Many homeowners assume they can burn any type of wood in their fireplace. Why some woods have more heating efficiency than others, it is most important to get dry seasoned wood to burn in your fireplace. Seasoned firewood burns both hotter and cleaner and will keep...
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that all chimney sweeps are created equal. Just because someone has a brush and a truck, however, doesn’t make them a qualified chimney professional. While acronyms such as NFI and CSIA might be confusing to the average person, they...
While the National Association of Homebuilders has reported that fireplaces remain the second most requested feature that homebuyers look for, many do not want to deal with the time or hassle required with a wood burning fireplace. Because of this, more and more...
While wood and pellet stoves were once thought of as old fashioned heating appliances for use in cabins or other country dwellings, these heating appliances are now considered to be more modern than ever before. Heat production, high efficiency, and minimal...
Once thought to be old fashioned or exclusively for use in log cabins, wood burning stoves have begun to gain popularity in recent years. Now more modern and efficient than ever before, more and more homeowners are opting to install wood stoves in their homes. Wood...
In recent years, pellet stoves have become an increasingly popular choice for a heating appliance. Because of the low cost of fuel, ease of use, and minimal maintenance pellet stoves are an enticing alternative for homeowners who want the odor and warm feel of a wood...
Chimney leaks do more than just damage your fireplace system; they can also cause significant damage to your walls, ceilings, and interior furnishings and décor. Although chimneys seem like a basic column of bricks, they are deceivingly complex structures. Because of...
Many homeowners are used to the presence of creosote in their flue, expecting to see small amounts of creosote flakes or soot in between chimney sweepings. However, if left unremoved this soft creosote can harden into a thick, tarry substance. Known as Level 3 or...
Many homeowners install prefabricated fireplaces with the belief that they will last just as long as their masonry counterparts. While prefabricated fireplaces are a great and inexpensive way to add a fireplace to your home, they are not meant to last forever....
Now that winter is finally over, the warm weather and rains of spring are a welcome change in the weather. However, they may have caused something that is very unwelcome in your home: chimney odor. Chimney odors are not just unpleasant; they often indicate that there...