If you want to make sure that your fireplace, stove or insert is running at its highest efficiency, and more importantly its highest level of safety then you will have to be sure that they are properly ventilated. Properly ventilating your fireplace, woodstove, or any other fuel burning appliances will not only save you money on your energy bills, it will help protect your home from any moisture build up and damage in the winter, as well as heat buildup in the summer. If you have a smoking fireplace, or have had any scares with carbon monoxide in your home, you’re likely not properly ventilating your appliances.

The purpose of ventilation is to remove the by-products produced during combustion. It is the proper removal of these by-products that makes your appliance run safely and increases the efficiency of your burn. Different types of appliances kaminofen 7 kw need different types of ventilation. For example, a wood burning stove is ventilated through a stainless steel chimney, three feet above a roof, or a minimum of two feet above any structure within a ten foot radius. Fireplaces, on the other hand can be ventilated through a stainless steel or masonry chimney.

When installing a chimney there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure proper ventilation. First of all the size of your chimney should match the outlet size of your fireplace or stove. If the sizes are not properly matched, it will result in a poor draft and an abnormally large buildup of creosote. It is also important that you keep the ventilation as straight and vertical as possible. If you must use elbows, tees or offsets that is okay, but use it only when absolutely unavoidable. The straighter the path to ventilation, the better. Also, when it is possible, avoid installing an exterior chimney. An interior chimney is preferable because it will have a better draft and less creosote because it will not have to battle to colder, exterior air.

When your chimney is up and running it is imperative that you have it inspected at least once per year. It is also good practice to do frequent self inspections and clean out your chimney with a wire brush regularly to avoid the buildup of creosote. By doing these things and following the tips above, you will help to ensure the safety of your family and the efficiency of your appliance.

Enjoy the Warmth of an Outdoor Fireplace

Can you imagine anything better than sitting under the stars and enjoying the beauty and warmth of a hot roaring fire? With the effort today to spend more time outdoors, it is becoming harder to imagine a well designed patio or porch without an outdoor fireplace nearby. Since there are many different styles and sizes of outdoor fireplaces available, everyone can have one in their backyard regardless of whether you desire to spend a little or spend a lot. An outdoor fireplace can be as simple as a fire pit dug in the ground or complex as a massive stone fireplace designed and constructed by the best stone mason in the country.

A fire pit means different things to different people. As I mentioned before, it can be a simple hole dug in the ground in which you place your logs to keep them where you want them to stay. You can also purchase fire pits made of cast iron, copper or other materials that are portable and can be placed out of sight when not in use. These manufactured fire pits usually come with some type of screen that covers the top of the pit to help keep flying embers from escaping the pit. Some fire pits also come with optional cooking racks which makes the pit more useful by allowing the cooking of items other than hot dogs and marshmallows.

If you desire something that looks more like a fireplace stove, these are available in free standing models that are also somewhat portable. Free standing stoves are usually made of cast iron and are commonly used in conjunction with a seating area where people can gather and enjoy the warmth of a more contained fire. Since these stoves have a chimney, the smoke is directed more upwards and away from people than an open fire in a fire pit thus making them more suitable for seating areas.

Of course, if your budget is not an issue, you can construct the granddaddy of all outdoor fireplace designs by building a massive stone fireplace. Since outdoor fireplaces are exposed to the elements, site built fireplaces are most commonly firefix made of stone. These fireplaces are usually massive in their design due to the somewhat limitless amount of space they occupy. As you can imagine, a small outdoor stone fireplace would look out of place against a large expanse of clear blue sky.

No matter which outdoor fireplace you choose to place in your outdoor living space, one thing is sure. You will spend many fantastic nights sitting by the warm fire, sipping your favorite beverage, and enjoying the company of family or a few close friends.

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