5 Backyard Upgrades for Fun in the Sun

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and that can only mean one thing: summer is coming! If you’re like most people, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outdoors in the sunshine. Why not make your backyard into a fun entertainment space? In this blog post, we will discuss upgrades you can add to your backyard to make it a great place to relax and have fun in the sun!

LED & Smart Landscape Lighting

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your backyard is to add some ambient lighting. This can be anything from string lights hung overhead to LED landscape lighting around your patio or pool area. Smart landscape lighting is a great option because you can control it with your smartphone or voice assistant. You can even set it on a timer so that it turns on and off automatically! Those with a pool in their backyard may also want to consider adding underwater lights for a beautiful effect.

Grills, Ovens, & Stove Appliances

Another great way to make your backyard a fun place to spend time is by installing an outdoor cooking space. An outdoor kitchen is the perfect place to entertain guests or simply enjoy a meal with your family. If you love to cook, an outdoor kitchen is a must-have for your backyard. Not only will you be able to enjoy the fresh air while you cook, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the beautiful views.

Outdoor Dining Space

If you love to entertain, an outdoor dining space is a great addition to your backyard. Whether you choose to add a simple table and chairs or a more elaborate setup, an outdoor dining area is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. You can even add an umbrella for shade on those hot summer days!

Comfortable Seating

No backyard is complete without comfortable seating. Whether you choose to add a few chairs around a fire pit or lounge chairs by the pool, comfortable seating is a must for any backyard. Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials, so you can choose something that fits your style and budget. Keep family members and guests safe to lounge in the shade by using a motorized awning.

Firepits

Another great backyard upgrade is a firepit. A firepit is the perfect place to gather around with friends and family for some marshmallow roasting or simply to enjoy the warmth on a cool night. You can even find firepits that come with built-in seating so that you can relax and enjoy the flames.

Contact Us for Outdoor Kitchen Design & Installation Services in Canton, MA

Whether you’re looking for a simple backyard upgrade or a complete outdoor kitchen, the experts at New England Hearth & Home can help. We offer a variety of services, including design and installation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, or come visit our showroom in Canton, MA.

Does Home Insurance Cover Fireplace Damage & Repairs?

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of your fireplace insurance coverage. In the event that your fireplace causes damage to your home or property, it’s crucial that you are fully covered. Many homeowners don’t realize that their regular home insurance policy will likely cover fireplace damages and repairs. However, it’s always best to check with your insurance company to be sure. In this blog post, we will discuss fireplace insurance in detail and provide some tips on how to keep your fireplace functioning safely and smoothly.

Importance of Routine Fireplace Maintenance & Annual Inspections

If you have a fireplace in your home, it’s important to have it inspected regularly by a professional. This will help to identify any potential problems and ensure that your fireplace is functioning safely. In addition, routine maintenance and annual inspections can help to prolong the life of your fireplace and prevent costly repairs down the road. It’s also important to have your fireplace, chimney, or stove cleaned by a professional once a year. This helps to remove any soot or debris that has built up over time.

Will My Home Insurance Policy Cover Annual Cleanings & Inspections?

Yes, in most cases, home insurance policies will cover the costs of annual fireplace cleanings, routine maintenance, and professional inspections. However, it’s important to check with your insurer to be sure. If you do need to make a claim for fireplace-related damages, your policy should cover those as well. Keep in mind that not all home insurance policies are created equal, so it’sĀ  always a good idea to review your policy documents carefully.

Home Insurance and Fireplace Damage

In the unfortunate event that your home is damaged because of a fireplace-related complication, it’s important to know if your home insurance policy will cover the costs. Most policies do provide coverage for fireplace damage, but it’s best to check with your insurance company to be sure.

Does Insurance Cover Emergency Fireplace Repair?

If you’re in a bind and need fireplace repairs right away, be sure to contact your insurance company. Many times, they will have a list of approved contractors that they work with. This can help to speed up the process and get your fireplace repaired as soon as possible. In the critical case that your home has suffered severe fire damage caused by your fireplace, home insurance will most likely cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding your home.

Contact Us for Gas, Electric, & Wood Fireplace Installation & Maintenance Services in Canton, MA

When you’re ready to install a new fireplace in your house, check your homeowner’s insurance coverage and their fireplace liability coverage to be certain that you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Depending on the terms of your policy, it might also cover maintenance and repair expenses. New England Hearth & Home provides fireplace installation, annual inspections and routine maintenance for homeowners in Canton, MA and the surrounding area. Our experts can help you choose the right fireplace for your home and budget, as well as ensure that it is properly installed. Contact us today at 781-562-0771, or visit our website to schedule a consultation.

How to Operate Your Fireplace During a Power Outage

A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home, but it can also be a source of heat and comfort during a power outage. In this blog post, we will provide instructions for how to operate your fireplace during a blackout. If you have a gas fireplace, you can still use it during a power outage as long as you have backup fuel available. For wood-burning fireplaces, you can still use it by building a fire using newspaper and kindling. Although it’s not common knowledge, if your home features an electric fireplace, you can still use it without power by manually igniting the pilot light. In this blog you will learn how to safely ignite and operate your fireplace in the event of a blackout.

Preparing Your Fireplace for Safe Usage

Similar to times when your power is fully functioning, it is important to follow all safety precautions and guidelines before operating your home’s fireplace or stove. In the case of a power outage, you will want to:

  • Check that your fireplace is properly ventilated before starting a fire;
  • Inspect your fireplace for any damage that may have occurred during the power outage;
  • And ensure that there are no liquids or flammable materials near your fireplace.

If everything looks good and you are ready to start a fire, continue reading for detailed instructions on how to operate your gas, electric, or wood fireplace during a power outage. If you discover any sort of damage that may make the fireplace dangerous to use, it’s always a good idea to postpone igniting your fireplace until you get expert repair help. At New England Hearth & Home, we offer routine maintenance for chimneys and fireplaces, as well as annual inspections. Visit our website for more information on how to schedule an appointment.

Igniting a Gas Fireplace During an Electrical Blackout

Since these fireplaces and stoves operate on a gas source, there is no need to alter your ignition method in the event your home loses power. If you have a gas fireplace, the best way to ignite it is with a long match or a lighter. Once the fireplace is lit, there’s no need to worry about running out of gas because the fireplace will continue to draw fuel from the gas line.

Can You Operate an Electric Fireplace During a Power Outage?

If you have an electric fireplace, the good news is that you can still operate it during a power outage as long as you have a backup source of ignition. Many electric fireplaces come with a built-in battery pack that will allow you to ignite the pilot light manually.

Stay Warm in a Power Failure Using a Wooden Fireplace

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, then you’re in luck. Not only can you continue to use your fireplace during a power outage, but it’s also an excellent way to keep your home warm. Just make sure that you have a good supply of wood on hand so that you don’t run out in the middle of the night.

Visit Our Showroom in Canton, MA to Speak With Our Fireplace Experts

If you have any questions about fireplace operation during a power outage, or if you need help installing or repairing your fireplace, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help! New England Hearth & Home is the best place to go for all of your fireplace needs. We have years of experience in the industry and we ‘re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect fireplace for their home. Call us today at 781-562-0771, or visit our showroom in Canton, MA today to speak with one of our fireplace experts. We look forward to meeting you!

Choosing the Best Wood for Igniting Indoor Fireplaces

Placing wood into wood-burning fireplace to maintain the flame

During the coldest and snowiest days of winter, there is no better place to be than at home relaxing in front of a wood-burning fireplace. Besides being a source of heat, fireplaces bring another sense of comforting warmth to your home. Although starting a fire can be a quick and easy process, it is important to follow all safety precautions and guidelines. When you use the best quality and most suitable kind of wood, you can ensure you are able to create a fire of desired size and duration. Read on to learn more about the most compatible types of wood for wood-burning fireplaces.

Steps to Take Before Starting a Fire

Before lighting your fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is properly set up and ready to be safely used. To keep your wood-burning fireplace or stove running smoothly for years to come, you must practice routine maintenance and cleaning. While the fire is burning, it is essential to check that all ventilation is properly functioning to filter out any smoke or toxins. Besides setting up the fireplace itself, it is important to also prep the surrounding area by removing any objects within reach of flames or sparks. If you are unsure if your fireplace is ready to be used, it is always a good idea to consult a professional. New England Hearth & Home offers professional support for fireplace installation and repairs, as well as annual inspections. For a full list of our services, visit our website.

Choosing the Right Type of Wood for Your Fireplace or Stove

There is nothing that can destroy the relaxation of a wood-burning fireplace faster than the sudden build-up of heavy smoke or obnoxious odors. To avoid any complications, selecting the right type of wood to burn is crucial. Wood is generally categorized between hardwood and softwood, and each subsection comes with their own properties. When looking for firewood, you want to find a type that has the ability to maintain high temperatures and burn entirely at a steady pace. By burning wood with these characteristics, you can keep a hotter and more durable flame.

Seasoned Firewood

The best type of wood to use for starting a fireplace or outdoor pit Is wood that has been completely drained of all moisture. If you attempt to start a fire by using wood from a freshly cut tree, you will soon be encountered by clouds of heavy smoke. When buying firewood, you want to keep an eye out for those that have been previously seasoned. By definition, seasoned firewood is wood that has already been dried out of any remaining moisture before becoming available for purchase. After being harvested, firewood is usually placed in a hot kiln for high-speed drying to remove any remaining water. Seasoning firewood is also helpful for the environment by removing any mold, mildew, or toxic spores that could have otherwise been released into the atmosphere.

Hardwood

Hardwood is the best type of firewood to choose when looking for top quality. Woods, such as birch, hickory, oak, and ash, are a household favorite for their ability to burn evenly for an extended period of time. Although hardwoods tend to be more expensive, they show their worth in the dazzling, dancing flames they create.

Softwood

If price is your main concern, softwood is a cheaper alternative that offers a similar result. Unlike hardwoods, though, softwoods tend to burn through quicker and require more maintenance. Popular examples of softwood used for indoor lighting fireplaces include those that came from cedar, pine, spruce, fir, and poplar trees. Due to their delicate nature, these branches can be more difficult to manage and leave a messier residue.

Contact Us for Wood-Burning Fireplace or Stove Installation, Maintenance, & Inspection in Canton, MA

If you are interested in installing a wood-burning fireplace or stove in your home, but are looking for more information, fill out our contact form to receive a free estimate. At New England Hearth & Home, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide the best products and services to our customers. To receive more information, visit our website or give us a call at (781) 562-0771.