Tag: heating

Top Fireplace Maintenance Tips

Posted on by info@techreach.io

It’s still cold outside and that means taking care of your fireplace so you don’t feel it inside. Fireplaces can become the center of a household during the winter months, they prove warmth and a beauty to look at, but if you don’t maintain them properly they can also become a headache. So, take a look at this ultimate fireplace maintenance tips list that way you can keep your fire going all winter long. 

Find and Fill the Cracks or Gaps the Firebox Brick Mortar 

With the passing of time and usage, there are cracks and gaps that appear in your fireplace, most specifically inside of it. The heat generated by the fire makes the construction material expand and contract causing it to loosen over time, so it’s important to keep an eye on loose bricks and debris falling from the fireplace. The heat generated by the fireplace might be leaking and escaping through the gaps. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Only repairs with no fire and a cool fireplace. 
  • Inspect for any loose bricks or noticeable cracks. 
  • Use a fireplace mortar or refractory caulk to fill in the gaps. 
  • You can clean off the gaps with a compressed air can and place the new filling with a simple putty tool.

Only Use the Right Wood in your Fireplace 

The quality of heat you get from your fireplace is directly related to the type of wood you burn, and so is the maintenance upkeep of the appliance. Using the wrong kind of wood can lead to a dirtier fireplace and cause you to need to clean it more often, it can also make the fire burn faster and heat last less. 

Avoid using softer types of wood that burn quicker, and also leave finer ash that is very difficult to clean. Stay clear of:

  • Cedar
  • Poplar 
  • Balsam 
  • Spruce 

Instead, use these types of hardwood that are recommended for fireplace fires:

  • Oak
  • Ash 
  • Birch (offers a more constant and hotter temperature)
  • Maple

Check out your Flashing and Repairs Damages 

Before you install your fireplace you should have placed a metal flashing that runs between the fireplace chimney and your roof, this prevents water from going into your home from there. This procession could be damaged or torn causing vulnerability to your fireplace and your home. Inspect it to see it intact and fix any damage you find for a better fire.

Clean up your Chimney 

Fireplaces are beautiful, cozy, and powerful heat sources but they are also messy! Having a fireplace means you have to clean that fireplace, especially the chimney. The residue left behind by wood burn, called creosote, can be a dangerous accelerant for fire. Creosote is the main cause behind chimney fires, one of the most serious fireplace accidents you could have in your home. To prevent it, all you need to do is properly clean your chimney correctly and timely. You can buy your own cleaning supplies and do it or get professional cleaners. It’s also essential to clean the ashes from the firebox after every fire to minimize risks and get your chimney assessed by a professional at least once a year, preferably twice before using it in the winter months and after the cold. 

These tips should help you keep the fire going and stay cozy until it warms up again!

The ultimate guide to eco-friendly and efficient use of heating appliances in your home

Posted on by info@techreach.io

The passing of winter makes heating necessary and frequently used appliances in many homes, and with it concerns on how to best use it. There are a few tips that can help to get the most in terms of cost and heat from your equipment.

Your home can have any of the appliances or heating systems: 

  • Furnace
  • Central heating radiators
  • Fireplace 
  • Electric space heaters 
  • Heat pumping mini-splits 
  • Wood burning furnace 
  • Oil Radiator Heater
  • Furnace Gas Heater
  • Boiler Heater
  • Unvented Gas Heater
  • Water heart (with a tank or tankless) 

All of these even though different can be used more efficiently by just accepting a few changes and habits. 

So, what can you do to be cozy while not overusing your heating appliances? 

Use the sun 

Take advantage of natural warmth as much as possible, that means:

  • Opening drapes during sunny hours 
  • If possible opening windows as well 
  • When you are working from home try to follow the sun when it’s out, that way you are always at the natural warmers room always and can avoid turning on the heating system

Repair your heating appliances 

Making sure that your heating appliances and systems are working properly by having professionals assess them is key, why?

  • You avoid wasting energy on a system that is not working 
  • Prevent further damage to the appliance 
  • Saves you time and money 

The importance of windows and doors 

Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of heat loss in any home because they literary let the warmth of your home escape. How to prevent this loss?

  • Check your window and door frames for possible heat loss cracks to fill and insulate them 
  • Use clear covers or tape on the inside of your windows for more insulations 
  • Replace windows with more durable frames and glass options 

Control the thermostat

Having control over the thermostat is a privilñege and huge responsibility, this little factor determines smooch of how much and how well you spend energy heating your home. Here’s what you can do to master the thermostat use.

  • Use the timer so that it turns off or on fter a certain time. You can have a warmer home in the morning and prevent excess energy waste when you are tucked in at night. 
  • Turn it off when you are not home. 
  • Activate app control if you can. This way you can control from wherever you are. 
  • If you have a heat pump system or no thermostat control then just set a timer for it to turn off after a few hours, the heat will remain and you will be saving on your spending.

For homes with fireplaces: 

  • Read up on how to use your damper for maximizing the efficiency of the heat 
  • Use quality wood 
  • Keep an eye on your fire
If you are still having cold feet over all of these just check in with the pros at Maydone for more advice and appliance help.

The Pro’s and Con’s of Choosing a Wood-burning Based Heating System

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Burning wood is the oldest know home heating system. Used first by cavemen and in every generation of humans, including now. It’s still widely popular and seen in homes all over the world. But how good is a wood-burning heating system, what is the drawback to having one? Both of these questions are answered below. 

Pro’s of burning wood for heat 

  • Wood is a cheaper resource to extract and transport, so it’s cheaper for the consumer as well. Making it a great choice for those that want to save money on their heating. 
  • The fuel used to heat (wood) is more readily available. You might even be able to cut it down and collect it yourself. 
  • The price of wood is stable and not subject to high spikes. 
  • An option like a pellet stove, that burns pellets made from compressed wood biomass. Can be a non-polluting heating choice if that is what you are looking for a more eco-friendly option. 
  • If engineer by a professional all wood-burning system is greener. Emitting less pollution than coal and oil. 
  • In the long run biomass, fuel like wood becomes carbon-neutral
  • Using wood that comes from forest waste actually helps keep the woods healthier. Reducing the risks of first fires. 
  • They are a very beautiful addition to any home and bring a lot of character to homes. 

Con’s of having a wood-burning heating system  

  • Because you are using biomass fuel you need to get a constant supply in order to keep your house warm. This might entail cutting and collecting the wood or going to buy it regularly during the cold months. 
  • You’ll need to have or create storage space for keeping the wood. 
  • Some systems like most stove pellets and sealed fireplaces require electricity to run fans for circulations. 
  • The ash waste created by wood-burning requires propper, safe disposal 
  • Costs are high for building a good wood-burning heating system. You’ll require professional help to complete it. 
  • Equipment to cut the wood for fuel and other accessories you might need can be very expensive as well.