Fireplace Information Blog

The fire is one of the most important sites of a home during the winter months. Many homeowners are realizing the benefits of utilizing a fire and some are even using their fireplace instead of their heating unit to heat the home during the colder winter months. But those with a fireplace aren’t always aware of what kind of wood they are burning. Sure, some use a gas fireplace, and the conveniences of those are obvious. Some who are living in more rural areas are even able to cut their own firewood, and they may be wondering what kind of wood is best for burning.

The wood of different trees has a different moisture content, and the moisture content of the wood determines how the wood will burn. One thing that is very important for those with a fireplace to know is, “what kind of wood is best to burn.” When the proper wood is used, it allows the other accessories used for the fireplace like the chimney liner to be the most effective possible.

5 Different Kinds of Wood

Cedar

Cedar splits easily, which means it is a great starter wood for making the fire and makes great kindling. While cedar does burn at a good temperature, it is known to spit and crackle, meaning that it may not be the best choice for an open fireplace. The greatest benefit of cedar, according to many fire lovers, is the unique aroma that can improve the fragrance of any home.

Oak

Oak is a favorite for firewood, and is abundant in North America making it easy to find and also one of the most affordable choices. Oak can be difficult to ignite and get started like most hardwoods, but once it gets started it burns long and at a good temperature.

Birch

Birch is a softwood so it is going to burn faster than hardwoods like the oak. It also has a slight sweet when burnt and that makes it a favorite among many homeowners with a fireplace. There are several species of birch, including yellow, black, and white birch. Black is the most desirable for f

Many homeowners are wondering this winter how to heat a home during the wintertime using their fireplace. It is really an energy-saving option when it can be done efficiently. In a previous post it was discussed what kinds of wood are good for burning, and many areas of North America are plentiful with forested areas that are full of trees. However, it is important to be sure that it is legal to cut down trees in the area.

Whether bought at the local grocery store or chopped down in the local woods, firewood is able to heat a home when the proper methods are used. Even gas fireplaces are able to heat a home when a couple measures are taken to ensure that more heat is staying in the home than is escaping through the chimney.

Ensure the Fire Heats the Home

Install a Chimney Liner

The chimney liners of Fireside Chimney Supplies are able to prevent the creosote that builds up from causing a chimney fire. The best way to ensure that the fireplace is able to continue heating the home is to keep the chimney in good shape. The chimney liner is a great way to improve an aging chimney or one that is in need of repair from corrosive gasses eating away at it. Chimney liners can also prevent so much heat from leaving the house right up the chimney. As it has been discussed before, a chimney liner can increase the heating efficiency of a fireplace anywhere from 10% to 40%!

Use Seasoned Wood

For wood-burning fireplaces, using properly aged and seasoned wood is a great way to ensure the fire gives off a proper amount of heat. Green wood, or wood has not had enough time since it was cut to dry out properly, is going to produce more smoke than heat, and the fire produced will not heat a home as efficiently as drier wood.

Open the Damper

The fireplace of the chimney is located inside the throat of the chimney, just above the fireplace. It is designed to seal the fireplace shut when it is not in use. When the fire is going,

We’re getting excited, because it’s now the time of year that fires aren’t just enjoyable – they are necessary! Many times they are an essential component of a home during the winter time. During a recent stay in North Carolina, my friend told me that he uses his fireplace to heat his home during the entire winter! We spent some time gathering firewood to be able to burn throughout the duration of the cold winter months. What a way to save energy and cost on heating bills, especially when you have the proper chimney liner and chimney caps in place to prevent heat from escaping through the top and walls of the chimney.

Along with being economical and a great place to sit during the winter, the fireside is also a great place to enjoy some seasonal drinks throughout the winter months. There’s hot chocolate! Even white chocolate peppermint mochas from the local coffee joint. Today we wanted to talk about some of the exciting holiday drinks to enjoy during winter time.

 Winter Drink Ideas by the Fireside

Hot Cocoa

First off, you can’t go wrong with a great cup of hot chocolate. I recommend using milk instead of water, but for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer the lighter texture of hot cocoa made with hot water, that would surely be the way to go. I prefer Godiva’s hot chocolate and with milk and maybe a few marshmallows it ends up being one of my favorite fireside winter drinks.

Lemon Ginger Tea

The next set of drinks will include all varieties of tea. We’re going to stick to one particular kind of herbal teas that aren’t caffeinated so you can enjoy them late at night without having to worry about not being able to get to sleep. The first is a lemon ginger herbal tea. Our favorite benefit of this tea is the way it helps sore throats and upset stomachs feel better, as sometimes the winter cold can cause us to feel a little under the weather.

Mulled Cider

Our third and final drink to

Via The Ledger Independent 

Chimney pots date back to the 13th century, and are typically associated with England.  However, there is research that shows they were used in the Roman Empire, India and Australia.

Chimney Pots

The purpose of a chimney pot was quite simple and ingenious:  they were used to extend the chimney in order to improve the draft and keep odors and smoke from coming into the building.

Life Before A Chimney Pot

Think back to how homes and businesses were constructed years ago:  the only source of heat was the fireplace.  The bigger the structure, the more fireplaces you had. For example, with a structure like the Lee House in Maysville, which was an Inn during its heyday, a three story building would have fireplaces on each floor, with numerous flues in one chimney.

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Fireside Chimney Supply is an American Company. We offer premium chimney liner stainless steel systems as well as a wide range of other hearth products. Our products are all produced and manufactured in the United States and our flue liners have been revolutionizing the industry since 1992.

Who doesn’t love sitting by a warm fireplace all bundled up when it’s below freezing outside?  If you’re going to be using your fireplace, chimney, and chimney cover for the first time in your home, you should take a look at these safety precautions before getting toasty by lighting the fire.

Safety Precautions for Your Fireplace and Chimney

Inspection

It’s vital to have a professional take a look at your fireplace on the inside before you begin making fires.  A proper inspector will be on the lookout for birds’ nests, sticks, and other loose remains. The outside chimney cover and chimney liner should also be checked for safety.  If there is any blockage, smoke will back up and clog the airways. 

The Fall weather is fast approaching and the cozy spirit of Autumn is making its way into our homes. There’s nothing better than a change of scenery to invigorate the senses and liven things up a little. If you’re fortunate enough to have a chimney or fireplace in your home, you know how the sounds of a crackling fire can calm your nerves and give you peace of mind, and adding the power of aromatherapy to the fire will only increase the effectiveness. Let’s go over some amazing fragrance bomb recipes to really add a level of comfort to your home.

Fragrance Bomb Recipes

Fall Fruit

Start by drying out a few apples and oranges in your oven. Once dry, add them to a fire to create a savory yet sweet citrus aroma. The scent will fill your house and last for hours.

Simple Cinnamon

Okay, so this one isn’t really a recipe, but simply adding a few cinnamon sticks to your fire will create a very pleasing scent that will be more robust than the old classic cinnamon broom.

Sage Advice

Dried sage wands (the real ones, not from the grocery store) create a really unique scent that is very pleasing. What’s great about sage is that it will eliminate any unwanted odors in your home and leave behind a fresh clean scent. Sage tends to smoke a lot when burned, so don’t use the entire wand; just a few strips will do the trick.

Cedar Woods

For a rustic scent reminiscent of a camping trip or winter cabin, burn some dried cedar branches. For an added bonus, sprinkle a few drops of your favorite essential oil such as lavender or eucalyptus. Cedar also works well as an insect repellant, so this recipe is perfect for an outdoor chiminea.

Any of these recipes will be perfect for a Fall party or get together and will set a mood that will create lasting memories for you and your guests. Now that you have all your chimney supplies, get ready to relish in a stimulating and therapeutic environment. Enjoy! And if you need an

We at Fireside Chimney Supplies are experts of all things chimneys. With the fall well under way and Winter approaching it is important to take the proper steps to keep your chimney and fireplace running smoothly. A chimney that is not maintained can cause unnecessary health risks and even fires. Neglected chimneys accumulate creosote, a combustible byproduct of charred wood, along their walls. If you add that to a high internal flue temperature you got yourself a recipe for a potential chimney fire.

While it still isn't too bad outside you want to take the proper steps to make sure your chimney and fireplace are ready to go for the winter. There would be no worse way to spend your winter finding out that you can't use your chimney because of an animal getting stuck in the chimney or high level of creosotes.

We got the lowdown and the information you need to make sure your fireplace is safe and running properly this winter!

1. Don't use a regular vacuum for cleaning ash! A regular vacuum is not safe for cleaning ash from the hearth of the fireplace. Even if the ash seems cooled, it is not uncommon for a burning clinker to be lingering hours or even days after. Cleaning the ash is important to make sure you have a good burn and also to get the allergens and smell of the ash out of the air. having a huge buildup of ash can impede airflow. What you need is an ash vacuum that is designed with a metal interior made for cleaning up ash.
2. Burn the right wood! Burning the right wood is key to having a pleasurable experience out of your fireplace. You should only burn seasoned wood as opposed to green wood. Green wood has a lot more moisture and thus won't burn as thoroughly, creating more soot and creosote. Also make sure to burn hardwoods, no soft woods. Hardwoods like oak and maple deliver more heat than their lighter counterparts.
3. Avoid spewing embers! Make sure your fireplace has

The outside of the home gets so much love in the summer. Homeowners eager to enjoy the outdoors plant gardens, spruce up their home’s curb appeal and even update exterior trim or siding. As temperatures soar, this winter seems so far away. Let’s face it. When people think about chimneys and fireplaces, they think about winter. With last year’s record breaking freezing temperatures and snowfall still fresh in some people’s mind, most of us want to enjoy our hot and humid days as long as possible. But like the rest of the exterior of your home, your chimney can serve a decorative purpose outside of the frigid winter months. There are some creative ways to spruce up your chimney this summer. We have several options to help you adorn your fireplace and chimney.

Chimney pots are a neat way to transform the look of your chimney. If you are unfamiliar them, then you might be asking yourself  “What are chimney pots?” Chimney pots are decorative pots that sit atop a chimney, enhancing the look of one of your home’s most prominent features. While most chimney pots are round, they do come in a variety of shapes and sizes that fit nicely with the style of any home. Whether your home is the classic Spanish style home or a mid-century modern style, there is a perfect chimney pot design for your home.

It is true that most people choose chimney pots primarily to update the look of their chimney. However, these pots have a functional value as well. Chimney pots help improve fireplace drafts due to their tapered designs. Fireplace drafts happen, naturally, when you turn on your fireplace. But, that is another wintertime issue to consider when the time comes. By securing a chimney pot now, you will be prepared to better care for your chimney come those cold winter months

If you are looking for something rare for your home’s chimney, then consider the salt glazed chimney pots. The difference between regular and salt glazed pots is the color and richness given through th

Chimney liners are a great addition to any fireplace but many people do not understand why they would need one. Are chimney liners necessary for safety and function or simply added for decoration? Are they required by your local building code? Exactly why would you need a chimney liner? Fireside Chimney Supply is here to answer those questions and more. Our experts have outlined a few reasons for you to consider purchasing chimney liners.  

Reasons to Purchase Chimney Liners

Reason 1: Your chimney is unlined.

Just as most houses were built without insulation in the past, most masonry chimneys were built without a liner. The absence of a liner can cause wood exhaust to leak through the mortar joints into your home. That is safety concern indeed. Another safety concern? Your chimney could actually catch fire! That is because in some cases, liquid creosote can eventually dissolve the binder in the mortar and soak into the joints. Without a liner to create a buffer, a fire could occur.

Reason 2: Your chimney is lined, but the liner is in poor condition.

There are many types of durable chimney liners, including those made of rigid and flexible materials. In the case of some masonry chimneys, the liners are made from terracotta clay or pumice, which can crack over time from normal wear and tear. A crack in that type of liner can allow smoke and liquid creosote through, which can ultimately lead to the same risk of chimney fire as described above.

Reason 3: Your chimney is lined, but the liner is not properly sized.

Ill-fitting liners can cause numerous issues. In fact, an oversized liner can lead to everything from smoke spillage to excessive creosote formation and...you guessed it

The good news? Fireplaces are a top selling feature for many new homebuyers. In fact, real estate experts rank them among the top three features requested by homebuyers during their new home search. The bad news? With increasing awareness about energy efficiency, people are identifying fireplaces as a key source of energy consumption and waste, with estimates as high as 8 percent of home draft waste being caused by fireplaces. And, there is nothing that a homeowner wants less to go along with their new mortgage than high energy bills.

However, all is not lost. You can enjoy the benefits of a fireplace, remain energy efficient and save money by using fireplace inserts.

What is a fireplace insert?

Simply put, a fireplace insert is steel or cast-iron box placed into your existing fireplace making it function more like a wood-burning stove. They come in a variety of styles and in many cases a decorative flange hugs the outside edges snugly, securing the insert and ensuring no gaps are present between the unit and sides of the masonry fireplace. Also, the inserts have clear or in some instances frosted heat-proof glass doors. The size of your insert will depend on the size of your room where it will be used.

Why do I need one?

Fireplace inserts come in handy for many reasons, but perhaps the most important one is energy efficiency. Inserts are useful because most heat of the generated by an open fire goes up in smoke, literally, right up the chimney. As you can imagine, this is immensely inefficient and can cause an increase in home energy costs over time.

How much energy can I save using an insert?

On the lower end, you can cut 10% of your heating