There’s just something about the ambiance created by a traditional fireplace on a cold winter day that warms you all the way to your core. Unfortunately, that warming effect isn’t a factor of heat, as they are usually more show than substance. Science has an explanation for it all. Because hot air naturally rises, a large portion of the heat produced by the fire in your fireplace escapes through your chimney. In addition to that, the hot air from the fire creates an updraft that draws additional warm air up and out of the room via the chimney as well. If you’re in the market for someone who can help you maximize your fireplace’s heat output, we can help you out.
The Benefits of Seasoned Firewood
The first step in the equation is quite simple – burn seasoned firewood. Green wood (i.e., freshly cut wood) burns inefficiently and produces a lot more smoke. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, has had sufficient time to for some of the moisture to vacate the wood, thereby allowing it to burn much more efficiently than its green wood counterpart. Opening your damper as wide as possible will increase the amount of air to your fire as well, which will allow it to burn more efficiently in the process, as it will improve the combustion and increase the amount of heat produced by the fire. You will, however, find that you need to add wood more frequently while doing this because the increased combustion will cause it to burn faster.
Chimney Sweeping and Glass Doors
Having your chimney cleaned by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep yearly can also make it possible to boost your heating performance, as the process removes creosote buildup inside that can otherwise restrict air flow. After having your chimney and fireplace cleaned, replacing the screen in front of your fireplace with tempered glass doors might be your next step. Replacing the screen with doors that you can keep closed while you have a fire burning will increase the temperature of the fire in your fireplace and will reduce the amount of warm air that the fire draws from your living space.
Fireplace Inserts
Installing a fireplace insert can greatly increase your fireplace’s heat output, too. First and foremost, our goal is your family’s safety. To ensure that your insert fits properly and provides you with the most bang for your buck, one of our staff members should be allowed to handle the entire installation process for you. You’ll be able to sit back and relax in knowing that all of the work is being performed by out certified professionals.
Following the steps mentioned above can help you maximize the heat output of your fireplace. You will enable your fireplace to provide your home with more heat than it might otherwise have produced. Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service is CSIA certified and takes pride in the services we provide to and for our customers. If you’re in the market for anything chimney and/or fireplace related, give us a call. One call takes care of it all! Dial 919-747-1859.
