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6 Creative Ways to Use Your Fireplace During the Summer

fireplace with sunflowers and a hello sunshine pillow for summer decor as a year round mantle fireplace appliance

Get the Most Out of Your Fireplace This Summer: 6 Creative Ideas

When installing a new fireplace in your home, you are usually looking forward to spending cozy winter days and nights in front of it. If you are a New England resident, these winters can be quite harsh, and you need a reliable source of heat. On the other hand, when Summer finally comes, you no longer need to keep your fireplace burning. Although you may not be using it for warmth, there are still plenty of ways to make the most out of your fireplace during the Summer. In this blog, we will discuss six creative ideas for what you can do with your fireplace in the Summer.

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Fireplaces are a Year-Round Investment

If you are looking to install a new fireplace in your home, consider it an investment for all seasons. In the Winter, you can enjoy its warmth, while in the Summer, you can reap its decorative benefits. A fireplace is a great way to add atmosphere and ambiance to any room and is also a great conversation starter. Even when you may not actively use your fireplace, it can still be a focal point for any room.

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Summertime Fireplace Ideas for Decor & Entertainment

Turn Your Fireplace Into an Art Gallery

If you have artwork around your home that is in need of a new display, consider using your fireplace mantel as the perfect backdrop. You can use this space to create a mini art gallery and rotate the pieces as you, please. This is an excellent way to showcase your own artwork or highlight pieces from special family trips and memories.

Add Seasonal Decorations

Your fireplace can become the perfect place to host a seasonal decorating display. You can use your mantel to showcase summer-themed decorations like flower arrangements, beach totems, or outdoor-inspired art pieces. If you plan on hosting any summer parties or gatherings, using your fireplace as an additional décor source can be a great way to impress your guests. Some fun ideas for party decorations are:

  • Hang Tinsel from the Mantel
  • Use Colorful Lights Inside the Fireplace
  • Add Seashells or Small Plants
  • Place Candles & Lanterns Around the Mantle

Use Patio Fireplaces for Outdoor Games

If you are having a summer get-together with your family or friends, consider using the fireplace to set up outdoor games. You can play cornhole, ladder toss, or horseshoes with your guests in front of the fireplace. This is a great way to use the fireplace as a light source and entertainment.

Place Electric Logs for a Fireplace Glow Without the Heat

If you want to enjoy a cozy fireplace glow without the heat, consider using electric logs. Electric inserts are an efficient way to get the look and feel of a real fire without having to go through the hassle of setting up wood logs and kindling. This is an excellent way to enjoy your fireplace’s ambiance without worrying about it becoming too hot or wasting energy.

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Roast Marshmallows on Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits

For those who have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can use these to roast marshmallows with your family and friends. This is a great way to enjoy the summer days and nights in your backyard while also creating a delicious treat.

It is important to remember that after you are done roasting marshmallows, be sure to completely extinguish the fire and make sure it is properly maintained.

Utilize Your Fireplace as a Backdrop for Summer Movies & Events

If you are having a summer movie night with your family, consider using the fireplace as your backdrop. This is an excellent way to set the mood and make your movie night even more special. You can use a projector, sheet, and pillows to make it a true cinema experience.

Contact New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA for Year-Round Fireplace Installations, Repairs, & Services

Installing a fireplace in your home doesn’t have only to mean wintertime warmth. During the Summer, you can still make the most of your fireplace by using it as a source of entertainment, decoration, and enjoyment. If you are looking for a reliable and professional fireplace installation company in the New England area, contact New England Hearth & Home today. Our team of experienced technicians can help you install a new fireplace or keep your existing mantle in its best condition. To learn more about our services and make a service request, visit our website or call us at 781-562-0771.

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Fireplace?

an old broken shattered fireplace mantle that is in need of being repaired or replaced with a new fireplace model appliance

You can be divided between replacing and fixing your fireplace if it isn’t functioning as you would like it to or seems outdated in your home. You wouldn’t be the first person to find yourself in this situation. 

However, it doesn’t have to be a difficult choice to decide whether to repair or replace your outdated gas fireplace with the assistance of some professional research and advice. There are many factors to take into account because there is fire involved. And things can quickly become complicated when ventilation and other fireplace kinds are brought up.

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Ask a Professional for a Consultation if You Are Considering Repairing or Replacing Your Fireplace

Call a professional even if you’re unsure which direction to go, and don’t feel terrible about not having made up your mind. A reputable fireplace dealer will guide you to choose the best solution according to your lifestyle, needs, aesthetic choices, and budget to replace your fireplaces. For your better understanding, here are some crucial pointers for you to understand should you repair or replace your fireplace.

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Signs You Need to Repair Your Fireplace

The experts concur that repairs are often limited to solely functional enhancements. A fireplace that still has a great appearance and performs well but only requires minor adjustments or new parts. Your fireplace will function after repair, but it won’t always become any better. Simply put, repair simply entails boosting the life of the fire with new components. It hardly alters the fireplace’s appearance. Its efficiency and functioning remain mostly unaffected. You should consider having your fireplace repaired if:

  • The current fireplace still looks good in your house.
  • There is a little mechanical issue or a broken component.
  • The existing fireplace is still quite fresh.
  • You like the characteristics of your present fireplace.
professional fireplace expert cleaning out and inspecting a gas fireplace to prepare the appliance for the spring and summer warm months
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Signs You Need to Replace Your Fireplace

The appearance of the fireplace’s surround might be a significant motivator for a change. The complete fireplace should probably be replaced if the face requires major repair. Polished brass or a very old-looking design is often found in older homes’ front or front of fireplaces. So that typically prompts you to replace a facing; if you decide to do that, it only makes sense to replace the fireplace simultaneously. You can replace your fireplace if you are experiencing the following signs: 

  • The fireplace is old-fashioned.
  • It requires extensive or ongoing maintenance.
  • Additionally, you want to replace or modernize the siding or trim to sell your house.
  • You wish to burn wood more often.
  • You desire the newest gas fireplace characteristics.

Contact New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA for Professional Fireplace Replacements & Repairs for Gas, Electric, & Wood-Burning Models

There are many factors and different signs and symptoms, whether you need to repair or replace your fireplace. However, with the help of the above indicators, you can easily decide. If you are considering repairing or replacing your fireplace, contact New England Hearth & Home for the most professional service in Canton, Massachusetts, and the surrounding towns. To learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or give us a call at 781-562-0771.

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Spring Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Awning

homeowner outside on their deck cleaning their retractable awning before the Spring and warm months

Get Your Awning Spring Cleaned in 5 Easy Steps

Spring is finally here! After the long, cold Winter months, many homeowners are looking forward to getting the most out of the warm weather by spending time on their decks and patios. To enjoy the weather without worrying about the harsh rays of the sun, awnings provide an affordable and efficient solution. After being closed up all Winter, though, awnings can accumulate a lot of dust and dirt. In this blog, you’ll learn the best steps and products for cleaning your awning before the start of the season.

Benefits of Installing a Retractable Awning on a Porch or Deck

Before we jump into the steps for cleaning awnings, let’s talk about why you should consider installing one on your deck or porch. Retractable awnings are popular for many reasons, but here are just a few of the main benefits:

Protect Yourself from UV Rays

By offering shade and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, retractable awnings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about sunburns or skin damage.

Lower Energy Costs

Retractable awnings can also help you save money on energy bills. The shade they provide can help keep your home cool during the hot Summer months, which may result in less need to use air conditioning.

Prevent Fading on Outdoor Furniture

The Sun can pose a threat to more than just your skin. It’s also a major cause of fading on outdoor furniture, such as couches, tables, and deck railings. Installing a retractable awning can provide an extra layer of protection from UV rays and help maintain the color of your outdoor furniture.

Catch Falling Leaves, Rain, & Airborne Debris

Awnings also act as a barrier that can prevent rain, snow, and wind from entering your deck or patio. They also catch debris, such as leaves and branches, before they make their way into your home.

5 Steps To Clean Awnings This Spring

To be able to enjoy the benefits of an awning, you first need to make sure that it’s clean. To help you with this task, here are five steps for cleaning awnings this Spring:

1. Purchase the Proper Cleaners

Most awnings are made of fabric, so you’ll need a cleaning solution that is designed for fabric and won’t cause any damage. Look for products that are designed to be gentle on fabrics and won’t leave any residue. Some good options are Simple Green® All-Purpose Cleaner, 303 Fabric Guard®, and Star Brite® Mildew Stain Remover.

2. Gather Ladders & Other Supplies

You’ll also need to gather supplies, such as a ladder and a soft brush. The ladder will help you reach the higher parts of the awning, and the brush will make it easier to scrub away stubborn dirt or debris.

3. Prepare the Awning for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning the awning, it’s best to take some time to prepare. Make sure that all of the cords and fasteners are secured so that they don’t move during the cleaning process.

4. Apply Cleaning Solution

Once you have everything ready to go, you can start applying the cleaning solution. You can spray or pour the solution directly onto the awning, but make sure to use gentle pressure so that you don’t damage the fabric. Depending on the cleaner you are using, it is important to read all directions to allow for the proper time to pass before you start scrubbing.

5. Rinse & Dry

After the cleaning solution has had a chance to work its magic, it’s time to rinse off the awning. You can use a hose or bucket of water, but make sure that you get rid of all of the suds. Once rinsed, open up the awning and let it dry completely before storing or using it again.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Porch Awning

When cleaning an awning, it’s important to know what mistakes you should avoid. Most importantly, never use bleach or other harsh chemicals on the fabric, as this can cause discoloration or damage. Additionally, make sure to always read the manufacturer’s instructions before use and avoid using too much pressure when scrubbing. Lastly, never leave the awning open while it is wet as this can cause damage to the fabric or frame.

Contact New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA for Professional Awning Installations & Maintenance Services

If you’re interested in getting a new awning installed on your porch or deck, or if your current awning is in need of repair, contact the experts at New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA. Our team will help fit your home with the perfect awning, and we offer repair and maintenance services to keep your awning looking its best. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call today at 781-562-0771.

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How to Get Your Gas Fireplace Ready for Spring

professional fireplace expert cleaning out and inspecting a gas fireplace to prepare the appliance for the spring and summer warm months

Prepare Your Gas Fireplace for Warmer Weather With These Spring Maintenance Tips

The weather is finally starting to warm up and it’s time to start thinking about how you can prepare your gas fireplace for the months of not being used. Although a gas fireplace is designed to be used year-round, many homeowners choose to wait until it gets colder again before lighting their fireplace. If you plan to do this, then you need to make sure that your gas fireplace is properly maintained before the long months of inactivity. In this blog, we will share with you some important tips for spring maintenance of your gas fireplace.

Importance of Preparing Your Gas Fireplace for Spring & Summer

As the temperatures continue to rise, many homeowners no longer are looking for a way to stay warm. Gas fireplaces become less and less necessary as the weather gets warmer, but it is essential to take the proper steps before leaving it idle for months. By skipping out on the proper maintenance, you are running the risk of needing more expensive repairs in the future. Additionally, if your fireplace is not properly maintained for the months of inactivity, you could be facing issues when it does come time to turn your fireplace back on.

Do You Need to Shut Off Your Gas Fireplace for the Spring & Summer?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. Some manufacturers recommend that homeowners shut off their gas fireplaces when they are not being used, and if it is not being used for an extended period of time. This will help keep your gas fireplace running in top shape, and ensure that it won’t need any expensive repairs in the future. If you are unsure about shutting yours off, contact your manufacturer for more information.

How to Prepare to Shut Off Your Gas Fireplace in the Spring

If you decide to shut off your gas fireplace for the warmer months, there are a few steps that you will need to follow.

Turn Off the Gas

The first step is to turn off the gas that powers your fireplace. This will help ensure that no gas leaks are occurring while it is not being used. You will also be able to conserve energy by not using up any gas while your fireplace is off.

Clean the Entire Fireplace & All Components

As you have been using your fireplace throughout the Winter, soot and debris may have accumulated on your fireplace and its components. Before shutting off the gas for the warm seasons, you should clean all parts of your fireplace to ensure that it is free of dirt and debris.

Schedule a Professional Cleaning or Inspection

A professional eye can catch any areas that need attention before you shut off your gas fireplace. Scheduling a professional cleaning and inspection will also help protect against future repairs, as any issues can be addressed before the long months of inactivity.

Don’t Forget to Remove Any Remaining Ashes

Before shutting down your gas fireplace for the warmer months, you should make sure to remove any ashes from the fireplace. This will help keep your fireplace clean and free of debris before it is not used for a long time.

Properly Secure the Fireplace

To ensure that your fireplace is completely shut off and that no gas is leaking, make sure to properly secure the fireplace. This can include closing flue dampers, turning off the control valve, and making sure the pilot light is off.

Routine Cleaning & Maintenance Will Still Be Needed for Gas Fireplaces Without Regular Use

Even if you are not planning on igniting your fireplace for months, you should still make sure to do regular maintenance and cleaning. This includes checking the gas lines and components, as well as cleaning the hearth. Doing these routine checks will help ensure that your gas fireplace is in proper working order when the colder months come back around.

Contact New England Hearth & Home in Canton, MA for Professional Gas Fireplace Servicing, Cleaning, & Inspections

At New England Hearth & Home, we are equipped to properly clean and inspect your gas fireplace to make sure it is in proper working order. We will check all components of your gas fireplace, ensuring that no repairs are needed before the colder months come back around. We specialize in servicing the top brands in gas fireplaces, so you can rest assured that your fireplace is in good hands. To learn more, and to schedule your annual cleaning or inspection, visit our website or give us a call today at 781-562-0771.

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