Articles by Mike Mussog on ArticleSnatch.com

Examining Why Fireplace Inserts are Energy Efficient

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:35:13 -0500

While the atmosphere and aroma are second to none, a traditional wood burning fireplace can be much more energy efficient once a fireplace insert is installed. Fireplace inserts fit into your existing fireplace, either mounted flush with the hearth or at times extending out slightly. Inserts often include upgraded stone or tile finishes, cast iron features and glass doors. They are extremely attractive and complete the look of even the more barren of fireplaces. Besides the aesthetics, fireplace inserts add energy efficiency to your heating system, whether it's wood, pellet burning or utilizes natural gas. Inserts have tight fitting doors and feature air circulation systems built right in. They ensure that the majority of heat generated from the flames is not lost up into the chimney and produce the most efficient burn using controlled damper systems. Fireplace inserts also gather combustion air from outside of your home. The combustion efficiency of an insert depends on whether wood, pellets or natural gas are burned. Regardless, the construction of an insert improves the efficiency significantly when compared to a traditional fireplace. Another benefit of fireplace inserts is the inclusion of a built in fan. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplace inserts]]> gas inserts]]> pellet inserts]]> wood inserts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace insert products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

All You Need To Know About Fireplace Safety Guidelines

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:26:14 -0500

Millions of people all over the continent rely on wood and gas fireplaces to heat their homes. It's important to know basic fireplace safety guidelines to ensure protection of your home and family. According to the USFA, back in 2007 as many as 36% of all residential house fires were caused by heating units - primarily fireplaces. How many of those could have been prevented through fireplace safety? Practices such as regular fireplace maintenance as well as safe ignition and burning of fires are certain to see a decrease in that statistic. There are four major points to remember with fireplace safety guidelines. Have a Clean Fireplace or Wood Stove The first is to keep your fireplace or wood stove clean before and after use. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clear your chimney of soot and creosote build up. Keep the hearth clear from any flammable materials such as blankets, toys, clothing, etc. Be sure to clean out ashes as they build up and use a fireplace screen to contain sparks and ash. Clean the glass doors or face regularly. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplace safety]]> fireplace maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more wood stoves products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Checklist for Your Gas Fireplace Annual Maintenance

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:20:16 -0500

Many people choose a gas fireplace for the convenience and ease of use, but miss the importance of annual maintenance. A few simple steps will ensure you have a clean, safe and efficiently burning gas fireplace year after year. 1) Check the care guide or owner's manual for your gas fireplace model. More specific instructions may be found there. It's also a good idea to have the gas lines, connections and fireplace operation checked every year by a qualified gas fireplace professional. 2) Start with the cleanliness of your gas fireplace. Wipe the glass doors or face with a soft cloth and a specially made fireplace glass cleaner. It isn't regular glass that you're working with - more likely tempered glass or transparent ceramic - so don't opt for household glass cleaners. Use gloves and even a mask for safety. Never attempt to clean your gas fireplace while it is burning or hot. 3) Move then to cleaning your gas log set. Wipe with damp cloth to remove any soot and dust buildup. If you need to replace the gas log set, visit a local fireplace professional to find something that will suit and fit your appliance. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplaces]]> gas fireplaces]]> fireplace maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more wood stoves products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

How to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove for Optimum Burn

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:14:18 -0500

To build a safe, efficient and down right beautiful fire every time, homeowners need to learn how to start a fire in a wood stove. These short, simple steps will provide the optimum heat, efficiency and comfort for your home. Start with dry hardwood for fuel. You should buy firewood that has had a chance to dry for nine months before burning, as wet, soft wood makes for a smoky, inefficient fire. Also, green wood causes plenty of sparks and burns cooler than seasoned wood. Make sure to dry all firewood from moisture caused by elements such as snow and rain. Gather some clean, dry newsprint paper to start the fire in a wood burning stove. Don't use glossy, coated paper or anything with adhesives on it (like envelopes). Crumple the newspaper into balls and place at the bottom of your stove. Stack kindling (small, thin wood pieces) on top of the paper in a teepee or pyramid shape. This provides the proper airflow to get the fire burning well. Light the paper in a few spots and let the kindling catch fire. Add kindling when necessary until all is burning well. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> wood stove]]> wood burning stove]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more wood stoves products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Why Include A Gas Fireplace In A Kitchen Or Bath Remodel?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:14:18 -0500

Adding a gas fireplace when remodeling a kitchen or bath has become popular with homeowners in colder climates. The price of natural gas, propane and electricity that are routinely used as fuel for heating homes has skyrocketed in recent years. Adding a fireplace to a kitchen may initially appear to provide only a design element for a country home or farmhouse effect. In reality, this can be a common sense addition to your home. For busy families with two wage earners, time spent at home on weekdays is limited. Mornings are a rush to get dressed for work or school, grab a cup of coffee and a quick breakfast and then everyone is out the door till evening. If you've lived where winters are months of bitter cold, you'll recall jumping out of bed to turn up the thermostat in years past. Now you set the automatic thermostat to come on early in the morning so your family will wake to a warm and comfortable home. You heat the entire house using a considerable amount of energy - only for the one hour mad rush in the morning. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplaces]]> gas fireplace]]> fireplace inserts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more gas fireplace products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Wood Burning Heat - History and Perspective

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:06:15 -0500

The stored energy in wood has been used for centuries to heat homes and cook foods. Wood burning heat was the purpose of the huge fireplaces seen in historical homes and estates where fireplaces taller and wider than a man spewed heat (and often sparks) into rooms. Large kettles for cooking and heating water hung on hooks that could be rotated near the fire or directly over the flames. Burning wood for heat was not limited to fireplaces in homes and businesses. Indian teepees featured heat generated by a fire in the center of the structure with smoke released through a hole in the top. Campfires create heat for outdoor enthusiasts and blazing bonfires on the edge of a frozen pond warm ice skaters. In many areas of the globe, wood is the main source of heat today. Over time, man has devised ways to better control and disperse the heat from burning wood. The wood stove is the prime example. While a fireplace must be located on a wall of the room, the wood stove allowed that heat to be moved into the room more efficiently. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplaces]]> wood burning fireplace]]> wood burning stove]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace insert products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Why Fireplace Inserts are Popular

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:31:33 -0500

A fireplace insert is a metal fireplace made to fit inside an existing masonry fireplace. Because of the double walls around the fire box, warm air is trapped and circulated around the room; making fire place inserts an extremely efficient and economical solution to any old masonry fireplace. Fireplace inserts can heat most, if not all of a house because of their efficacy. Older masonry fireplaces are an inefficient way to heat a home, as much of the heated air goes right back up the chimney, and the head cannot be felt unless right in front of the fireplace. Fireplace inserts transform existing fireplaces into a great way to heat a room or a home. Fireplace inserts are available in a variety of fuel options, including gas and pellet. One reason many people opt for a fireplace insert is to switch their fuel from wood burning to gas burning. If tired of splitting, hauling or storing wood, or worried about sparks and dirt around the fireplace, a gas fueled fireplace insert might be right for you. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace village]]> fireplaces]]> fireplace insert]]> electric fireplace insert]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace insert products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net. Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Channel Drains Provide Protection for Lawns, Drainages, and Driveways

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:19:29 -0500

Channel drains are a good choice for homeowners who want to protect decks, driveways, tennis courts, walkways, and other areas of their property. Placing these drains in the correct location is crucial to ensure that they will function properly, and a drainage contractor will be able to determine where these systems will work best. What are Channel Drains? Channel drains are a type of surface drain. They can be made as long as necessary, since drain pieces can easily be joined together with coupling for larger areas. They are typically longer than they are wide, and widths do not usually exceed about 16 inches. The drains resemble rain gutters and are installed underground. They are available in a wide range of materials, including concrete and plastic. Water enters these drains via grates, which are installed so they are level with the surface of the ground. They are available in many different colors, patterns, and materials, including brass, cast iron, and plastic. Ideal Locations for Channel Drains Channel drains are designed to collect runoff from hardscaped areas like decks and driveways. Therefore, they should be placed at the location where rainwater typically accumulates and pools. **End Summary** Topics: EnhanceScape]]> Atlanta Drainage]]> Atlanta drainage systems]]> drainage system in Atlanta]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for creating and installing your drainage systems. EnhanceScape serves several areas including drainage in Atlanta and Dallas. Learn more at EnhanceScape.com .Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Choose the Best Fireplace or Wood Stove for your Home

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:06:22 -0500

Nothing beats the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fireplace. If you are looking at purchasing or upgrading a fireplace, wood stove or fireplace insert (or any hearth appliance) there are lots of choices. Depending on the style and features of your home, your energy needs, design preferences and budget there are many hearth options to choose from. Masonry Fireplaces New masonry fireplaces have come a long way since the days when they provided more ambience than warmth. Today's models are much more energy-efficient and some European models can even heat an entire small home. The cost of a masonry fireplace varies, depending on a number of factors, including type of material used (particularly on the fireplace face, which could be composed of marble, granite, brick, etc.), the hearth (brick, stone, concrete, tile, marble or wood) and other factors such as chimney liners and chimney caps. Gas Fireplaces Housed in their own metal casing, gas fireplaces can be installed just about anywhere. Inside the gas fireplace you will find ceramic logs, fiber gas logs or glass or crystal elements and a burner that produces a glowing natural gas-powered flame. These new gas fireplaces are not the old gas fireplaces. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplace]]> wood stove]]> gas fireplaces]]> fireplace inserts]]> pellet burning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace and wood stove products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net .Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Retrofit your Old Fireplace with a Fireplace Insert

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:05:21 -0500

Fireplace inserts are a fantastic way to increase the efficiency of your old masonry fireplace. Fireplace inserts are made up of a fire box which is surrounded by a steel shell, which sits inside of an existing fireplace. Air from the room then moves into the space between the steel shell and the firebox and is circulated around the room. Because this air cannot escape up the chimney it is one of the most efficient ways of heating a room. When choosing a fireplace insert the first decision to make is which kind of fuel you are choosing to use. If natural gas is an option for your home there are many gas burning fireplace inserts available. There is a wide variety of gas log types and many come with realistic looking glowing embers, for the wood burning fireplace feel. If looking to get away from wood burning, and natural gas is not an option, there are always pellet burning fireplace inserts which are a very efficient way of updating an old wood burning fireplace. Pellets are made from compressed saw dust from wood mills, burning recycled byproducts is a great idea instead of burning non-renewable fuel sources. **End Summary** Topics: electric fireplace insert]]> fireplace]]> fireplace inserts]]> Fireplace Villave]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace inserts products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net. Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Deck Materials: Composite Decks Stake Their Claim

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:08:28 -0500

Although kitchen and bathrooms get the most attention from homeowners, outdoor decks can be a more cost-efficient way to dramatically change the feel of your home. In order to get the most return on your investment, it is important that you understand the materials that go into deck design and installation. While traditional wood continues to prove popular among American homeowners, new composite decks are staking their claim over the market. What are composite decks? Composite decks are constructed using wood-plastic composite lumber, a blend of recycled plastics and wood waste products. Although the use of composite lumber in deck floors is relatively new, the material has long been used for railings, molding, and trim. Manufacturers argue that superior flexibility, sustainability, and low-maintenance make composite lumber the best material on the decking market. Composite lumber is unique in the sense that it can be tailor made to meet the specific landscaping needs and deck designs of an individual consumer. During the manufacturing process deck boards can be molded to create arches, curves, and custom edging. Different blends can create a variety of wood grain patterns and colors. **End Summary** Topics: Enhancescape]]> Dallas Decks]]> deck]]> decks]]> deck installation]]> composite deck]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for creating and installing your composite deck. EnhanceScape serves several areas including decks in Dallas and Atlanta. Learn more at EnhanceScape.com .

Buying Clean Burning Efficient Wood Stoves

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:24:06 -0500

Looking to purchase a wood stove that is right for your home? Some of the biggest and best-known hearth manufacturers make some good wood stoves. There are many factors to consider and lots of products to choose from. Finding a high quality clean burning wood stove that meets your needs may require some digging. The specifications and terms used by the manufacturers and the EPA are technical and generally confusing. Understanding the specifications and ratings (and how they are determined) will help you make a better buying decision. On top of confusing ratings and specifications there generally are not independent third-party reviews such as Consumer Reports to rely on. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) can evaluate gas fired solid-fuel fired hearth appliances, including fireplace stoves and fireplace inserts, to applicable U.S., Canadian and global requirements. The UL mark will appear on hearth products that have been evaluated. The largest trade group in the industry, Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA), provides general product information and guidelines pertaining to buying, installing and operating hearth products (i.e., fireplace inserts, gas fireplaces, gas logs) but does not recommend hearth products. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> wood stove]]> choosing a wood stove]]> epa wood stove]]> effecient wood stove]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more stove products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Selecting The Right Fireplace For Your Home

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:57:29 -0500

The selection process for a fireplace is serious business given the importance of the fireplace in the home. Some people like to gather all of the facts on several different fireplaces from several different fireplace manufacturers and decide on the advantages and disadvantages of each of the fireplace options available to them, narrowing down the fireplace choices. Other people approach the process of buying a fireplace or wood stove more like a shopping experience. They go to various fireplace stores and showrooms, looking at a variety of available fireplaces, and eventually make a decision largely based on which fireplace manufacturer and which fireplace model the salesperson recommends. Our web site should provide you with the tools to conduct your own research on a variety of fireplaces and other considerations for the selection of the best fireplace for your needs. You should research on our web site the many options available to you if you own a masonry fireplace and want to install gas logs, a fireplace insert or a gas or wood stove. You can also learn about the differences between a gas fireplace and a fireplace insert. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplace]]> choosing a fireplace]]> gas fireplace]]> electric fireplace]]> wood fireplac]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View fireplace photos or for more information and resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Keys to Removing Holiday Lighting

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:20:29 -0500

After spending weeks planning your holiday lighting decor and days setting it up - before you know it, it's time to turn off the lights and start the process of removing Christmas lights. And although packing up the holiday spirit isn't at the top of anybody's list of favorite things to do, it's something that has to be done. Otherwise you'll end up being that neighbor with the unfavorable reputation for keeping their Christmas lights up until June. When to Start Removing Holiday Lights When it comes to removing Christmas lights there is a fine line between too soon and too late. Start taking the holiday lighting down too soon and you're considered a Scrooge. Wait too long and you're lazy. It seems like you just can't win. Although there is no exact science to knowing when to start removing holiday lights, one good indicator is to see what your neighbors are doing and follow suit. As a general rule, any time before the New Year is too soon for taking down lights. On the other hand, not removing them until February may be considered too late. **End Summary** Topics: Enhancescape]]> dallas lighting]]> holiday lighting]]> holiday lights]]> taking down holiday lights]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for putting up and removing your holiday lights.

Fireplace Design

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:39:26 -0500

Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to serve a number of purposes. Despite their ability to heat an area and provide a comfortable living environment, fireplaces and wood stoves also offer a decorative value to the rooms in your home. There are a number of fireplace designs to choose from in order to warm up the look of your home. Several factors can affect the overall look of your fireplace including the material you choose, the fireplace mantel, fire place screen and the type of fire place in general. These features will have a great impact on the appearance of your fireplace or wood stove. There are a number of materials to choose from when it comes to the look of your fireplace and fireplace surround. Marble, brick and stone fireplace surrounds are the most popular choices of fireplace surround material, each offering a distinct overall look for your fireplace. It is up to you to decide which fireplace surround material best suits your personal tastes, the look of the fireplace or wood stove and the decor of your room. The fireplace mantel you choose will also contribute highly to the overall appearance of your fireplace. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> fireplace design]]> interior desigh]]> wood stove]]> gas stove]]> fireplace]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace design ideas products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

You and Your Deck: The Basics of Deck Maintenance

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:43:16 -0500

For many homeowners, deck maintenance is a difficult endeavor, which they keep putting off year after year. But actually, maintaining a deck is relatively easy; it's just a matter of knowing how to get the structure clean and add finishes to preserve it from decay. How to maintain a deck: the first step Before performing any deck maintenance, you should inspect the wood for rotting. Rotten beams or posts will probably have to be replaced by a deck contractor, but if the wood is in decent condition, a staining and sealing will sustain it for another several years. Likewise, a "mossy" or discolored deck can be improved with a few simple deck maintenance tools, such as a scraper, wire brush, and high-powered hose. A thorough cleaning with these tools will bring back the original wood, so you can perform further deck maintenance. So, if your deck is structurally sound, but suffers from discoloration, mold, or other wearing, you'll first want to get it clean, and then apply protection. Cleaning and Maintaining Your Deck With new advances in high-pressure portable power-washers, lots of do-it-yourselfers are embracing water-based solutions for getting down to the hard wood on a deck maintenance project. **End Summary** Topics: Enhancescape]]> Dalls Deck]]> deck installation]]> deck maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for creating and installing your Decks and Patios. EnhanceScape serves several areas including Decks and Patios in Dallas and Atlanta.

Positioning Your Fireplace or Wood Stove

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:32:17 -0500

When choosing the location of your fireplace or wood stove (also called siting) it is important to take into account the layout of your house and your lifestyle - if your house is an open plan type, then it will be easier to heat your home with a wood stove or fireplace, simply by locating it in a central area on the main floor of your home. However, if your home is compartmentalized, as is more traditional in North American buildings, you will need to ask yourself more questions. You will need to figure out where you actually spend the most time, because you'll want your wood stove or fireplace to be the centerpiece of a room. Since wood burning stoves and fireplaces are rarely sufficient to heat the whole house, you will want to site them such that you can take advantage of their heat as much as possible. This allows you to take advantage of a technique called zone heating. If you are cozy and warm in a room with a fire-source, you can heat only that room, allowing the rest of the house to remain at a much lower temperature. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace village]]> wood stove]]> gas stove]]> stove installation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more wood stove photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Dry Out Waterlogged Areas With a French Drain

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:31:23 -0500

Water may be the key to life but when it's soaking your basement or creating a bog in your yard, you probably wish you had a little less of it. When water is accumulating where you don't want it, French drains are a good solution to move it to a safer place. A French drain is simply a trench that is filled with gravel and a perforated pipe then backfilled so that it matches the surrounding area. Some people may use only gravel or sand in the trench but French drains work much more efficiently when a pipe is included. Water travels along the path of least resistance and a French drain is much more porous than the surrounding soil so it creates a freeway of flowing water away from the problem area. Some French drain uses include moving water away from foundations, relieving water pressure from retaining walls, and dispersing water that has accumulated from neighboring land that has a higher elevation. The gravel in the French drains make it easy for the water to pass through. **End Summary** Topics: Enhancescape]]> Dallas landscaping]]> drainage]]> drain]]> drainage contractor]]> Dallas Drainage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for creating and installing your Drainage Systems. EnhanceScape serves several areas including Dallas and Atlanta. View the EnhanceScape Landscape photos . Learn more at EnhanceScape.com .

Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:29:48 -0500

The ease and simplicity of owning and maintaining a gas fireplace are the main reasons many people prefer them to traditional wood burning fireplaces, but even gas fireplaces need yearly maintenance to keep them safe and in proper working order. The most important part of gas fireplace safety is making sure the installation is correct. By hiring a certified fireplace professional you can insure that your fireplace will be hooked up securely and safely. Before using your gas fireplace for the first time each season, there are a few routine checkups which should be made to make sure your fireplace is running as cleanly and safely as possible. First off, make sure all of the vents are working properly. You can reduce drafts and heat loss by installing glass doors in front of the gas fireplace, but the doors must remain open while the fire is burning. This prevents smoke and carbon monoxide from entering your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, potentially lethal gas produced as a byproduct when fuels such as natural or propane gas, kerosene, and wood are burned. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when using any type of fuel-burning appliance. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> gas fireplace]]> fireplace maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplaces products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Selecting a Wood Stove

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:59:21 -0500

When choosing a wood stove or fireplace stove insert you will first need to decide what your needs are. If you want only heat from your stove, then virtually any wood stove could do the job, but you can rule out options that include ovens and large cooktop stoves - you'll probably want to get the smallest wood stove that can reasonably keep your home heated. Although some manufacturers of wood stoves specify an area that their wood stoves can heat, the most effective way to be sure of the wood stove size you will need is to have a certified installer or other home heating specialist do a complete home heat loss calculation on your house. This will ensure that you will know what energy output level you require in order to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter. Once you are clear on what you want to do with your wood stove, you will want to read some basic information about stoves and the pollution controls which now exist to dramatically improve the emissions profile of wood burning stoves. **End Summary** Topics: Fireplace Village]]> wood stove]]> choosing a wood stove]]> fireplace]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace inserts products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Define Your Bathroom Style With a New Bathtub

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:38:14 -0500

Installing a new bathtub is a way to dramatically change the style of your bathroom. Bathtubs can take up a lot of room, so before you commit to one make sure it is something that is a necessity, or something you have room for. If it is not a necessity, consider installing a new freestanding shower instead and saving room for extra storage. Almost every type of tub can come as a whirlpool, so you have the option of further upgrading your bathroom into an at home spa! Whirlpools can come with water jets or air jets, both of which have pros and cons. Air jets are more expensive and a little bit louder than water jets, but provide a massage that most people agree is superior to that provided by water jets. A bathroom remodeler can help you choose between the two options. The recessed tub is the most popular and affordable kind of bathtub. It is a simple tub, with one decorated outer side, and three sides attached to the surrounding walls. This tub is a space saver, because it fits into a compact space and only requires one outer wall. **End Summary** Topics: Enhancescape]]> Atlanta remodeling]]> bathtub]]> bathroom remodeling]]> bathroom design]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for creating and installing your new bathroom design. EnhanceScape serves several areas including homes in Atlanta and Dallas. View the EnhanceScape home remodeling photos . Learn more at EnhanceScape.com .

Build a Better Fire

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:35:06 -0500

Before lighting a fire in your wood burning fireplace or wood stove, make sure the thermostat is turned down so air heated by the central furnace will not go up the chimney. The easiest and best fire for either wood stoves or wood burning fireplaces is achieved with a mixture of softwoods for easy igniting with hardwoods for longer burning and good coaling qualities. Biobrick is also a good option. A cardinal rule of fireplace management is to keep a thick bed for glowing coals that drop through. The coals yield a steady heat and aid in igniting fresh fuel as it is added. Keep the fire burning by adding small amounts of firewood at regular intervals. A small, hot fire is much better than a large, roaring blaze because it burns more completely and produces less creosote. A wood fire or biobrick fire is easy to start and produces a large quantity of heat in a short time as well as adding a cheerful atmosphere to the woodstove or fireplace. An ample air supply to the wood fire is important to ensure complete burning of combustible gases. **End Summary** Topics: fireplace]]> wood stove]]> building a fire]]> fire safety]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

Protecting Your Deck with Deck Sealers and Stains

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:42:24 -0500

Weather can be a harsh master, which is one reason we spend the bulk of our time indoors. Unfortunately your deck doesn't have that luxury and is pounded 24/7 by water and sunlight (UV rays). This assault can quickly rot and warp unprotected wood. Wet wood expands then constricts once it dries out, causing cracks and splits that allow in more water and accelerate the process. Also, if your deck is made from pressure-treated wood, the onslaught of water can cause the chemicals to leach where they can affect your garden. A good stain or sealer can protect your deck and garden while enhancing their appearance and preserving your investment. An easy way to check if your deck is in need of protection is to sprinkle some water on it and watch what happens. If it beads up and remains on the surface, it might not be ready to be treated yet. If the water soaks in right away, it's ready to be sealed. Deck Preparation Before you can seal your deck, it must be properly prepared. The old sealant must be removed, which may require some sanding, and the wood needs to be cleaned. **End Summary** Topics: EnhanceScape]]> Dallas covered decks]]> covered deck]]> deck]]> Dallas deck installation]]> deck installation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for creating and installing your covered decks. EnhanceScape serves several areas including decks and covered decks in Dallas and Atlanta. Learn more at EnhanceScape.com .

Fireplace and Hearth Appliance Fuel Options

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:23:15 -0500

Today, gas burning hearth products - gas stoves, gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts, gas logs, etc. - are the most popular hearth category. Thanks to significant product innovations almost 70% of all hearth products now burn gas. Gas fireplaces and gas stoves have convenient optional features that allow you to have a beautiful fire at the touch of a switch, thermostat or even a remote control. All gas stoves, gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts and gas logs can burn either natural gas or propane (LP). As with their wood stove and wood fireplace counterparts, gas stoves, gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts and gas logs are designed to either provide aesthetics or to produce heat. Gas hearth products are characterized by how they are vented. Natural draft gas stoves, gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts vent products of combustion outside the home using an inexpensive (Class B) pipe similar to that used on furnaces or gas-fired water heaters. As with a conventional wood stove or fireplace, the pipe goes vertically through the roof. Natural draft gas stoves and gas fireplaces are tested and listed as either decorative or heater-rated units. **End Summary** Topics: fireplace]]> hearth accessories]]> fireplace fuel]]> wood stoves]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> AllFlame is one of the leading distributors of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products and has been in business since 1972. View more fireplace fuel products and photos. For more information or resources visit AllFlame.com.

Patio Design: Putting the Extra into Extraordinary Patios

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:33:19 -0500

Common outdoor patios used to be uninviting eyesores. Equipped with little more than a few slabs of concrete, a glass-top table, and a few plastic lawn chairs, outdoor recreation spaces were more about low maintenance than exquisite design. However with advances in patio design and installation, homeowners are now able to turn a mundane space into an outdoor oasis. Creating the perfect patio design requires an understanding of the many variables that will affect the final product. Before a homeowner breaks ground on a new patio, a comprehensive roadmap should be established. Planning can save time and money when the actual patio installation begins. Elements to take into consideration include: patio location, patio flooring, and patio accessories. Patio Location The location of an outdoor patio is the most basic and perhaps the most important consideration of a new design. It will ultimately determine the amount of use a family will be able to get out of an outdoor space. Factors such as sunlight, wind, and rainfall runoff will either make a space pleasant or unbearable. After all, what good is a great patio design if the patio location is too hot, too windy, and too flooded for year-round use? **End Summary** Topics: EnhanceScape]]> patio design]]> patio installation]]> patio photos]]> Dallas patio]]> Dallas Fort Worth Patio]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> EnhanceScape is the trusted resource for designing your patios. EnhanceScape serves several areas including patio design in Dallas and Atlanta. View the EnhanceScape patio design photos . Learn more at EnhanceScape.com .