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October is National Fire Safety Month: 5 Tips to Prevent Fires

smoke alarm in front of a fireplace for fire prevention safety for homes for national fire safety month

Every October, we observe National Fire Safety Month to address awareness about the importance of preventing fires and keeping your homes and workplaces safe.  Fire safety is a critical aspect of our daily lives, and we should all take it seriously. After all, it helps us protect our loved ones in a fire.

In this article, we’ll discuss five essential tips for preventing fires and keeping your loved ones and workplaces safe. Considering the following tips below, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related accidents.

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Maintain Electrical Appliances

Electrical appliances are common sources of fires. To prevent electrical fires, watch your appliances for any signs of wear and tear. Replace damaged cords and sockets, and avoid overloading electrical outlets. When you’re not using an appliance, unplug it to reduce the risk of overheating.

Install Smoke Detectors

One of the most effective ways to prevent fires is by installing a smoke alarm in your home or workplace. These small devices can save lives by alerting you to the presence of smoke or fire. Place them in key areas like bedrooms, the Kitchen, and hallways. Regularly check and replace their batteries to ensure they are in working condition. Read our blog to learn how to replace batteries in a standard smoke detector!

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Maintain Electrical Appliances

Electrical appliances are common sources of fires. To prevent electrical fires, watch your appliances for any signs of wear and tear. Replace damaged cords and sockets, and avoid overloading electrical outlets. When you’re not using an appliance, unplug it to reduce the risk of overheating.

Practice Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is a place where fires can easily start.  Always stay attentive when cooking, especially when using stovetops and ovens. Keep flammable objects away from the cooking area, and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.

Store Flammable Materials Safely

Many homes and workplaces store flammable materials like cleaning products, gasoline, and paints. To prevent accidents, store these items in a well-ventilated, cold, and dry place away from heat sources. Ensure that they are in containers designed for their specific purpose and keep them out of the reach of children.

Create an Escape Plan

If a fire occurs, having an escape plan can be a lifesaver. Make sure your family or coworkers know what to do if a fire breaks out. Establish a meeting point outside your home or office, and practice your escape plan regularly. This simple preparation can make a significant difference in an emergency.

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Contact New England Hearth & Home for Fireplace Safety Tips, Cleanings & Inspections to Keep Your Home Comfortable & Safe

In a nutshell, it’s vital to remember that fire safety is something we should all take seriously. By following the easy tips we discussed, you can crucially reduce the chances of a fire happening in your home or workplace. This keeps your loved ones and property safe and gives you peace of mind. So, take action to prevent fires today and keep your surroundings secure.

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The Benefits of Using a Pellet Stove

Pellets used for a pellet stove laying in a pile on a table in front of a burning pellet stove

The Benefits of a Pellet Stove

Sometimes we crave a real fire in our home during the winter months to keep everything comfortable and warm. The hard part can be knowing what kind of stove would work best for your home. There are different installation methods and price points depending on the stove of your choosing. The most common dilemma is deciding between installing a wood stove or a pellet stove. We believe that a pellet stove may be perfect for you rather than a wood stove. In this blog, we will discuss pellet stoves and their benefits for your home and the environment.

Pellet stove that is burning in the corner of a room
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Pellet Stoves Are Easy to Use

Unlike other stoves, a pellet stove does not require you to keep wood for fuel. Instead, you just need to purchase pellets and fill the stove with them. No need to split firewood or to utilize a large area to keep wood. Pellets are easy to store and are environmentally friendly because they are typically reused materials made from sawdust. They are even easier to turn on than other stoves because they utilize an igniter that allows you to turn it on at the push of a button.

Fewer Maintenance Requirements

Wood stoves require a lot of maintenance because of the amount of smoke and chemicals they produce. For wood stoves, you need to make sure the chimney is constantly clear of debris and creosote. Wood stoves produce large amounts of smoke which is why they need catalytic converters to be properly maintained. However, pellet stoves do not require the same tedious tasks. On top of the low maintenance it even has easy installation. They produce much less smoke and don’t even require a chimney during installation. They can get away with using a small tube that utilizes forced ventilation. This means you can theoretically place your pellet stove in any area as long as it has a wall and an electrical outlet.

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The Cleaner Alternative to Wood Stoves

Pellet stoves produce 50% less carbon emissions because they are able to utilize both pellets and natural gasses. This will lead to you helping your environment and your home in the long run. Pellet stoves also keep your home cleaner by not having wood lying around inside. Wood can attract numerous types of insects that can be unappealing or annoying to deal with, to say the least. Pellets avoid this problem altogether and keep the pests at bay by not attracting them.

Pellet Stoves Are More Efficient

Whilst wood stoves may seem more visually appealing and can create a nicer aesthetic. Pellet stoves are much more efficient at actually heating up your home. A pellet stove can exceed 90% in efficiency. This means that the majority of the heat being generated is being pushed back out into the home instead of being lost. Wood stoves tend to have a much lower efficiency rating typically half of a pellet stove. Having nearly half the production of a pellet stove means that wood stoves are not as reliable when used to heat a home. Pellet stoves even cost much less than a wood stove does. In some cases, this can include the cost of installation along with the pellet stove being cheaper than just the cost of a wood stove itself.

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Pellet stove that is burning in the corner of a room

Contact New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA for Pellet Stove Installations and Advice

If you’re deciding whether a pellet stove is truly right for you then you come to the right place. New England Hearth & Home will help you find the best option for your home. If you’re unsure what route to take with the heating in your home give us a call today at 781-562-0771, or visit our website to learn more.

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The Importance of Inspecting Your Fireplace Before Use

The Importance of Inspecting Your Fireplace Before Use

Having a fireplace is nearly a necessity in New England. Especially with the weather dropping to extremely cold temperatures at a rapid pace. Having a fireplace can be very cost-effective whilst also making the rest of your home feel comfortable. With few heating alternatives that are as renewable and effective, it can be tempting to immediately turn on your fireplace. Whilst this may seem like a harmless action, it can have the potential of hurting you or your home at some point in time. Regardless if your fireplace is new or old you should always do a thorough inspection before use. In this blog, we will be discussing the benefits of inspecting your fireplace and why it’s so important before use.

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Inspecting Gas, Electric, and Wood Fireplaces

Gas, electric, and wood fireplaces are very different from each other but they all possess harmful effects if not taken care of properly. Wood Fireplaces are the hardest to maintain and can eventually create a build-up of Creosote which can lead to illnesses. Gas fireplaces may seem very safe but they can be the most dangerous on this list if they have a gas leak. Electric fireplaces are the easiest on this list, however, their wirings can also fail at times and leave you without heat in important scenarios. Inspect your fireplace or have a professional make sure it’s running properly to avoid these issues.

The Structure of Fireplaces and Why They Matter

Making sure the structural integrity of your fireplace is up to par is essential. Inspecting the structure of your fireplace can help you decide whether there are major flaws that need to be addressed. For example, wood fireplaces can cause serious damage if their structural integrity is poor. It can lead to chimney fires and many illnesses if not maintained to the correct standards. Gas fireplaces whilst easier to maintain must be inspected thoroughly to make sure it has proper ventilation.  Without proper ventilation, all the dangerous gasses can build up leading to carbon monoxide poisoning within your home. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous and should not be avoided. Electric fireplaces do not carry the same amount of risk as the others. However, they can become damaged or not given enough power leading to them not being beneficial once the cold season begins.

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Sufficient Heat Output

The winter is around the corner and you want to use your fireplace to stay warm. However, if you didn’t inspect your fireplace before then how would you know it works well?  Inspect your gas and electric fireplaces before the winter, therefore you will know what issues may be present. If some areas are malfunctioning or completely broken without your knowledge, then your home may get some lackluster heating results. If your home isn’t getting the heat it needs then you’ll need a professional to quickly check on the product. Don’t wait until the last minute to get an inspection, that way you can avoid trouble altogether when the cold weather arrives.  You can consider getting a wood fireplace that wouldn’t have as many problems but their maintenance may not be worth it to you. 

Illness From not Inspecting a Fireplace

Unlike electric fireplaces gas and wood alternatives can cause severe illnesses when not inspected properly. These illnesses can be caused by many factors such as animal droppings, malfunctions, build-up of debris, and much more.  Wood fireplaces are great but if they are not inspected for animal droppings or build-ups of creosote then you may experience harmful flu-like symptoms. Gas fireplaces whilst not needing the same amount of cleanliness or maintenance can still cause harmful effects.  Specifically, carbon monoxide which can potentially be deadly if exposed long enough. These effects can be avoided with an inspection by professionals to help uncover future problems before they arrive.

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Contact New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA for Professional Fireplace Inspections and Advice

If you are looking for advice on maintenance regarding your fireplace for your home or want to learn more about how to maximize the heat from your current model, contact New England Hearth & Home. We are an experienced team that can help put you on the right track no matter the problem. We can handle all things fireplaces whether it be inspections or installations we do it all. Call us today at 781-562-0771, or visit our website to learn more.

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Fireplace FAQ: Can One Hearth Heat Up an Entire Home?

fuzzy socks in living room with fireplace on heating entire home with wood or gas fuel source for efficiency and insulation

Heating Your Home: Can One Fireplace Keep Your Entire Home Comfortable?

If you are considering installing a new fireplace in your home, you may have several questions about how to find the perfect model for your space and whether it will be able to keep your entire home warm. It is becoming more important to homeowners now than ever to find cost-effective, energy-efficient heating solutions that can be used to keep their homes comfortable throughout the year. Fireplaces are a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice when it comes to heating, and more homeowners are choosing to install new stoves and inserts. In this blog, we will discuss how a fireplace can be used to heat your home and if one hearth is enough for your entire space.

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Fireplaces are a Sustainable & Stylish Home-Efficiency & Insulation Solution

When it comes to heating your home, fireplaces can be an effective solution. Not only do they provide a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for the winter months, but they are also energy-efficient and cost-effective. By using proper insulation techniques and sustainable fuel sources, a fireplace can provide an efficient way to heat your home without spending a fortune on heating bills. Fireplaces are also a stylish choice for home décor, and they can improve the visual appeal and value of any living space.

The Short Answer: Fireplaces CAN Heat an Entire Home

The short answer to the question of whether one fireplace can heat up an entire home is yes. With the right design and proper insulation, a single hearth can provide enough warmth to keep your entire house comfortable. However, depending on the size of your space, your personal preference for internal room temperature, the location where you plan to install the fireplace, and other determining factors, one fireplace may not be enough to heat your home adequately.

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How to Get the Most Effective Insulation & Heating from One Fireplace

It is important to follow a few simple tips to get the most effective heating from your fireplace.

Place Your Fireplace Near a Central Location

When you are first installing your new fireplace, the location you decide to place it can greatly impact how it will heat your home effectively. Choosing a spot in a central location of your home, such as a living room, front entry, or kitchen, will make it easier for the warmth to spread evenly throughout your space. Additionally, you may want to place the fireplace on an exterior wall as this will help facilitate better heat transfer.

Close Your Fireplace Doors When Not in Use

The glass doors on your fireplace are designed to keep heat in and cold air out when the fireplace is not in use. This helps maximize the heat that remains in your home and prevents it from escaping through your chimney. You can also invest in a draft stopper, a specially designed device that fits just above your fireplace opening and helps reduce the amount of cold air flow coming into your home.

Use Insulation & Sealing Techniques

Your fireplace is only as efficient as the insulation around it, so proper sealing techniques are important for keeping warm air in and cold air out. Make sure to inspect areas around windows, doors, and other openings to see if any air leaks need to be re-sealed. You may also want to consider insulating areas around the fireplace with sheets of ceramic fiber blanket or insulation board.

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Keep Your Fireplace Clean & Routinely Remove Debris

Having a build-up of soot, ash, and other debris can block airflow and reduce the heat your fireplace produces. Make sure to routinely clean your hearth to remove any build-up and keep the fire burning efficiently.

Incorporate Other Home Heating Solutions

If you are worried that one fireplace still won’t be enough to heat your entire home properly after following the tips outlined above, you may want to consider incorporating other home heating solutions. Depending on the size of your space, you may need more than one hearth, or you could invest in space heaters or a central heating system. The specific needs of your home should be discussed with a qualified professional to determine the best solution for you.

Contact New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA for Professional Fireplace Services & Advice for Effective & Sustainable Home Heating

If you are looking for advice on the best fireplace for your home or want to learn more about how to maximize the heat from your current model, contact New England Hearth & Home. With a team of fireplace experts specializing in gas, electric, and wood-burning stoves and inserts, we can help you with anything you need. From scheduling installation services to answering all of your operation and troubleshooting questions, we are here to help. Call us today at 781-562-0771, or visit our website to learn more.

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