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While it may not seem it yet, fall is just around the corner and it won’t be long before those cool nights are here. Before the temperatures start dropping, now’s the time to start thinking about the fall and preparing your fireplace. After a few months of having it turned off, there are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to make sure it’s ready for the cold months ahead. Whether you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, there are several steps you can take to get started.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces and Stoves

Before lighting a fire in your fireplace for the first time this season, you’ll want to schedule a chimney sweeping. Making sure that any creosote deposits have been removed is crucial to avoid a potential chimney fire. It’s also important to have the gaskets, damper and ash dump inspected and if needed, replaced. If the gaskets aren’t providing an airtight seal, excess air can leak into the firebox creating an unsafe fire than can cause damage to your fireplace. Next, you’ll want to inspect the brick lining to ensure that none are broken or damaged. If you find that any are, it’s important to replace these before your first fire. Lastly, you’ll want to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly. Taking these safety measures is crucial before regularly lighting fires in your fireplace this fall.

Gas-Fueled Fireplaces

Similar to a wood-burning fireplace, your gas fireplace will also need a scheduled appointment to make sure everything is working properly. A technician will be able to check that the pilot and main burners are lighting properly, and also check the blower. A gas fireplace can be a bit more complex, so it’s always best to call in the experts. Once a technician has made any necessary repairs, check the remote control batteries, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and you’ll be set for the fall!

Contact New England Hearth & Home

The earlier you start getting prepared for the fall, the quicker you’ll be able to schedule any repairs or annual maintenance it needs before the fireplace repairman gets busy. To service your gas fireplace, contact the experts at New England Hearth & Home. Give us a call today or fill out an online contact form to schedule an appointment.

Homeowners are constantly on the hunt for new ways to improve their outdoor space. The inside of your home may seem like it’s easier to improve than the outside, but there’s a simple outdoor addition you’re probably overlooking! An awning is the outdoor addition you’ve been missing and we’re here to tell you why. 

Sun protection

An awning adds immediate protection from the sun. This new sun protection means you and your family can enjoy time outdoors without having to apply layers of sunscreen. In addition to protecting your skin, and awning protects your furniture too. Overtime the sun will bleach the fabric of your furniture, but an awning stops the fading and bleaching in it’s tracks. 

More Space

An awning increases the livable space in your home. You can use the covered outdoor area as a second living room, dining room, or anything else that you choose! It’s ideal for people who love to entertain but find their house always feels too cramped. If you have kids or pets that need space to run and play without tearing up the house, why not create that space for them right outside your back door? 

Outdoor Style

Incorporating your personal style into the exterior of your home is a challenge. Awnings come in a variety of colors and patterns that act as a statement piece, creating a certain ambiance and style outdoors. You can find an awning to match the outdoor décor you already have or use your new awning as the perfect excuse to redecorate! 

Temperature Control

An awning works to block the sun from your outdoor and indoor spaces at the same time. This will help keep the temperatures cool and enjoyable, even on the sunniest summer days. In fact, an awning can lower the temperature of your patio by 20 degrees! 

Saving Money

 The temperature control and sun protection will work together to save you money. Your furniture will need replaced less often and your thermostat won’t have to be on as often; especially when you start spending all of your time outside!

Making the choice to get an awning installed in your outdoor space may seem like a big decision, but all of these benefits make it seem a whole lot simpler! Fall in love with the exterior of your home all over again and explore the outdoor possibilities with a new awning from New England Hearth & Home!  

Sitting by a cozy fireplace gives a sense of comfort unlike any other. However, that serene, calm feeling can quickly be compromised if your fireplace isn’t properly maintained and cleaned; A dirty fireplace is a fire hazard. Keeping your fireplace clean can be a simple and easy DIY task to take on. Follow these simple tips to get the most of your fireplace without worry of a potential disaster occurring.

A Professional Inspection

Before you take on the project yourself, you need to call in a professional. This fireplace professional will inspect the fireplace, the brick around it, and the interior workings to ensure it’s safe and up to code. If they notice bricks or mortar that need to be replaced or other potential hazards they’ll be able to identify and fix them before they cause a larger issue.

Cleaning

Before you begin cleaning, make sure to put on a mask that covers your nose and mouth. This will help to prevent you from breathing in potentially harmful substances that get stirred up into the air as you clean. Next, use a stiff brush to clean the walls of the chimney. As you clean the walls you should have a vacuum running to catch the debris. Creosote can build up on the damper edge as well, so be sure to take the time to scrub and vacuum it after doing the walls.

Maintenance

The outside of your chimney should be checked regularly for signs of wear that need to be repaired. That includes the sealing around the roof which can be prone to water leaks over time. A chimney cap can be installed to prevent animals, leaves, and other debris from entering the fireplace through the top of the chimney. While you’re up there, take the time to trim any trees that are too close to the chimney. They could fall or break and land on the chimney causing costly damage. Finally, you should hire a chimney sweep to clean the portion of the chimney you were unable to reach while cleaning from the inside. Certified chimney sweeps are trained to clean effectively and check for signs of wear during the process. It’s best to schedule these cleaning services once a year at the end of each season. If you notice thick creosote build up throughout the year, an additional servicing may be needed. To avoid creosote buildup you can purchase and burn cleaning logs once every two weeks while the chimney is in use.

Contact New England Hearth & Home

To learn more about keeping your fireplace clean and safe, contact the experts at New England Hearth & Home. We’ll be able to guide you in the right direction and provide repairs or maintenance necessary. Fill out a contact form or give us a call directly at 781-562-0771! 

Heating up your home with the snap, crackle, and pop of a wood-burning fireplace can make for a cozy, inviting space to relax. However, it’s not quite as simple as throwing a log on to burn and forgetting about it. Taking preventative measures to ensure you and your family’s safety can save you big in the long run. There are also certain steps you can take to get the most efficiency out of your fireplace. Check out some of our tips below.

Burn Dry, Curated Wood

The best way to guarantee you’ll have a roaring fire for hours it by using hardwoods that have been cut, stacked and dried for approximately 8-12 months. Hickory wood, white oak, beech, sugar maple, and white ash typically burn the longest. These will allow you to grab a cup of hot cocoa, and curl up on the couch without having to continuously get up adding new logs. Woods like spruce or white pine will burn if completely dry but will need to be tended more often adding new logs.

Burn Firewood Only

It can be tempting to toss any old scrap of painted or treated wood in the fire to get rid of it, but the chemicals that will be released into your home are not safe to breathe in. Wood should be chopped for the sole purpose of firewood in order to be used.

Check Around Chimney

Ensuring that the area above your chimney is clear of any tree limbs is essential. Not only are hanging branches a fire hazard, but they can also restrict proper airflow.

Clear out Ashes

Sweep or vacuum out old ashes from your fireplace before starting your next fire. Keep in mind that these coals can remain hot for nearly 3 days after your fire, so don’t try to do this too soon. Your chimney should also be cleaned at least annually by a professional, depending on how often you burn wood.

Contact New England Hearth & Home

For more information on safety and fireplace efficiency, contact the experts at New England Hearth & Home! Fill out an online form or give us a call today at 781-562-0771!