A fire’s warm glow in a fireplace provides a lovely, soothing focal point in your home and an extra source of heat. It’s wise to make the most of your fireplace through personal maintenance and scheduling professional services like chimney repairs before winter sets in. You’ll save money on energy costs and ensure your fireplace and chimney are in safe working condition.

How To Get The Most Heat From Your Fireplace

Burn Completely Dry, Old Wood

Burn seasoned, old wood that has dried out completely. Freshly-cut wood contains moisture and burns poorly, creating a lot of smoke and little heat. Purchase locally-sourced wood that has dried for at least a year to produce more heat and avoid smoke damage in your home.

Schedule Cleanings & Repairs Early in the Season

Schedule annual chimney cleanings to remove creosote buildup that clogs the system and impedes air flow. Put chimney repairs on your calendar as well, as professional repair services ensure the system is operating as efficiently as possible. You can also talk to your fireplace repair team about installing a fireback, a type of cast-iron reflector. When placed in the back of your fireplace, this product absorbs heat and reflects it back into the room.

Seal All Air Leaks

Use caulk and weatherstripping materials to seal any household air leaks, such as those around doors and windows that allow heat to escape. The more sealed your home is, the more efficiently your fireplace and HVAC system will operate.

Use a Tempered Glass Fireplace Screen

Replace your current fireplace screen with a tempered glass version, if applicable. Measure your fireplace to ensure the perfect fit and always keep the screen door closed when you have a fire going. It causes the chimney to heat up, so the amount of hot air escaping the room through the fireplace decreases.

Turn On Your Ceiling Fans

Run ceiling fans on at low speed turning counterclockwise to circulate the warm air. Heat naturally rises, so ceiling fans disperse through your home instead of allowing it to accumulate near the ceiling and attic spaces.
 

Chimney repairs are just one of the many outstanding services available from Darryl Myers Brick, the Independence, KY-based masonry company that specializes in custom stone installations. Led by master craftsman Darryl Myers, this business does not accept payment until the customer is satisfied. Call (859) 743-3850 today to schedule chimney repairs or visit their website for more service information.