or even put the fire out yourself (though, obviously, getting out of harm’s way needs to be your first priority).
Most home security companies also now offer you carbon monoxide detectors as further protection against unfortunate and potentially harmful accidents. Carbon monoxide is a gas present in most households, and can be deadly if it gets into your air. It is also very difficult to detect with any of your senses, meaning that, particularly while you are sleeping, a dangerous leak may well escape your attention. Carbon monoxide detectors frequently save lives by alerting home residents of these leaks, allowing people to escape the compromised air supplies and have the problems taken care of.
This is not to take the fun out of basic luxuries like home fire places, or to inspire fear or paranoia about dangerous household accidents. However, it is always important, with any new home or new addition to a home, to consider safety implications. Home security companies can always help you to make your home a safe and comfortable place for you and your loved ones.
May 14, 2011
Many fathers enjoy the relaxing task of tending a wood burning fire. Whether out at the campground or in their own living room, the functional and essential task of keeping the home fires burning is soothing to many. If you have a man in your home that values his hearth responsibilities, consider how perfect this Father’s Day will be with the gift of fireplace accessories.
For a well dressed fireplace or wood stove, pick up a hearth rug or stove kettle. One unusual gift that will surprise even the most stoic dad is a hearth cricket – traditional and original all at the same time.
For function and form, check out the latest ash vacuums, firewood log racks or even a trusty axe and a new pair of gloves for handling the log pile this year. Think about what your dad needs and then consider what he only dreams about for his fireplace.
Your true local stove shop for years, Fireplace Village has a massive selection of fireplace accessories on display. Make dad a happy man with a well tended fire this year. You’re bound to find the perfect Father’s Day gift at Fireplace Village.
April 12, 2011
A solid firewood log rack will keep your fuel well organized and safe. This seemingly unimportant storage rack can help you to have an efficient and enjoyable heating season – today and into the future. Used in the yard or beside the wood shed, a rack allows your cut firewood to season well and provide efficient burning throughout the next heating season. And in the house a firewood log rack keeps fuel handy, allowing you to enjoy your wood stove or fireplace more often.
When the rack begins to deteriorate, rust or bend after years of dependable use it’s time to start shopping for a new one. Repairs may be possible, but you don’t want to wait for the rack to fall apart – otherwise the clean up will be a pain. Check out the selection of strong and durable racks at Fireplace Village, available in different sizes to suit your needs.
A firewood log rack is essential for convenience and organization and no wood burning home should be without one.
February 5, 2011
Whether you have a wood burning fireplace, wood stove or even a gas model, installing a fireplace screen is a smart move. These items are decorative and functional, creating a safer, more attractive hearth space in your home.
The purpose of a fireplace screen is to protect the area immediately beyond the fireplace opening. Screens stop sparks and flying ash from landing on the flooring or furniture and are absolutely essential when using an open faced fireplace. But this accessory is also helpful on more modern models complete with glass doors.
A fireplace screen is a visual reminder of the heat and danger your fireplace presents. Small children and pets can be held back by a properly placed fireplace screen. When opening and closing the doors on your stove or fireplace, the screen will offer protection for the surrounding area as well.
Beautifully designed fireplace screens also dress up your hearth and add a touch of personal style to the space. Gorgeous, functional and valuable for your family’s safety, a fireplace screen is a smart investment.
January 21, 2011
From Martha Stewart Living:
Using newspaper to get a blaze going usually results in just another flash in the fireplace or wood stove. An old-fashioned solution: newspaper twists.
Tightly roll a sheet of newspaper, bend it in half, twist the ends together, and fasten with twine. Keep a basketful by the hearth and you’ll always be ready to heat things up.
January 18, 2011
Isn’t that an oxymoron? How can something be necessary and yet also decorative? Fire proof rugs are the perfect example of something you need to have for safety and durability, but also love to have for the added beauty and visual appeal.
Traditional fireplaces often had stone, brick or granite shelves that extended from the front of the hearth out into the room. This element was there to protect the area immediately surrounding the fireplace opening, eliminating burning and damage to the floor.
The same danger exists with fireplaces and wood stoves today, even though glass doors enclose the traditional opening. Fire proof rugs are placed on the flooring – whether it’s carpet, hardwood, laminate or tile – and stand as a barrier for flying sparks, embers and other hot debris that can cause serious damage.
The plus side is that most fireplace rugs are beautifully crafted and add charm to the room. Buy them for the necessity. Enjoy them for their beauty. Check out the selection of fire proof rugs at Fireplace Village, where there is sure to be a style and size to suit your home.
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