Harold's Indoor Fireplaces Blog (RSS 2.0 Feed)

Preventing Chimney Fires

It might seem that a chimney fire taking place is highly unlikely knowing that most chimneys are properly insulated and seem very detached from the entire house. The truth is a chimney fire can easily be caught, sometimes with little or no warning at all. And the worst that could happen is having your house burned down by an indoor fire gone wild. This is a very dangerous situation that might take place into your very homes just because of the presence of indoor fireplaces.

It?s a good thing though, that with just a little amount of work, a chimney fire can be prevented, putting your house and the surrounding area safe. But in order to prevent such an indoor fireplace mishap, one must understand first what actually causes it. Every time wood is burned, it produces smoke, which rises up to the chimney and leaves the house into the outside air . Yet, though smoke is gaseous, it sometimes doesn’t remain in that form for long, because it cools quickly and condenses to the chimney interior and then mix with indoor air. As it condenses, the particles in the smoke bond together to form a flaky or gummy substance on the inside of the chimney. It is this substance, creosote, which causes a chimney fire.

A creosote can be pretty flammable. A single spark in the wrong conditions may start a chimney fire immediately. Especially during high-wind situations where an updraft is formed, sparks can be pulled up through the chimney, and if they ignite the creosote, it can be very difficult to put out the resulting fire. It is in keeping creosote levels low that accidents cased by operating indoor fireplaces are avoided, and thankfully it is relatively easy to keep the inside of your chimney clean which you can do from the inside of your indoor fireplace opening.

Green or unseasoned firewood is the main cause of creosote build-up so the most immediate means to reduce the possibilities of a chimney fire is to make sure to use well-cured woods. Green Wood burns much cooler than seasoned wood, and as a result the smoke is more likely to condense on the inside of the chimney which can cause indoor air hazards and creosote buildup. If you buy wood, always make sure to buy seasoned firewood, even if green wood is a bit cheaper. If you cut your own wood, make sure to do so with plenty of time to let it properly season before you need to use it to fuel your indoor fireplaces.

Building the hottest fires can also help reduce creosote buildup thus the chances of chimney fire as well. Some level of creosote buildup is inevitable, and there are two huge things you can do to further reduce the risk of a chimney fire. The first is to never burn anything that can easily catch on fire and then be pulled up from indoor fireplaces hearth then out to the chimney on a hot air current while on fire. Tissues and wrapping paper are two good examples of dangerous items to put in indoor fireplaces, as they can act as an easy transport vehicle for the flame into the chimney. The second, and perhaps most important step you can take is to have your chimney regularly cleaned by a chimney sweep, especially before the winter season when the use of indoor fireplaces is most significant.

A professional chimney sweep can virtually take away all of the creosote buildup in the chimney and could give you advises in how to keep you chimneys clean and thus your indoor fireplace operation efficient..

Modern Firewood Holders for Your Home

I came across this site specializing on log holders design, to my surprise I found myself wanting to upgrade my old-fashioned firewood holder which sits quietly a few feet away from my indoor fireplace. Let me share with you some really cool firewood holders which will surely make a good accent to all indoor fireplaces.

The Crash
I really find this design both intriguing and amazing. You see, anyone can easily make something similar to this. Just get yourself some big old tin cans, crash them and color with fresh paint. That’s it, your very own Crasher!

The Bamboo

This design is inspired by the real grass itself; like the real thing, the Bamboo bends to accommodate its wood-load. I find this design really simple but functional. It also goes very will with minimalist interior designs thus making sure that indoor fireplaces wouldn’t appear out of style..

The Flex

The Flex is my favorite. It is a totally new way of storing wood. Imagine having to hide your firewood under chairs which are both stylish and functional. These “chairs” can also serve are newspaper rack or even simple corner decors. The Flex is classy and elegant. A perfect mix to virtually any modern room interior and indoor fireplaces.

The Butterfly

I also like this design because of it’s dynamism. It expands or shrinks depending on the number of firewood you place in it. It also look stylish and elegant which surely elevates the worth value of indoor fireplaces.

(photo credits goes to www.ak47space.com)

Indoor Fireplace Tips That Would Fit Your House Needs

An acquaintance of mine came to me one day with a problem. He was out to purchase a house on a recently developed real state. The house basically checks all the criteria boxes except for one; it doesn?t have an indoor fireplace. And he told me that he really loves to have at least two indoor fireplaces but in as much as that, he also loved the house that is without. Since there weren?t a lot of selections of houses in the neighborhood at his disposal, his dilemma comes in as to how will he be able to deal with both wants. He even cited out some heard-of options along with terminologies he admits he wasn?t even familiar with. Like pre-fabricated indoor fireplaces, ventless, masonry, gel fueled-fireplace, and etc. So he asked me for some advise.

I believe this is actually a common problem to anyone who is new to indoor fireplaces. Often, the conceiving of the idea to install a fireplace is derived by the sheer influence of a social trend and leaves these people whom have been recently enthusiastic about fireplaces, clueless about what to do in times when they would have to install the fireplace in houses without one. On its conversely related cases, the knowledge on what to do when replacing traditionally vented fireplaces with ventless ones, and vice-versa. So how do you exactly deal with this kind of problems?

Fortunately, options are always available for anyone who seeks them. But first you have to go through certain considerations. One would be your fiscal capacity. It is always crucial to know how deep your pocket goes in planning for a fireplace installation. The deeper it is, the least minimalistic you get in your options for a fireplace. Otherwise, you get the idea. Another would be the local building code in your place. Since there are particular places in states with certain chimney construction conducts, it would be wise to know these protocols first before jumping into a decision.

It should be understood though no matter how achievable installing fireplaces can be, it is still a task with several considerations. For most people, it would mean seeking professional help in order to properly install one. But it doesn?t necessarily follow that one can not manage without.

You should consider the kind of place you are living in. If it is an apartment or any living space with smaller areas, it would be wise to purchase ventless fireplaces which would require you less to no renovations at all to your place. A readily available type of ventless fireplace is a portable gas fireplace. It can be moved around like a conventional furniture giving you the full scope in the discretion as to where it will be put.

For real houses without fireplaces, Direct Vent Fireplaces may be a choice for those who wish for easy installation. As the name would imply, it wouldn?t require the construction of a chimney for exhaust. Fumes are directly vented outside through a hole in the wall.

In cases of surplus houses which has wood-burning fireplaces already installed, fireplace inserts will come in handy. Inserts are designed to fit-in an existing word-burning fireplace to vent exhausts through an existing chimney through a special vent pipe that directs the fumes to the outside.

If you don?t really want to go through the hassles of employing masonry and even possible reconstruction for a chimney or a venting mechanism, one may opt to avail Electric Fireplaces for their convenience. An electric fireplace has glowing logs and flames simulated to flicker and heating unit to still give you the fireplace feel at the end of the day. This type of fireplace is also very suitable to smaller homes that can not accommodate space for a traditional fireplace.

Activities You Can Do Around Indoor Fireplaces

Having been grown into fondness for fireplaces, certainly there would be a lot I can share about them. From the preferable types to use on a particular location, the best log-rack models out in the market, to the savvy tips for maintaining the fireplace and etcetera. But if there?s anything else about fireplaces I would be very fond of sharing to people at all, it would be my experiences of what kinds of activities you can do around the fiery centerpieces of home.

Ever since, I have had this idea that the feel of crackling woods does not only add warmth to everyone around it but also, it fosters a character to your home during the cold, snowy days. Be it a character of a scene of a family altogether or of a tradition of playing a game by the fire, it will surely go down by the minds and the hearts of the people who have bear witness of it, even until the following generations. This occasionally rare opportunity to have your family and or loved ones gathered around within a single place that induces cordiality and warmth, is definitely something to remember by. These times of reprieve from the entangling confusion and hubbub of the street life, would always be a place where most people would want to be.

A romantic date ?would be my list-topper. Nothing beats the coveted scenario of a candlelight dinner by the center-table nearby the fire for a romantic scene with your loved one. It rates more than the fancy expensive romantic dinner of some five star hotel restaurant . And I?m not referring to the idea of it being cheap that?s why it?s better. It is with the espousing effort you would have to put forth to prepare the entire setup. It gives a sense of personal touch to the thought. You might have probably heard of some pretty trite cliche that ?it is actually the thought that counts.?? Well let me tell you this, the intricate planning and setting-up of the romantic scene is what truly inspires Amor. I?m pretty sure your partner would perceive it to be one very big, thoughtful thought afterward.

Apart from the oozing love warmth you and your partner feel for each other, the blazing fire nearby adds up to the fire of the relationship. Sometimes, I would even think that this kind of preparations are actually effective aphrodisiacs, as you would be both teeming with zeal and enthusiasm to indulge into each other?s presence. I believe there?s no other better place to induce this kind of feeling than that of around indoor fireplaces. So forget about the bed as the most conducive place for the love scene, it’s actually that place in the house where there’s most fire.

Future Planning ?is also a very nice activity you can do, especially with your family, even friends. Sitting by the fireplace, gazing at the smoldering embers of the fire, would be an apt opportunity for each other to discuss about the future vacation plans. Give each member the time to envision the places they would want to go to. Or you could also talk about life plans if you want. Rekindle the family assurances with your wife and kids. A fireplace provides a very conducive avenue for this.

Trip Down to Memory Lane ?one of my favorites. Nothing tops the feeling of looking back at the past through the small windows of photo albums? candid pictures of your childhood or the romantic life with your wife before marriage or even the younger years of your relationship with your partner if you are not married. Somehow, it will rejuvenate the years and feel young about life again. Take time to look at the photographed scenes of your first bike-ride, or the first romantic date with your wife when you were still dating. Couple that up with the fire around, no feeling in the world can be more warm than this.

These sample activities aren?t actually to kill time when there?s nothing else left to do. They are actually open opportunities to establish or reestablish and to strengthen bonds with the people you care for. There are lot of activities you can do actually. Again, they?re always up to you.

Tips to Clean the Chimney

It is an important aspect of a home to have a clean chimney. But sometimes the ways how to keep our chimney clean are not always at our disposal. So how do we truly solve the ash and creosote buildup dilemma then? Not to mention the nesting critter up in the chimney hole? Will they remain to be unsolved and your chimney left reliving the scene of a classic haunted house horror movie, all too dark and dusty? If you do not want these to happen to your chimney, brace yourself up and get moving.

Fortunately, that truth is there are a lot of ways to do about it and moreover they are even pretty simple. One would just have to begin with a good state of mind and a dose of enthusiasm to be up and running. Here are some tips:

Have the chimney inspected ? should be your first step. You have to truly know when the cleaning time for your chimney really is. Although it would be appreciated to clean it up every day, even at times when it is not in use, cleaning the chimney at the right time would save you the unnecessary effort to a peripheral maintenance routine. (It simply means you don?t have to clean it every day, at least have some life!). You can have your chimney checked by hired professionals or experienced contractor that have credible background in dealing with indoor fireplaces. When the chief says green, then off with those brooms and brushes, you?re good to go for the sweep. It is advisable to have your chimney inspected at least once year to see if it needs overhauling. The checks actually doesn?t only reveal the urgency of having your chimney cleaned up, it also inspects potential problems in the long run. Like spotting buildups that may cause chimney fire or blockages.

When a fireplace is functional, it simply means you will eventually have to clean it up, because the burning process would always leave-off black stains on someplace afterwards. And safety is often a consideration when this effect happens. Creosotes, which are actually buildups caused by cinder residues, may accumulate on the chimney corners or within the hearth?s brick seams, if catches fire could possibly burn instantaneously. In addition to that, an unclean chimney musters carbon monoxide at home which is harmful to health. That?s why if there?s a buildup, you should have your chimney cleaned right away.

When using a brush to clean the chimney, make sure to use the right sizes of brush. The gaps in between the bricks of your hearth may require a more specific sizes for a brush. You may never be able to get to those stuck creosotes and cinders if you are to use brush sizes that can?t squeeze into the in between. Also, when using a broom make it a point to use the long ones so that it could reach the far ends of the chimney. Though sweeping the chimney can be personally done, it would always to be better to have a professional to do it. Their expertise and tools can execute the task faster and safer.

Making use of a chimney cap could prevent birds or any critter from nesting at the top of your chimney. These nests may clogged up your chimney which probably would lead to the eventual buildups within.

Of course when cleaning the chimney by yourself, always bear in mind to wear protective clothing in order to prevent occupational hazards from taking place. Always have the presence of mind and be aware of what you are doing. This includes you taking all the necessary safety precautions like wearing eye protection, gloves and dust masks. When you will be doing the cleaning on the roof make sure to use slip-proof boots.

My Personal Review: UniFlame EF700SP Electric Indoor Fireplace

I grew up in a house where indoor fireplaces are abundant; we have one in almost every room! This is how I develop my fondness to fireplaces. And even after moving out  to live in my own apartment, this fondness remained. Due to certain restrictions imposed by my landlord, I have settled to having an electric fireplace in my apartment; at least I wouldn?t have to miss the glow and the warmth of the real fireplaces we have back home, plus I can easily move it around like a conventional furniture. The makers of electric fireplaces go the extra mile to make their products appear as real as possible. They have glowing logs, simulated flames and  fan-aided heat circulation produced by electric heaters.

I currently have ?Dimplex DFI2309 Electric Fireplace Insert? which is still available in Amazon.com for only about $200. I bought this primarily because it?s cheap and it has options which I like; you can choose from full heat, half heat, or flame only options. I like this because it enables me to use my fireplace all year round, even when it is not winter season.

I plan on buying a new fireplace though, and put my old fireplace on sale, it?s perfectly working but I have been eyeing ?UniFlame EF700SP Electric Fireplace? for sometime now. It comes with surround stacked stone design too! Currently it costs $ 672.50 at Amazon.com, but I?m saving for it. Here are the reasons why I want this electric fireplace:

1.    It?s is cheap, considering its looks. The fireplace really looks elegant with its faux stone finish with genuine granite top which are attractive and very durable. It is a very useful decorative piece to any rooms, whether small or big.

2.    The fireplaces plugs to any 120V grouded outlet and produces 1500 W of power. That?s enough to heat a fairly large room or is roughly equivalent to 5118 BTU of good heat.

3.    Just like any other electric fireplaces (plus the aesthetics) the operation of Uniflame EF700SP is as easy as pressing a button of its multi-funtional remote control. You can easily lit or put-off a fire even from your bed or sofa!

4.    The fireplace also features a realistic and variable flame effect with adjustable heat level setting.

5.    More importantly, this electric fireplace is very portable and can be easily assembled or disassemble for increased mobility.

Here are some information on the product:

* Material: Faux Stone
* Style: Traditional
* Width: 46″ W
* Height: 43.3″ H
* Finish: Granite Top
* Color: Black Marble Mantel
* Power Source: Electricity
* Power: 1,500 Watts
* UL Listed: Uses 120 volt ground outlet
* Remote: Multi-Function Remote Control
* Weight: 160 lbs
* Firebox: 28″ CSA Approved Firebox, Variable Heat and Light Settings

The UniFlame EF700SP Electric Indoor Fireplace

Tips on Maintaining Safe Fire in Your Fireplace

Imagine yourself all cozy and comfortable near your chimney fires caused by improper fireplace-handling can be prevented. The tips below will help you secure your properties and family from accidental fires:

? Select the right fire logs.

Although hardwoods and softwoods can be used for indoor fireplaces, fire logs are often better and more efficient. However, since logs are cylindrical it is always advisable to make sure that you arrange the iron and the grate properly so as to keep the logs from rolling out the fireplace. As substitute to real fire logs, artificial fire logs are also available. But remember that artificial fire logs burns longer than real ones, so burn one log at a time and only add another log when it almost runs out.

? Control the Fire

Start a fire enough for your fireplace?s size. DO NOT make big blazing fires because fires that are too large are dangerous. Big fires also heats-up the chimney too much which can result to cracks. Besides, making big fires only wastes wood and fuel. You can control the fire by using enough wood.

Also avoid getting your fire near any flammable liquid. More importantly, DO NOT use flammable liquids like gasoline, polystyrene packaging, colored and/or glossy paper and the like; these materials emit toxic gases and excessive smoke which is not good for your health.

? Keep Proper Ventilation

Oxygen keeps the fire alive so give your fireplace some. Keep the glass fireplace screens open and close the damper, since it controls the draft and thus the air through your fireplace. Closed dampers keep the warm air inside once the fire in your fireplace has been completely extinguished.

Remember to close the damper only when all the fire is gone, closing the damper cuts off the oxygen which gives life to fire, and when the fire is extinguished pre-maturely it produces excessive smoke into your house. Closing that would also increase the chance for carbon monoxide to enter the home. Therefore keep your damper open while fire is burning. As a safety measure, install a smoke carbon monoxide/smoke detector in the room.

? Secure Your Fireplace

Regularly check your chimney for cracks, loose bricks or other signs of deterioration. Hire a chimney sweep duly certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America or other agencies specializing on fireplace safety. Chimney sweeps can maintain your fireplace and chimney for you if you don?t know how to do it yourself.

Install accessories to keep your fireplace safe for kids. Keep flammable away from children?s reach and most especially, away from fireplaces. Have a fire extinguisher close to your fireplace. Make sure you have a working fire alarm system in your house too.

? Put Off the Fire

DO NOT forget to completely put-out the fire before you sleep or before you leave the fireplace unattended. Accidental fires often result from unattended fireplaces. Wait for the ash tp cool or pour water to it.

Santa Claus and the Chimney

Howdy! Merry Christmas. And fireplaces are really glamorized again (even in countries where there are no fireplaces!). Well, for one thing, today is that single day in a year when kids all over the world are expecting one visitor ? Santa Claus.

We all know of the story of this fat guy in red suit, secretly climbing down our chimneys to leave behind presents for good kids. As a kid once, I have loved indoor fireplaces for two simple reasons: mom usually reads me children?s storybooks before the fireplace in the living room and every Christmas (at least for every year before I turned 13) I always receive a gift from Santa and mom tells he comes-in through our fireplace.

A couple of hours ago I was the one in-charge to give Christmas stories to my nephews. I wanted to tell them something new (and yet, still child-friendly) so I made-up this entire story on how Santa climbs down the chimney! Let me share with you portions of my story:

Me:

Contrary to what we all assume, Santa doesn?t land immediately on our roof. After landing his sleigh on the ground, Santa inspects the house we are in and assess how he is able to get in. Well, the chimney is usually the easiest and most preferable option since Christmas trees are often placed a few feet away from the fireplace hole. Sometimes, Santa slowly opens windows or unlocks doors with his pocket knife. In worse cases, Santa even squeezes himself through the cat door!

Arthur (5years old):

Poor Santa! Why wouldn?t he just come while we are awake, so we can open the door for him? And maybe give him hot chocolate.

Cindy (8years old):

No silly! If he does that, then it wouldn?t be a surprise anymore. Dad said Santa loves surprises.

Me:

Yes Arthur, Cindy is right. But more importantly, Santa prefers the fireplace for several reasons. First, it’s warm. Imagine Santa flying from the North Pole in an open sleigh in the middle of winter! Second, going down the chimney doesn?t disturb anyone, especially those who are tired from the season?s merriment. So, they need not to wake-up to open the window or door for Santa. Santa took the initiative!

Arthur:

Uncle! Uncle! (Yawning now) How does Santa manage to climb down the chimney?

Me:

Well, you see, Santa is a big man. And he has a sack full of goodies. Chimneys are narrow and dark. But Santa has mastered to overcome these obstacles, just so you get your gifts, so behave and be good OK?)

Now, Santa might be fat but he is quick! You remember his red suit? It is made of frictionless material which becomes very slippery when in contact with stone, brick, concrete or metal. This helps Santa slide down the chimney effortlessly.

Cindy:

Doesn?t he make a sound when he lands on the fireplace floor? It should have waken me up!

Me:

You remember Cindy that Santa carries with him him a sack of goodies? It is made of the same material as his suit. Santa lands on it. Using simple Physics, Santa can land with the slightest ?thud?! But of course, Santa also gets some bruises and small cuts, but he considers these as occupational hazards. His wife, Mrs. Claus, usually takes care of his bruises. Well, it heals before New Year comes, though.

Well, that?s the end of my story. Arthur fell asleep before the conclusions. But I got Cindy into believing me! So much of Christmas and indoor fireplaces. You can email me for the full version of the story. Just leave a comment below. Good night everyone!