There is nothing quite like cozying up next to the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and putting on your favourite movie. With this image in mind, you might be thinking – there truly is nothing that can ruin this. However, we can think of one thing that might! A weak fireplace that does not emit enough heat will not provide you with the necessary heat that you will need when the weather gets cold.
Lucky for you, there are various ways to tackle this problem! Making your fireplace more powerful, where it can emit stronger heat, is possible and is surprisingly not hard to do. From using certain types of firewood, installing glasses or grates, cleaning out the chimney, and more tips, you can make this possible.
If you are looking to improve the functioning of your outdoor fireplaces, you have come to the right place. Read this article to learn about our tips on how to get more heat from your fireplace.
Installing glass doors
One effective way to enhance the heat output from your fireplace is to install glass doors. Glass fireplace doors not only add aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of your fireplace in several ways. Glass doors come in various styles and finishes, allowing you to choose a design that complements your home’s decor. They can give your fireplace a polished and finished look, enhancing the overall appearance of your living space.
Fireplace doors allow you to have better control over the airflow within the firebox. When the doors are closed, they create a barrier that limits the amount of oxygen that can reach the fire. This controlled airflow results in a slower, more efficient burn, ensuring that the wood burns more completely and generates more heat.
They also help to retain the heat produced by the fire and prevent it from escaping up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. This means that the warmth generated by the fire stays in your home, making your living space more comfortable and reducing the load on your heating system. Additionally, these doors add a layer of protection, reducing the risk of sparks or embers escaping and causing potential hazards.
Use dry firewood
Using dry firewood instead of moist firewood is a game-changer for increasing the heat from your fireplace.
Dried or seasoned firewood contains less moisture than green or freshly cut wood. The energy released during combustion evaporates the water in the wood. When you burn dried firewood, you maximize the energy available for heating your home, resulting in a hotter and more efficient fire. It also makes the flame last for a longer period. It ignites more easily, allowing more of the energy to be converted into heat rather than being wasted on evaporating water.
When you burn seasoned firewood, you release fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Wet wood generates more smoke and contributes to air pollution. By using dried firewood, you’re not only getting more heat for your home but also being environmentally responsible!
Installing a fireplace insert
A fireplace insert is a highly effective way to get more heat from your fireplace. Fireplace inserts are specialized wood-burning appliances designed to be installed into an existing open fireplace.
One of the primary benefits of using a fireplace insert is its significantly improved efficiency compared to traditional open fireplaces. Open fireplaces often lose a considerable amount of heat through the chimney, while fireplace inserts are designed to maximize heat retention and distribution. They create a closed combustion system, which means more heat is directed into your living space instead of being lost up the chimney.
Furthermore, you can tailor the amount of heat the insert produces to suit your comfort and heating needs. This is because the inserts usually come equipped with adjustable air vents and fans that allow you to control the combustion process and heat output.
Clean your chimney and fireplace
Cleaning your chimney is another way to make your fireplace emit more heat. Cleaning the fireplace is a simple yet crucial maintenance task that can significantly improve its efficiency and heat output.
Over time, the fireplace and chimney can accumulate ash, soot, and debris from previous fires. This buildup can obstruct the airflow, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the firewood. When the fire doesn’t receive enough oxygen, it burns less efficiently and produces less heat. Cleaning out the fireplace and chimney, therefore, removes these obstructions, allowing for better airflow and more efficient combustion.
To clean your fireplace effectively, you can start by removing ashes and debris from the firebox after each use. Then, schedule regular inspections and cleanings by a professional sweep to ensure the chimney is free of buildup and other obstructions.
