Holiday get togethers often demand the use of the fireplace. In many homes, this is the only time of the year that the fireplace is used because it is so inefficient with the energy that it consumes. We bask in the ambient glow created by the flames but far too few of us consider ways that we could make enjoying this simple pleasure more energy efficient. Luckily, Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning has a few tips for you that can make using that fireplace more often more practical.
4 Fireplace and Furnace Tips
- Wood Burning Fireplace: If you own a wood burning fireplace, it is very important that you only burn fully dried wood. Wet wood burns less efficiently and will not produce as much heat. So, take some logs in a couple days before you are going to burn them so that they can fully dry out. Also keep your outdoor logs as dry as possible by covering them or storing them in a shed.
- Thermostat Settings: The damper on the fireplace is designed to pull the combustion fumes out of the home. So, as the fireplace may be heating the room that it is located in, it is also pulling heat out of the home. The furnace’s thermostat should be set at 55 degrees. You don’t want the furnace pumping out heat that will simply be lost to the outdoors. When you are done enjoying the fireplace, turn the thermostat back up to warm the other rooms.
- Damper Sealing: When you are done with the fireplace it is imperative that you close the damper! Leaving the damper open will allow it to continue to pull the hot air out of the home. The furnace will run for longer periods of time to make up the loss and you will see the consequences on your energy bills.
- Fireplace Cleaning: Having the chimney and fireplace cleaned is especially important for those of us that have wood burning fireplaces. This service will help prevent chimney fires and allow for a cleaner fire burning experience.
Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning can help you care for your fireplace and your furnace this winter. Give us a call to set up your yearly maintenance checks, and enjoy the warmth and comfort created by all of your heating systems.
