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August 24, 2011
When your large, aging fireplace needs a facelift you need to start shopping for a model that will fill the space and deliver efficient, comfortable hear with minimal expense. The QuadraFire 7100 EPA wood fireplace insert is the ideal choice, delivering power, a stunning appearance and unquestionable dependability.
This lovely model features an arched top that sets off the space immediately. It is a full 40 inches wide and comes in your choice of two fronts – beautiful Valley Forge style or the simple yet stunning Mission Hill design. Both offer the patented burn design with four point combustion. This model creates the heat you need in the location you require. It perfectly combines style with performance and will fit easily into a larger hearth.
Longing for an upgrade, but don’t know where to start? The QuadraFire 7100 EPA wood fireplace insert is an excellent buy for your home, creating efficient and dependable heat all season long.
March 2, 2011
With all of the turmoil in the Middle East and the increases seen in the price of oil over the last few years, many people are considering wood burning heat for their homes. Modern designs have made wood stoves and wood burning fireplace inserts more efficient, easier to maintain and more affordable to run.
Will an investment in a wood burning hearth appliance save you money?
With proper maintenance (annual inspections and chimney cleaning based on the use) and optimum operation (burning seasoned hardwood with the right air mixture), these hearths are exceptionally affordable.
The steady price of firewood is also a major benefit. You can purchase or order your supply before the season starts and enjoy that same cost all winter long. No fluctuations based on political climates and no surprises on the monthly bill. Wood burning heat is easier to budget for and those savings are easily attainable for any homeowner.
August 25, 2010
Upgrading your open fireplace to a new high efficiency wood insert is a wise choice. For the best selection of quality models by the top manufacturers check out Fireplace Village. These three top sellers are just a sampling of what’s available.
1) Vermont Castings Montpelier Wood Insert – A clear and wide viewing area is the greatest feature of this model, almost delivering the same look as your open wood fireplace. The powerful fan included is also handy to help distribute heat. Made in U.S.A.
2) Jotul C550 Rockland Wood Insert – Able to heat up to 1,800 square feet of space, this wood insert has a distinct design and comes in the stunning Jotul Iron finish. Also look for the Rockland in matte black and blue black. Made in U.S.A and Norway.
3) Napoleon 1402 Wood Insert – Save your time and money by installing the Napoleon 1402 insert, designed for maximum efficiency and simple use. Classic looks and double blowers make this wood insert stand out from the crowd. Made in U.S.A. and Canada.
All of these three wood inserts, as well as the balance of the collection sold at Fireplace Village, are made to transform the heating methods in your home. Choose an attractive style or opt for functionality. Many wood inserts deliver on both of those features.
Fireplace Village has the largest fireplace stove insert showrooms in New England. Fireplace Village provides installation, repair and maintenance service for all fireplace inserts as well as chimney cleaning and related venting maintenance service. Stop by one of our New Hampshire locations today or contact us at 603-645-6263 to schedule your annual fireplace insert maintenance service.
June 22, 2010
When updating your existing hearth for better efficiency, a wood burning insert is an excellent choice. The new design features of the Hearthstone Clydesdale wood insert make this model the first choice of many homeowners.
The expansive door has an incredible viewing area with the improved latch and handle system built in, allowing better access and more flexibility with the installation. Now you can set the door to swing open either way, making it ideal for any room and hearth placement.
The blower, which works well for heat distribution, has controls in an accessible location and runs quieter. Add in the sealed convective air chamber for better heating performance and you have a more dependable, enjoyable heat source for your home.
 
May 17, 2010
Improve the efficiency and appearance of an old fireplace with the simple, durable Hearthstone Clydesdale Wood Insert. A sleek, cast iron surround ensures this wood insert fits seamlessly with your hearth and the soapstone firebox delivers more heat than ever.
Soapstone’s natural qualities cause it to absorb the heat of your fire, releasing it to warm the room even after the flames have died down. It’s extremely durable and the 2×4 cubic foot firebox of the Clydesdale fits up to 48 pounds of wood. Your family will be comfy for hours on end.
Non-catalytic technology allows less creosote build up and produces a hotter, more complete burn. Transform your hearth into an efficient and beautiful focal point with the Hearthstone Clydesdale wood insert. The Clydesdale is Made in Vermont.
Fireplace Village is the largest retailer of Hearthstone Stoves in New Hampshire. Fireplace Village installs and services all Hearthstone stoves, inserts and fireplaces.
May 16, 2010
Transform the look and efficiency of your existing fireplace with the stylish shape of the Jotul Rockland wood insert. Simple details along the top of the viewing area and down each side give this fireplace insert a clean, modern look. But the details and craftsmanship allow it to compliment more traditional décor as well.
The expansive flush face design of the Jotul C550 model includes air washed glass for easy maintenance and the sought after Jotul spring-loaded door latch. All of the durability and quality that you can expect from this manufacturer is here, along with a stylish design that will suit every home. The Rockland insert model is an excellent choice to transform your living space.
March 15, 2010
There are a number of sources for free firewood and inexpensive firewood. Check these out in your area.
Craigslist
The most obvious source of free firewood is on Craigslist. Lots of people take down trees and offer it to whoever is willing to cart it away. Sometimes its cut to wood stove lengths, usually its green, sometimes it disappears quickly, and it’s almost always good to have a pick-up, if you are interested in quantity.
Local tree cutting services
A lesser known, but excellent way to get free firewood is by contacting local tree cutting services in your area and see if they ever have extra wood that they need to offload. This may not be applicable in areas where there is a big firewood market but generally, tree cutters often have to pay to dispose of their wood and they are more than happy to drop it off in your driveway. You will then need to split it, stack and dry it. Some companies have sign-up forms on their websites because they are actively looking for easy ways to dispose of wood from trees that your neighbor may be cutting, or that come down in a storm.
Federal and State Cut-Your-Own Firewood Programs
While not free, National Forests and many state forests, allow you to cut your own wood for as little as $10 per cord. You’ll need a chain saw, a pick-up truck or rental trailer If you would like to use a wood stove to heat your home and do not have access to your own source of wood, it may be worthwhile to look into programs in your area which allow cutting on public lands. In 1982 the Forest Service issued 655,000 permits to cut firewood on national forest land. Managers estimate that 2.8 million cords were cut. This shows an extraordinary demand for firewood that is still little understood or appreciated.
National Forests
Every National Forest Ranger District has a firewood policy. They often issue permits to cut wood under certain conditions and in certain areas. To find your closest National Forest, check Maps and Links to National Forests and Parks By State . The cost is usually between $10-20 per cord, with a cord purchase minimum. You must provide your own chainsaw and have a tractor or truck to transport the wood you cut.
State Programs
Several states in New England have statewide firewood programs, so state forests do not each require their own program. In Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, cutting is available on public land with a different permit than those used by the National Forest programs. We’ve compiled information about programs in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont but many other states probably have cut-your-own programs.
Connecticut
The Division of Forestry issues cutting permits for Connecticut state forests. Residents can purchase wood at $30 per cord, in units of either two or four cords. Poorly formed, unhealthy, and low-value trees are marked with orange paint to indicate that they are available for firewood permit holders to cut. Utility companies may also offer firewood cutting permits on their forested land. Firewood Program Applications are accepted starting in January of the calendar year. Please contact the Division of Forestry at dep.forestry@ct.gov for an application.
Maine
The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands offers firewood permits to individuals with a chain saw and pickup truck. Foresters mark suitable firewood trees near roads, for easier hauling and minimal disruption deeper into the forest. Firewood is sold for $25 per cord, with a 10-cord maximum for any one permit holder each year.
Call the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at 207-941-4014 for more information.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands offers cut-your-own programs on several state reservations. Residents can cut a maximum of two cords during the cutting season, at $25 per cord. All permits are for dead and down wood only, and individuals must have their own truck, chain saw, and basic safety equipment.
To obtain a permit, contact the Division of Forests and Lands at 172 Pembroke Road, PO Box 1856, Concord, New Hampshire 03302-1856, Tel. 603-271-2214.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry allows firewood cutting for personal use in 5 participating state parks and forests. The wood is sold for $20 per cord, up to a maximum of five cords during the cutting season. Permit holders can cut and remove their firewood from standing timber in designated areas.
For a permit, call or visit one of the following areas for reservations:
Northern New Jersey
High Point State Park
1480 State Highway 23
Sussex, NJ 07461-3605
(973) 875-4800
Stokes State Forest
1 Coursen Road
Branchville, NJ 07826
(973) 948-3820
Southern New Jersey
Bass River State Forest
762 Stage Road
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
(609) 296-1114
(609) 861-2404
Belleplain State Forest
County Route 550
PO Box 450
Woodbine, NJ 08270
(609) 726-1191
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
P.O. Box 215
Route 72 East, Milepost 1
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offers cut-your-own firewood permits for State Forest land in Chenango, Madison, and Broome counties. They use a lottery system to sell cords of wood for $15.00 per cord, in units of three, five, or ten cords. Trees are marked for cutting off-road, and permit holders must provide their own chain saw and 4-wheel drive truck for access and hauling. For applications and additional information on the homeowner firewood program, contact the DEC in Sherburne for Chenango and Madison Counties at (607) 674-4017 or Kirkwood for Broome County at (607) 775-2545.
Vermont
Vermont’s “Wood Warms” initiative offers firewood to low and middle income households in two formats. Split firewood from loggers is available for pick-up through a voucher system, and 50 small roadside lots in state forests or on state lands are marked for cut-your-own permitted systems. Cut-your-own wood is available in three cord units for $10 per cord. The heating assistance initiative has already generated over 1,600 cords of wood for low-income Vermonters. The following are the areas (and contact info) that will have individual firewood lots in 2009: -Barre District (802-476-0170): Lots located in the towns of Orange, Morristown & Roxbury. -Springfield District (802-885-8845): Lots located in the towns of Bridgewater, Cavendish, Grafton, Ludlow, Plymouth, Rockingham, Sharon, Weathersfield & Weston. -Rutland District (802-786-0060): Lots located in the towns of Castleton and Shrewsbury.
February 9, 2010
While the atmosphere and aroma are second to none, a traditional wood burning fireplace can be much more energy efficient once a fireplace insert is installed.
Fireplace inserts fit into your existing fireplace, either mounted flush with the hearth or at times extending out slightly. Inserts often include upgraded stone or tile finishes, cast iron features and glass doors. They are extremely attractive and complete the look of even the more barren of fireplaces.
Besides the aesthetics, fireplace inserts add energy efficiency to your heating system, whether it’s wood, pellet burning or utilizes natural gas. Inserts have tight fitting doors and feature air circulation systems built right in. They ensure that the majority of heat generated from the flames is not lost up into the chimney and produce the most efficient burn using controlled damper systems. Fireplace inserts also gather combustion air from outside of your home. The combustion efficiency of an insert depends on whether wood, pellets or natural gas are burned. Regardless, the construction of an insert improves the efficiency significantly when compared to a traditional fireplace.
Another benefit of fireplace inserts is the inclusion of a built in fan. Fans don’t affect the combustion efficiency, but they do distribute the heat into your home well, sometimes from 50 to 75% better than without an insert. If your fireplace is in a small room a fan may not be necessary, but a fireplace insert and fan can heat a large area very comfortably.
Fireplace inserts come in either single or double-walled construction. Double-walled is more efficient because of the way that heated air is distributed through and around the insert. This type is more common and safer than single-walled, which pulls air from the room into the fireplace, up along the back and then back out the top.
Be sure that your fireplace insert is connected to the existing chimney system. The NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) and many building codes require a direct connection between the fireplace insert and the flue liner to prevent creosote build up.
Always have your existing fireplace inspected by a licensed professional who will determine whether an insert is suitable and which type would be best. Professionals can make sure that all of the elements work together to produce maximum efficiency. A certified chimney sweep should also clean the existing chimney in preparation for an insert.
Continue to enjoy the look and feel of your existing fireplace with an energy efficient and convenient fireplace insert installed right in. Your home will be warmer and produce fewer emissions – making your family feel better all around.
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