How often should I clean the chimney?
The National Fire Prevention Assoiciation 211; Sec.14.1.10 reads.
Chimneys shall be inspected and cleaned, if necessary, at least once
per fiscal year , or more frequently as required to insure proper
and adequate draft, clearance, soundness, and freedom from
combuslible deposits.
How can I get more heat out of my fireplace?
A). Install a stainless steel or cast Iron heat reflector between log
grate and back wall.These reflectors will generate 20-40% more
heat into the room than just an open fireplace.
B). Install a log grate blower. This is a log grate made of metal
tubing, equipped with a blower to take air from the room and
circulate it through the fire and blow it back into the room.This
will generate aprx:30-50% more heat than an open fireplace.
C).Installing a Gas Wood or Pellet stove is by far the most efficient
use of your existing fireplace.These units are actually heaters, that
in some cases will heat your entire home.They will vary with a
70-82% efficiency rateing, which is about a 95% increase in heat,
than an open fireplace.
How can I lower my heating costs?
A) Close off unused rooms.
B) Close the fireplace damper the next day after using the fireplace.
C) Install glass doors which can be closed when you retire.
D) Keep your thermostat low when sleeping or when away from home turned off completly.
E) Make sure you have adequate wall, ceiling and attic insulation.
F) Install storm windows and dual pane windows.
G) Install a Gas, Wood or Pellet stove insert into your fireplace.
H) Install a free standing stove.
Who should I call to clean my chimney?
A certified and licensed Chimney sweep.
The chimney saftey institute of America, states: "Informed,
knowledgeable, technically competent sweeps are better prepared
to serve individual customers safely and effectively." And to be an
important source of chimney saftey and education for homeowners
and the community.
Do I really need a spark arrester?
A) An arrester for spark emmisions is required by the by the Uniform Building Code.
B) A spark arrester prevents hot embers that could cause a fire from escaping your chimney.
C) A spark arrester helps keeps out unwanted animals.
Do I really need a cap on my chimney?
There are two really good reasons for this application;
A) To prevent water from entering the chimney and mixing with
creosote.Water mixed with creosote produces a very foul odor
which may enter the house.
B) To prevent water from entering the chimney and rusting the
damper and other metal inside your fireplace.
Yes, Yes and Yes
Peterson Real-fyre Gas log sets put out as much
heat as a wood fire, but with out the mess and on
going expense.
A) Chimney may be to low.
B) Flue tiles may be too small for the size of open firebox.
C) Smoke chamber may be to small.
D) Damper may be installed to low
E) House may be to air tight.
F) Chimney may be located in a zone of turbulence. This is where
the wind blows over the chimney in such a way that it causes a back draft.
A damper in a fireplace is completly different from a damper in a
stove.In a fireplace it must be fully opened when being used to
ensure proper draw. It must be fully closed when not being used to
prevent heat loss up the chimney. An open damper will cause the
furnance to work overtime to heat the house.( but P G & E loves
you for it.)
Why should I have the chimney cleaned?
A) The national Fire Prevention Association 211, Sec.14. 1.10
states;" Chimneys shall be inspected and cleaned if necessary at
least once a year or more frequently as required to insure
adequate draft, clearance, soundness,and freedom from
combustible deposits.
B) CSIA's Successful Chimney Sweeping Manual, Sec. 3.4.3 states:
"The primary reason creosote must be removed from chimney
systems to reduce the possibility of a chimney fire."
C) A trained chimney professional will be likely to spot problem
areas that may have developed since the last cleaning.
An old Russian Proverb states;
"A MAN WHO CUTS HIS OWN WOOD WARMS HIMSELF TWICE"
Thats great, if you want to work that hard in this fast paced world we live in. However, Gas, is more cost effective
and a lot easier to ignite and regulate. Just push a button and "Wala" you have a Gas Fire.
Whats the difference between Gas, Wood , & pellet?
Gas Stoves work off of Natural gas piped into your home. And with
the use of Real-Fyre logs they are as beautiful as a Wood stove but
more cost effective usually.
Wood stoves are nice as well ; but do require more maintenance
than a gas stove.And they need a constant source of fuel.
The pellet stove is the newest style stove to enter the marketplace
but already has a large following. You can purchase Pellets for
your stove at almost any hardware supplier.
For more Information on these products go to our Stoves section
and follow the links.
CSIA's Successful Chimney Sweeping Manual, SEC.3.4 states,
"Creosoteis a natural by-product of wood burninfg. It acn be
defined as a combustible deposit which originates as condensed
wood smoke, including,tar, vapors, and other organic compounds."
Can I clean my chimney myself?
Sure you can....... But why would you?
Its a "Very" dirty job and the creosote is carcinogenic.
Can I heat my home with my fireplace?
Open fireplaces are not energy efficient. Aprox. 90% of the heat
goes up and out the chimney. A wood gas or pellet stove insert will
be a lot more efficient in the heating of your home.
In most cases yes it will. A wood, gas. or pellet stove insert will
range between 70 & 82% in efficiency.
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