Fireplaces can add warmth and a feeling of luxury to any home. In places where the temperatures drop below the freezing mark in the colder months, almost every residence has one that burns wood or natural gas. With proper care and maintenance, it will safely provide heat while adding value to the property.

Perhaps the most common type is built out of stone or brick, with a large chimney. These kind of masonry designs have been used for hundreds of years, but were not perfected to put out the maximum heat until the 18th century. They are more expensive to construct and require more maintenance. Many homeowners no longer use theirs regularly, because central heating is more efficient and convenient.

In general, it is built to burn a type of fuel that draws cool air into the front opening. The air is then heated, radiating either back into the home or is released up the chimney with the smoke. One that is poorly constructed or designed will allow the fumes to escape back into the house. Newly constructed ones must meet local building codes to make sure they will operate safely.

Newer, more advanced designs are giving homeowners more choices. One is a fireplace insert, which is a metal firebox that can be put into any opening. It burns fuel more efficiently and can warm a large area. With the interest in finding cleaner burning fuel that does not affect the air quality, at least one company has developed a smaller, portable unit that uses ethanol. It does not have to be vented, because the ethanol does not produce any toxic gas.

A masonry chimney and firebox must be inspected on a regular basis, usually before it is first used at the start of cold weather. It cannot have any cracks, which can allow fumes to escape into the home. Burning wood creates a substance called creosote that floats up the chimney. If too much of it accumulates, it can start a chimney fire. Having the chimney cleaned eliminates the creosote.

Fireplaces must be vented to allow the flow of air to take away the smoke and fumes. Never burn charcoal, because it creates an odorless gas called carbon monoxide, which can kill anyone in the home. Also, do not hang anything flammable over the mantle that is so close to the heat that it can catch fire.

Many homeowners use a screen of some sort across the opening. This keeps embers from popping out and burning anyone. A fire resistant mat can be used as a extra safety measure. It is also important to teach children to stay back from the fire. An additional, larger screen can be used to keep pets from getting too close.

Fireplaces are often one of the central features of a home. Some are used on a regular basis house warm during cold, chilly evenings. Others are mostly used as a decoration, with a large mantle that holds pictures or other personal items. But no matter how they are used, they are one feature many buyers look for when purchasing a new home.

Visit our showroom today to see our large selection of Wood fireplaces Waterloo or electric Fireplaces Cambridge, you will sure find the right one for your home. Fergus Fireplace & Home Comfort 180 Saint Andrew Street West, Fergus, ON N1M 1N5 (519) 843-4845

Visit our showroom today to see our large selection of http://www.fergusfireplace.com/ Wood fireplaces Waterloo or electric http://www.fergusfireplace.com/ Fireplaces Cambridge, you will sure find the right one for your home. Fergus Fireplace & Home Comfort 180 Saint Andrew Street West, Fergus, ON N1M 1N5 (519) 843-4845

Author Bio: Visit our showroom today to see our large selection of Wood fireplaces Waterloo or electric Fireplaces Cambridge, you will sure find the right one for your home. Fergus Fireplace & Home Comfort 180 Saint Andrew Street West, Fergus, ON N1M 1N5 (519) 843-4845

Category: Home Management
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