Is It OK To Use A Fireplace At The Same Time As Your HVAC?

Everyone delights in using a fireplace, especially around this time of year. Resting on the sofa, drinking a cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage when it’s cold outside: for some, it just doesn’t feel like the holidays without a crackling fire.

However, there are some things you must understand ahead of time prior to enjoying this traditional symbol of hospitality within your home.

It appears counterintuitive that a crackling fire may in turn raise your energy costs, but if utilized or maintained incorrectly, your average fireplace can cost you a lot throughout the year. A fireplace squanders a lot of energy when the damper is left open after the fire is out. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that this situation alone can lead to your energy use increasing by as much as 30% in 12 months alone.

Did you know that more than 75% of the wood you’re utilizing to burn a fire disappears up the chimney in addition to the heat? While charming to take a look at, a crackling fire is not an efficient method to warm your house.

As if that weren’t bad enough, the fire itself creates carbon monoxide and other harmful chemical by-products. Breathed in frequently, these threaten pollutants that worsen allergic reactions and can even kill in scenarios without appropriate ventilation. Good air filters are really essential in these situations, and you may wish to consider setting up an air purifier if you utilize the fireplace a lot. Finally, we have actually all read the newspaper article of awful fires generated by property owners who presumed it was safe when they threw ashes away in an indoor wastebasket, just waking later on to the house incorporated by flames. Never ever, ever leave ashes anywhere however inside your fireplace, or safely outside in a metal trash bin, as soon as the ashes have actually fully cooled and even been dampened with water.

Appropriate fire and fireplace handling is important, not only for your household spending plan but also for your health. Before utilizing your fireplace, ensure:

• The fireplace is clean and in good condition prior to use.
• Dampers are open when the fire is going, and closed when the fire is out.
• You have operating carbon monoxide gas and smoke detectors throughout the house, all with working batteries.
• The damper seal has actually been inspected by an expert and is considered practical and safe.
• You have considered installing glass fireplace doors for fire safety and to block out cold air from the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. Leave them open when the fire is burning.
• You’re using dry, seasoned wood free from chemical or paint treatments as fuel.
• You have actually set up a chimney cap.

Did you know even President Richard Nixon was said to delight in the fireplace so much in the White House that he would adjust the air conditioning low enough in spring, summer season, and be up to justify burning a fire in the Oval Workplace fireplace all year round? We would never ever suggest using your heating and cooling to do that, however, gee, it must have been relaxing.

At South End Heating & Air we hook up all brands of gas fireplaces, contact us for a free consult. We’ll evaluate your system and help make recommendations for optimum value. After all, we want to keep you cool all summer long and warm in the winter. Just schedule a visit with one of our technicians to talk about how we can help with your thermostat settings. Would you like to learn more options our techs can help you with? give us a call 704-684-5339