Here in the Indianapolis area, it’s no secret that winter weather can get pretty frigid. Yet, while cranking up your thermostat is always tempting, we all want to ensure we’re keeping those monthly heating bills in check too. The good news is that there are ways to stay warm, while keeping energy levels in check, especially if you have a fireplace or stove.
Check out some tips below, then give us a call to ensure your fireplace is working as well as it can be. You can also reach out to us online.
Can a Fireplace Upgrade Boost Heating Efficiency?
Yes, and there are many options for this, whether you’re wanting to make some small adjustments or do something more major. Here are some ideas:
1. Have a fireplace insert installed.
Upgrading to a fireplace insert is one of the most effective – and relatively easy – ways to boost the efficiency of your fireplace. Inserts are sealed units that can be installed right into your existing firebox. They’re designed to capture and circulate more heat – unlike traditional open fireplaces, which lose much of their heat up the chimney.
In addition, most inserts are EPA-certified, meaning they meet strict environmental standards for cleaner burning. This not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also ensures your fuel is burning more completely – resulting in less waste and more heat.
Fireplace insert installation invites a lot of opportunities too. For instance, if you’re ready to switch fuel types, putting a gas insert into your existing wood fireplace won’t be an issue. That said, if you love the ambiance of burning wood, but hate the heat loss of your open fireplace system, a wood insert can be installed too – the best of both worlds.
2. Add some new glass fireplace doors.
Glass fireplace doors are an easy enough addition that can help your space retain more heat. They essentially act as a barrier, preventing warm air from escaping when your fireplace is not in use. By closing the doors when the fire is out, you reduce the chance of cold downdrafts swooping in – and keep the heat inside the room longer.
Glass doors can also offer some peace of mind. It’s not uncommon for logs to roll out of the fireplace or spark and embers to jump onto the rug. Fireplace doors help keep sparks contained and prevent ash and debris from spilling out, making your home safer and cleaner. And hey – if you’re looking for an upgrade in looks, fireplace glass doors can help with that, too, ensuring a cleaner, sleeker aesthetic.
3. Upgrade your damper.
Do you still have a throat damper? Did you know there’s another model on the market that can do the job better? Top-sealing dampers are an option that seal at the top of your flue, rather than the bottom. That means, no cold air will be hanging out in your chimney, trying to get in – right from the top, your space will stay better protected. This can also make lighting fires easier, as well, because your flames won’t be fighting that cold wall of air.
Top-sealing dampers offer a more reliable seal, as well. They tighten into place with a rubber gasket, unlike throat dampers, which are all metal. That metal-on-masonry seal is prone to air leaks.
4. Invest in a high-efficiency fireplace.
If small upgrades aren’t in the stars for you, consider a full renovation and replacement. For those with older or traditional open fireplaces, upgrading to a high-efficiency fireplace can be a game changer. High-efficiency fireplaces are designed to burn fuel more completely, leading to more heat and less waste. These fireplaces typically meet strict EPA standards, as well, ensuring they burn cleaner and release fewer pollutants into the air.
If we’re comparing an old, open wood fireplace to an EPA-rated gas fireplace, there’s simply no competition – you’ll get more heat and efficiency from the latter, and you’ll easily be able to save money on energy bills, as a result.
5. Consider a supplemental heat source.
Some might opt to add an additional heating appliance, like a wood or gas stove. Home heating stoves are small powerhouses, ensuring you get plenty of extra heating, without having to use up too much of your space to get it.
Unlike open fireplaces, wood stoves can burn for several hours, providing a consistent source of heat without a lot of work on your end. And heating stoves come in many sizes and styles, so finding one that suits your home’s aesthetics and heating needs shouldn’t be an issue.
Additional Fireplace Tips for Energy-Efficient Heating
- Burn the right fuel. Burn only seasoned wood in your fireplace, avoiding wet/green wood, cardboard, paper products, wrapping paper, trash, etc.
- Don’t overload the firebox. “More logs” does not equal “longer fires” – rather, overloading results in incomplete combustion, heat loss, and more creosote buildup.
- Close your damper when your fire is out. When your home is warm and cozy, prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use by closing the damper – and consider upgrading to a top-sealing option.
- Install a blower in your fireplace. Use a blower to help circulate warm air throughout the room instead of letting it rise and escape.
- Keep the fireplace clean. Regularly remove ash from the firebox to allow for better airflow, or if you have a gas fireplace, regularly dust and inspect your gas logs and pilot assembly.
- Light your fires strategically. Start small, with kindling and smaller logs, then gradually build up the fire, avoiding the use of accelerants – they can cause uneven heating and damage to the fireplace.
Maintain Efficiency With Annual Fireplace & Chimney Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your fireplace and chimney operating at peak efficiency. Annual inspections and sweepings ensure that your system is free of creosote buildup, blockages, and other issues that can hinder performance or pose safety risks. During these, your tech will also check for cracks, leaks, or damaged components that could allow heat to escape or reduce airflow efficiency.
By addressing any fireplace or chimney issues promptly, you can improve heat output, extend the life of your heat source, and save on energy costs throughout the winter season.
Contact Us for Chimney & Fireplace Services Near You
Transform your fireplace into a powerful, cost-effective heating solution for your home this winter. From simple upgrades, like glass doors and damper improvements, to bigger steps, like insert installation or a fireplace replacement, every step you take can help you stay cozier while lowering energy costs.
Contact us today to schedule any maintenance you need done or to ask us questions about your fireplace needs.