Heating and cooling your home can usually make up nearly half of your utility bill. Unfortunately, in many cases, some of that money spent on heat is lost.
Homeowners know that insulating, patching and weatherizing can reduce heat loss, there is one major energy eater in your home you may not have considered – your fireplace.
Traditional open, wood-burning fireplaces are a leading source of indoor air loss and draft, even more than windows and doors.
Traditional wood fireplaces have a lot of charm but they can be inefficient both when they are in use and when they aren’t.
But, you don’t have to give up burning a fire this winter, and you don’t have to board up your fireplace. You can lower your bills, add ambiance, and improve your home value—all while keeping your fireplace burning. How? By adding a fireplace insert. Convert your fireplace into an energy-efficient heat source with the following tips:
- When your fireplace is not in use, make sure your chimney damper is closed. You may also install a flue sealer, which is an affordable, inflatable stopper that fits below the damper to further seal off the chimney.
- Ensure your chimney and fireplace is inspected, maintained and cleaned annually. A contractor can ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly.
- Add fireplace doors to your fireplace to help reduce the draft and add a nice aesthetic appearance.
- Consider a fireplace insert. In addition to lowering your energy bills and generating more radiant heat, fireplace inserts are cleaner to maintain. Plus, a new insert looks great and uses energy-saving firebox technology to increase heating efficiency.
For those who love the smell, crackle and process of building a real fire, don't despair. EPA-certified wood burning fireplace inserts are an easy, clean and efficient alternative.
In the pursuit of energy-efficiency, don't say goodbye to tradition. Instead, give your fireplace a much-needed upgrade.
For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.
www.wnypapers.com
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