There is a lot of snow outside, and it is still falling. PLEASE be sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and that they are equipped with back-up batteries.

When the snowfall begins, weather forecasters and emergency management officials talk about the increasingly common threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Weather that causes power outages also often results in reports of carbon monoxide poisoning from gasoline-powered generators and other heating equipment. But mammoth snowfalls also cover and block vehicle exhaust pipes, which can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside the passenger area. And snow buildup on rooftops can block flues and vents, restricting the flow of oxygen to furnaces and water heaters and causing the deadly gas to accumulate inside the home.

Unfortunately, this happens whenever there's a big snowstorm.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced by burning fuel without enough oxygen for combustion. It is deadly in large doses.

During heavy snow, be sure to clear snow away from outdoor vents, as well as from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe before starting the engine.  Also, never use outdoor grills and patio heaters indoors. Portable generators should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually states to use them in open areas that are at least 50 feet away from your home.

Call 911 if you think there is any chance you or a family member has been exposed to carbon monoxide.

The National Weather Service released a list of warnings for snow storms, and guarding against exposure to carbon monoxide from portable generators and heaters is No. 1.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Excerpts - baltimoresun.com

There are many advantages of gas fireplace inserts over burning wood. Here a just a few: they are cleaner, safer, and easier, not to mention beautifully made. If you have an open hearth or a wood burning fireplace insert, you may want to convert to gas for any number of reasons. There is an easy solution to converting your wood fireplace to gas, gas fireplace inserts.

Gas fireplace inserts are fireboxes that are inserted into your existing open fireplace. Fireplace inserts often come with a thermostat and/or a remote control. This means they can be turned on with the flick of a switch from the comfort of your couch. This also means that you can set them to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.  These features alone make gas inserts advantageous.

Gas fireplace inserts are also very energy efficient. In fact, new gas fireplace inserts may be even more efficient than your old furnace. Open hearth fireplaces draw the warm air out of your home. Inserts recirculate the warm air back into your home. This makes gas fireplaces very energy and cost efficient.

Another great benefit of gas fireplace inserts is that they are beautifully made and there are many different designs, styles, and colors, to fit any style décor. This makes it easy to add ambiance and a focal point to your living space.  Some inserts have different surround options you can choose from as well.  This makes it easy to change the entire look of your home by adding a fireplace insert to match any style décor.

If you have a wood burning fireplace it is easy to change to the ease, efficiency and safety of gas.  Contact West Sport in Sudbury for more information.

If you are considering adding a fireplace insert to your home, consider the multiple advantages and benefits of wood burning fireplace inserts. Here are just a few of them: efficiency, cleaner burning, and warmer.

A fireplace insert is a specially designed steel firebox that is made to fit into your existing open fireplace. Air from inside your home is drawn into the firebox. The warm air from the fire is then blown back into your home. This is called radiant heat and this is actually one of the advantages of a wood insert. Open fireplaces lose hot air up the chimney, fireplace inserts dramatically improve the efficiency of your hearth. This means that with an insert you will get more heat into your home from an identical fire.

Because fireplace inserts are so much more energy efficient, they improve the efficiency of your entire home. Fires burn hotter in inserts which means you will keep your thermostats lower. Because they burn so efficiently, this means they lessen wood-smoke pollution as well. Because the heat is “radiant heat” wood burning fireplace inserts increase the output of heat into your living area.

If someone in your home has allergies or if you are concerned about indoor air quality, a fireplace insert has the advantage over an open fireplace because it is enclosed. However, inserts are beautifully designed with a full sized glass door, so your view of the roaring fire won’t be comprised.

Wood burning fireplace inserts are also more efficient because they “burn cleaner”. They burn hotter than an open fireplace, which means they get more heat out of every piece of firewood. This means you will save money all around, on firewood and on heating bills.

Besides all of these practical advantages, you have the advantage of design as well. Fireplace inserts often offer design options, so you can coordinate it’s style with your home décor. Surrounds can be beautifully blended with your home to create a focal point in your home all year round adding to your home's personality and comfort.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Many homeowners want to either improve the efficiency of their open fireplace or make that fireplace more attractive. Beyond that, they aren’t sure what they want; gas or wood, stove or insert, maybe gas logs or simply add glass fireplace doors.

Wood burning inserts offer convenience, ease of cleaning and style all in one. While wood burning fireplace inserts will add both beauty and heating efficiency to your old, open fireplace, they aren’t for everyone. Gas fireplace inserts are attractive and easy to use, involve less work than wood inserts and can be used as a supplemental heat source if that is what you are looking for.

And, while inserts are beautiful, you don’t have the full ability to reflect your home style and to put your creative juices to good work. Fireplace inserts consist of a firebox and its surround. They are beautifully made, but your only design options are in the color and finish of the door and the surround.

If gas is what your are after for ease and convenience, and if you want to use your fireplace more for ambiance and supplemental heat, you may want to consider gas logs and custom designed glass fireplace doors. Why choose gas logs? Because you can have a realistic fire burning with the touch of a button, no mess, and you can reflect your home through the custom design.

There are many advantages to gas logs and custom fireplace doors over wood. Gas fireplaces are easy to maintain, clean, and use. However, they still give the appearance of a real wood-burning fire. Gas logs and fireplace doors are an accessory that add an artistic appearance to your home while heating your living space.

There is nothing more cheerful than a warm fire burning in the fireplace, and with beautiful glass doors custom designed to enhance your home décor, your home will have a beautiful focal point all year round.

You best bet is to visit West Sport in Sudbury, your local fireplace showroom, to see what best fits your home, your needs and your lifestyle. For more information, contact us.

The New Year is here, and now is the time to address those home updating projects you have been talking about. Wood burning fireplace inserts are an easy and inexpensive way to update and invigorate your home.

Hearthstone Clydesdale wood inserts help change the look and feel of your living space without a massive, expensive remodeling project. A wood burning fire is a great way to draw coziness and a new focal point into any room. And in the summer, these wood fireplace inserts are so attractive they look beautiful even when they are not burning.

They are made to complement any indoor décor. With a door and surround in multiple finishes and a gorgeous wooden handle, they are attractive all year long.

But the best part of a wood burning insert means that they will help supplement your heating expenses too, making your fireplace more efficient and helping to effectively heat your home on those freezing cold days to come.

Right now at West Sport in Sudbury, Clydesdale wood burning fireplace inserts come with a free chimney liner system. This is an $800 value. Now is the time to redecorate and invigorate your gorgeous home. Happy New Year from the Fireplace and Grill Shop at West Sport in Sudbury. Serving the entire Boston Area.

If you have yet to decide on a Christmas entrée, or If you have decided on a beautiful pork crown roast, here is an excellent and different, but easy recipe.

This is a fantastic way to prepare a pork crown roast. The roast is marinated, placed onto the grill, basted with a sweetened glaze, sliced, and then served with a delectable sauce.  Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.

Grilled Pork Crown Roast

• 1 pork crown roast (10-12 bone)

for marinade:

• 1/3 cup/80 mL olive oil
• 1/4 cup/60 mL gin
• 1/4 cup/60 mL fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons/10 mL Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons/7.5 mL sea salt
• 1 teaspoon/5 mL fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5 mL mild chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5 mL black pepper
• for glaze:
• 1 cup/240 mL fig preserves
• 2 tablespoons/30 mL water
• 1 tablespoon/15 mL gin
• for sauce:
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons/30 mL olive oil
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 cups/260 mL chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons/30 mL Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon/15 mL white wine (optional)
• 6-8 whole peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5 mL sea salt
• cornstarch and water

Combine all marinade ingredients in medium plastic or glass bowl. Place roast into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade ingredients into bag making sure only the meat portion is covered. Seal and place into refrigerator in a standing position, meat side on the bottom, bones on top. Marinate for 4-6 hours.

While roast is marinating, prepare the glaze. Simply add all glaze ingredients to a saucepan and simmer until fig preserves is melted through. Once all ingredients are well combined, remove pan from heat and let glaze cool to room temperature before using.

Preheat gas, charcoal or pellet grill for medium-high heat. Remove crown roast from bag and discard marinade. Wrap each bone with aluminum foil, so they do not burn during cooking process. Place roast onto grill and cook over indirect heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, depending on size and thickness of roast. Toward the last 40 minutes of cooking, baste with fig glaze continuously. Once meat reaches 165 degrees in multiple locations, it is time to take off the grill. Place onto a large cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

To prepare serving sauce, heat olive oil in a large pan. Add shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes constantly stirring, add chicken broth and bring to a light bubble for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. To thicken sauce, simply combine 1/4 cup/60 mL of cold water with 1 heaping teaspoon of cornstarch in a small dish. Increase heat to medium high on stove, letting the sauce come to a bubble. Slowly pour in cornstarch mixture, making sure to stir so lumps do not form. The sauce should thicken quickly. Once this happens, remove pan from heat.

To serve, cut away the twine used to secure the the roast. Remove foil from bones, and cut each portion between the bone, exposing a nice thick bone-in chop. Top meat with sauce and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year from West Sport in Sudbury.

Image and recipe - bbq.about.com

The holidays are here. After the entertaining and after the decorations get put away, winter draws on. You may be looking to freshen up the look of the living room or great room. And a great way to do this is with a wood burning fireplace insert.

After the holidays, we just want to relax. There is no better way to do that than in front of a wood burning fire. Wood burning fireplace inserts are the perfect solution for rooms with an open fireplace. Fireplace inserts turn an inefficient, boring hearth and fireplace into an efficient and gorgeous heat source for your entire home. Wood inserts are installed within your existing fireplace, so little work is needed.

If you want to update the look of your home or create a room with more atmosphere and ambiance but without an entire remodel, fireplace inserts are a great option. In fact, they will make your home heating more efficient, less expensive and more attractive. They are great additions for older homes, for homes where the fireplace is not used, for homeowners who want to decrease their heating bills or for those who want to increase the value of their home.

Wood burning fireplace inserts are beautifully made with large glass doors and surrounds that can match any style décor. Most fireplace inserts are incredibly efficient and can burn all day Many have a blower so the heat will be circulated throughout your living space.

If you want to create a relaxing space and a new look in your great room or living room after the holidays, consider wood fireplace inserts. Contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Is there a room in your house that just doesn’t get warm enough? Maybe your home office or finished basement. It is possible that it would be expensive and inefficient to add heating, and traditional electric heaters are expensive and unsafe. But now you have an option. Comfort Furnace, the best, most efficient and most effective space heater you will ever own.

Unlike most heaters that provide uneven hot spots, the heat from a Comfort Furnace surrounds you regardless of where you are in the room. Comfort Furnace is an infrared furnace that heats your space the way the sun warms the Earth; by providing convection-like heat. It heats the air through infrared heating elements. This heated air is forced into the indoor environment by fans. This creates an even, soft heat that is normally balanced between floor and ceiling by no more than a few degrees difference. Because of today’s spiraling gas, oil, propane, and other energy costs, The Comfort Furnace will pay for itself in no time. It actually operates on less electricity per day than a coffee pot.

The Comfort Furnace is very attractive too. It looks like a piece of furniture, so you guests may not even notice it. It looks like an end table, so they may accidentally rest their drink on it!

This is the more intelligent, less expensive way to heat the space in your home that you just can’t get warm. For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Winter is here and it is time to address your fireplace. If your home still has an old open hearth, now is the time to make a change and add a wood burning fireplace insert. If you have an older, open fireplace, there are ways to save money and make your home more beautiful.

Wood Burning Inserts essentially convert your open fireplace into a wood stove. They are beautifully designed in all styles to match your home and décor. Fireplace inserts are equipped with insulated doors and they slide right into the opening of your fireplace.

Fireplace inserts bring romance, ambiance and good cheer to your home. It is also nice that they add at least 10% to the value of a house. But they also bring some relief from fuel prices.

Fireplace inserts make a fire more affordable, convenient and efficient as well as safer and environmentally friendly.

Yet, the wonderful looks of the hearth won’t be compromised. The shifting shapes and colors of the fire will be as fascinating as ever, and the instant solace the fireplace offers after cold commutes and shopping trips will remain unabated.

The U.S. Department of Energy says Fireplace inserts have superior energy efficiency. They are great looking and come in a wide variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Designers and homeowners choose them to fit in any style room from the most comfortable room to the most elegant room.

Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts fit into existing fireplaces and can generate more than 70,000 BTUs per hour and can warm up to 1,900 sq. ft. of space. Most have tight-fitting glass or metal doors and built-in circulation features.

There is no question that fireplace inserts are terrific and getting better all the time. For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport has great gifts; for your home, for your spouse, for your parents and there are stocking stuffers too.  If you are looking for something unique and useful look no further than West Sport in Sudbury.

From hearth maintenance supplies, to grill and fireplace accessories, to grills and griddles, and other fun tools for the men in your life. If you are looking for a gift for your home, we have the perfect selection. Fireplace doors and wood burning fireplace inserts are on sale now.

West Sport in Sudbury, your neighborhood fireplace and outdoor grill shop, has all the holiday gifts and stocking stuffers you on Black Friday and all year long. While holiday shopping this weekend, why not shop local? And with all West Sport has to offer on Black Friday, you can get many of the gifts and stocking stuffers you are looking for right here.

Come on in for stocking stuffers like grill utensils, fireplace steamers, hard wood charcoal, and fireplace screens. Or make larger purchase for you and your family for the holidays, we also offer layaway.

Help support local business this holiday season. Contact Us for more information.