March 29, 2021 8:02 pm
Published by Writer
If you have a fireplace in your home, you know how much ambience it can bring to a room. The warmth from the hearth, the smell of wood and the crackling of flames can create an instant mood. But with that mood-setting chimney comes the responsibility to keep it working properly. If you burn wood in your fireplace regularly, or even just on an occasional basis, it’s important to schedule regular chimney sweeping in Seattle, WA. This isn’t something that needs to happen very often, but it’s important not to forget about it. Why chimney cleaning is essential While the process of chimney sweeping these days may not involve a group of talented dancers in tap shoes parading around the rooftop for your enjoyment, a la Mary Poppins, you will still benefit from regularly scheduled chimney sweeping. There are many reasons you should get your chimney swept in Seattle, WA. A chimney sweep will remove blockages, soot and creosote buildup from your chimney. If left unchecked, these residues could create a fire hazard in your home. Creosote is particularly dangerous. This highly flammable substance is a byproduct of burning wood and builds up on the walls of your chimney. It... View Article
March 15, 2021 8:02 pm
Published by Writer
When it’s cold and rainy outside, there’s nothing like curling up next to a nice, warm fire. Whether it’s in your favorite chair immersed in a good book or cuddled up with your partner and a bottle of wine, a good fireplace creates an atmosphere that’s hard to beat for relaxing and getting comfortable. But wait—what about the Earth? Traditional fireplaces aren’t comfortable for the Earth, especially wood-burning fireplaces. Burning wood or coal sends a surprisingly large volume of harmful pollutants into the air. Thankfully, there is a way to have the pleasing ambience of a fireplace without the guilt of harming the Earth. An electric fireplace in Seattle, WA may be just the solution you’re looking for. There are many different forms of electric fireplaces, including built-in and portable models. In addition to being more versatile and more Earth-friendly than traditional fireplaces, they can also cost less money to use. Cost of running an electric fireplace The cost to run an electric fireplace in Seattle, WA depends on how often you use it, but in general it will cost less than a gas fireplace. It will also be less than a traditional wood-burning fireplace, since you never have to... View Article
March 1, 2021 10:34 pm
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With warmer temperatures right around the corner, it’s never too early to start thinking about your outdoor entertainment options. Not only will you be able to enjoy the fresh air, but it’s also ideal for maintaining proper social distancing if you’re hosting any guests. Here are some ideas for outdoor fireplace entertainment in Seattle, WA. Dinner party Bring the traditional dinner party outdoors! It can be as fancy or as casual as you’d like, although keeping the menu simple will let you spend more time with your guests. For easier cleanup, there are disposable options for any aesthetic you may be going for. If you’re using tablecloths, don’t forget to use weights to help keep everything in its place. S’mores bar Is there a more quintessential campfire snack than s’mores? Set up a table with all the fixings for your guests to create their own confections. The classic ingredients of chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows are essential, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Strawberries, peanut butter, even bacon—the sky’s the limit! Game night The best part about party games is that they can be played anywhere, which includes around an outdoor fireplace. Grab your favorite or invite guests to... View Article
February 15, 2021 10:34 pm
Published by Writer
A gas fireplace insert can lower your heating bill and fix a cold chimney draft while dramatically transforming a room and maybe even increasing the value of your home. Here are a few key features to keep in mind when looking for faux wood and other fireplace inserts in Seattle, WA. Impressive imitation of wood flames A common reason cited for preferring wood over gas fireplaces is that there’s no substitute for real wood-burning flames, but recent technological advancements have leveled the playing field. Gas flames can be made to dance and flicker just like the real thing, so there’s no need to sacrifice beauty when choosing a gas fireplace instead of a wood one. Direct vent gas fireplaces Traditionally, open flue fireplaces rely on drawing air from inside your home. However, direct vent fireplaces draw intake air from the outside. Direct vent fireplaces are designed to prevent cold drafts from entering indoors and warmed air from leaking, so they’ll also keep the home warmer, improve indoor air quality and reduce overall heating costs. Smart gas fireplaces There truly is an app for everything. Just like the rest of your home, a gas fireplace can be controlled remotely. They can... View Article
February 11, 2021 6:15 pm
Published by Writer
At this point, you’ve already made the decision to install a fireplace. Next comes the hard part: choosing the best type of fuel, location and style. These are the main factors to put on your fireplace buying checklist before you consult a Seattle, WA hearth designer. Read on for a fireplace buying guide that delves into each of these factors in greater detail. Type of fuel The first step on your fireplace buying checklist is to choose between a wood, gas or electric fireplace. Wood fireplaces are best for homeowners who enjoy the process of stoking flames and filling the house with smoky, rustic aromas. However, there are downsides to owning a wood fireplace. They require a lot more maintenance than their gas or electric counterparts, due mostly to the need to sweep up the ashes after a fire. Wood fireplaces also need a chase, which limits where it can go in your home. Unlike wood-burning ones, gas fireplaces are convenient and boost your home’s energy efficiency. They require zero cleanup and turn on with the simple flip of a switch. Tempered glass creates a tight seal to preserve the air quality in your living space. Gas fireplaces release combustion... View Article
