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The Benefits of Using Wood Burning Appliances

Homeowners across the nation and around the world prefer to have a fireplace, whether they’re renting, owning, or putting in a business. Installing a fireplace brings warmth and comfort to any space, and the magic of a fireplace is only made better when the fire is fueled by wood.

 

Why Choose WoodBenefits of Wood Burning - Suffolk, NY - Chief Chimney Services

Wood fires burn hotter than other fuel types while offering the beautiful yellow flame and crackling fire that every homeowner wants in a fire. A wood fire appliance is especially convenient for homeowners who own their own property with trees to cut themselves. When the wood is easily accessible, it’s an easy decision to make. What about those who don’t have trees to cut? Can they still burn wood? We say yes! Many of our customers who burn firewood do so by purchasing from a local supplier. It is possible to find properly seasoned firewood no matter where you live. You can pay to have it delivered, or can pick it up yourself. Just make sure you check out the wood before you make the purchase and that you’re getting what you pay for.

 

How Much Wood

In today’s economy, it’s rare to find a household which is solely heated with wood. It is more economical to use central heating. Many homeowners keep a fireplace and wood on hand for emergencies, for supplemental or zone heating, and for the ambiance of it. If you burn wood every day throughout winter, you might burn a cord every two weeks. If you burn sparingly, a cord may last all winter. Just be sure you budget appropriately and stay safe and warm, burning only seasoned firewood. Burning green or “wet” wood will lead to more creosote output and cause buildup and more frequent service appointments.

 

Wood-Burning Appliances and Services

Despite being one of the oldest methods of heating, wood fireplaces still require professional maintenance. They are not low-maintenance by any means, and only an experienced chimney professional should make installations, repairs, and routine and necessary maintenance.

Chief Chimney Services services wood fire appliances and fireplaces. If you live in our area and have a fireplace, look no further than Long Island’s #1 choice for comprehensive chimney care. Our staff of master masons, CSIA certified chimney sweeps, and fire experts are code compliant and field-trained. We specialize in historic chimneys, which are mostly wood-burning fireplaces, and can remodel, update, reface, and repair them with precision and ease.

Now is the time to have your wood-burning appliance serviced if you haven’t already. Most house fires occur during winter months. If you have a fire this year, don’t let it be from your chimney. Most chimney fires are 100% preventable and these routine services can save lives.

Schedule a chimney sweep to sweep away dangerous creosote and soot that can drop your efficiency and raise fire risk.
Schedule an inspection to have the chimney system inspected. Our certified sweeps will spot damage and hazards before your home is in danger, and make recommendations and repairs before your minor damage turns to winter damage.

Call and get on the books today at 631-863-2460

By John Pilger on December 28th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on The Benefits of Using Wood Burning Appliances

Operating Your Fireplace this Autumn

October for many simply means new decorations, Halloween parties, and pumpkin spice treats. For some, though, it is time to think about your fireplace. When you’re ready to light your first fire of the season, you want to know your chimney is ready, and that your fire will be safe and warm.Using Your Fireplace this Fall - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

A Fire-Ready Fireplace

Both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends routine maintenance for a safe and efficient fire. You may schedule annual chimney inspections and base your chimney sweeps on your inspector’s recommendations. You may schedule your sweep for spring, and your inspection for fall. Maybe you just want to do them both together, and that is fine, too. The important thing is that your chimney is safe and has been assessed by a certified chimney sweep before burn season.

Preparing for Winter

Your chimney may be in good shape, but you’d like some added protection. You can schedule waterproofing services with Chief Chimney Services before winter. This vapor-soluble sealant keeps water molecules out, while allowing gases to escape.

Proper Fuel Store

When you have a wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove, you should have a supply of properly seasoned wood to burn in your fire. Burning green/fresh wood or any other material including trash and cloth, it can burn incompletely, increasing the smoke, creosote, and pollution produced by your fire. Burning seasoned wood will decrease the amount of wood you have to burn during one season, saving you in resources and utilities. You will also need chimney sweep services less often when you have an efficient fire, saving you money in maintenance and repairs.

Fireplace Safety

Burn season is long, and during cold weather, families often spend an increased time indoors. Additionally, through fall and winter there are many reasons to have guests and host get-togethers, and it’s important that everyone stays safe.

  • Never leave children unattended with a fire. You can add a barrier by installing a screen or custom glass doors.
  • Keep the damper open while the fire is burning to allow the smoke, gas, and particulate pollution up the flue.
  • Keep decorations, furniture, and drapes away from the hearth.
  • Use only proper fireplace tools and accessories when stirring the fire or adjusting logs. For added protection, use leather gloves to prevent burns.
  • Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you do not have these installed, do so before lighting a fire.
  • Plan a fire escape with your family and make sure to practice at least monthly so that everyone knows how to best leave the house during a fire.
  • Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the house. First aid kits should only be used for minor injuries, not to replace emergency care. A fire extinguisher should be used only to escape or to put out a small fire, not to attempt to put out a house fire.

When Autumn arrives in full swing, you won’t want to wait to light your fire. Make sure it’s safe so it’s ready when you are.

By John Pilger on October 8th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Operating Your Fireplace this Autumn