Do you love the warmth and glow of your fireplace on a cold evening? Even though you may feel warm when you're in the same room, your fireplace could actually be causing your main heating system to work harder and longer. This means more energy and unfortunately, a higher electric bill. We've put together a list of recommendations to keep your energy cost down while enjoying your fireplace.
Keep the damper closed when you're not burning a fire.
The damper is the piece that seals off the fireplace when it is not being used, preventing warm air from escaping through the chimney. If you leave it open, it's similar to having a window open all day during the winter. Be sure the damper forms a tight seal when it's shut.
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.
Creosote and soot can build up and block your chimney. The fireplace needs oxygen to burn properly and a build-up will slow it down. Most importantly, having build-up or a blocked chimney is a fire hazard.
Use only fully dried hardwood to get the most heat output.
Wet or damp firewood cannot burn effectively and it produces more smoke and creosote. This also means less heat output. Be sure to store your wood in a dry place.
Lower your thermostat when using the fireplace
If your house is warm when you start a fire, the warm air will go into the fireplace and right up the chimney. Many recommend keeping your thermostat between 50 - 55 degrees.
As always, consult an expert when making any changes to your existing fireplace to keep you and your family safe. They can also make more recommendations to make your fireplace as energy efficient as possible.