September 20, 2021 5:18 pm
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Preparing to install a new fireplace in your home? It’s highly beneficial to have professional assistance, so you can make sure the job is done correctly and safely. As you search for a fireplace installer in your area, you should carefully consider their qualifications and background. Here’s a quick overview of how to tell if someone is qualified to install a fireplace in your home: Licensure: Any fireplace installer you work with should, at the very least, have a license. This will guarantee a minimum degree of competency for the work they will be performing. NFI certification: While licensure guarantees competence, certification ensures both competence and integrity. Contractors with National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certification have proven themselves to have a high level of skill, as well as specialist knowledge in gas, wood-burning or pellet fireplaces. NFI certification is the gold standard for fireplace-installation qualifications, so you should make it a point to check for this certification in your research. Specialty: Make sure any fireplace installer you work with actually performs your type of fireplace work. You shouldn’t work with someone who’s certified only for gas fireplaces if you want a wood-burning fireplace. Make sure you’re carefully reading their services and... View Article
August 2, 2021 4:13 pm
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An outdoor kitchen is an investment that pays dividends, both in terms of how you entertain and by increasing your home’s overall value. Keep in mind that outdoor kitchens aren’t exactly maintenance free and that you should be prepared to put in a bit of elbow grease to maintain the appearance and function of all the features in your backyard cooking and eating space. Read on to learn all you need to know about how to clean your outdoor kitchen. Give your fireplace some attention The first step to remember when maintaining your outdoor kitchen is to keep your outdoor fireplace tidy. While it can be tough to keep a fireplace spotlessly clean, it should at least be free from debris. If you have a traditional woodburning outdoor fireplace, regularly remove ashes, and leave them in a metal container until you’re sure they’re completely cold. You should also take steps to maintain and sweep out the chimney at least once per year. It’s best to contact a chimney care company to ensure that your fireplace chimney is clean and ready for safe operation. Keep countertops clean Outdoor kitchen countertops are typically made from natural materials that hold up well in... View Article
July 19, 2021 4:13 pm
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If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my fireplace smell?” you’ll find that there are several potential causes of the problem. Luckily, there are also some very effective solutions that eliminate smells and allow you to use your fireplace safely. Here’s a basic guide to help you determine why your fireplace smells as well as strategies for how to clean a smelly fireplace. Common causes Knowing why your fireplace smells is the first step in getting rid of the odor. While it’s always best to get a professional opinion from an expert, here are some of the clues that can point you toward the cause of a smelly fireplace: Animals or insects in the chimney: It’s not uncommon for animals to get stuck in a chimney and die. As you might expect, this can cause a horrible odor that can make its way into your home. Bees and other insects can make themselves at home in a chimney, too, causing your fireplace to smell and even affecting your allergies. Soot and creosote buildup: Without regular maintenance, a fireplace can start to smell simply from general use due to soot and creosote. These elements form from the smoke of a fire.... View Article
July 9, 2021 6:39 pm
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If you’re looking to improve your home while reducing your carbon footprint, consider installing a more clean-burning fireplace. There are many different options for environmentally-friendly fireplaces, including electric and gas options. Even wood-burning fireplaces don’t have to be that bad for the environment when operated correctly. Read on to learn about a few eco-friendly fireplaces and how they can improve the look and feel of your home: Ethanol fireplace: Ethanol fireplaces are not only one of the most environmentally-friendly options, but they are often inexpensive and easy to use. As their name suggests, these fireplaces use ethanol to produce heat, but no smoke or odor. These types of fireplaces are also safer and easier to relocate than most others. Ethanol fireplaces come in a variety of different sizes and designs, so it’s easy to find the perfect one for your home. You can also use them both indoors and outdoors. The main disadvantage with ethanol fireplaces is that it can be difficult to find a good spot to store the ethanol. Wood-burning fireplace: It’s no secret that wood-burning fireplaces can be bad for the environment. They create smoke that can contribute to smog and other pollution in the air. There... View Article
June 25, 2021 6:39 pm
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Wood-burning, gas and electric are just a few of the great types of fireplaces available these days. Finding the best type of fireplace for your home might take some time, but it’s important to make the right choice. You’ll hopefully be sitting around that same fireplace for years to come. Consider speaking with an expert in residential fireplaces to help you choose the perfect one for your home. Wood-burning fireplace Wood-burning fireplaces are the most common type for a reason. They look great and provide plenty of warmth to your home without using any energy. Despite this, there are several cons to owning a wood-burning fireplace as well. These types of fireplaces are actually bad for the environment and require a high amount of maintenance. Not only that, but wood-burning fireplaces can also present a major safety issue. Electric fireplaces You can find electric fireplaces all over the place these days. Many homeowners prefer electric fireplaces because they’re cheap to install and easy to use. They don’t require constant cleaning or venting. Electric fireplaces also eliminate the possibility of a fire spreading throughout your home. They are amazing pieces of technology that come in many different styles, so it’s easy... View Article
