Category: Fireplaces | Published: 11 May, 2018
Just installed a new fireplace? This is how to get the most out of it
Your new fireplace will boast many amazing benefits. A new, atmospheric aurora to your home? Check. Undeniably pleasant warmth? Check. A new stylish edition to your decor? Check.
Do you know, however, how to get the most out of the new, cosy addition to your home? ELB Fireplaces have put together a few top tips on how to get the most out of your new fireplace and ensure that it always provides the countless benefits that it boasts.
Keep it clean
In order to get the most out of your fireplace (in aesthetic terms), you should keep it clean.
Your fireplace should be cleaned regularly to ensure that it is always looking its best, but also so that you can uncover any potential problems earlier on. You’re unlikely to incur any issues with your fireplace. But, if one does arise, then early-stage identification is best.
If you’re unsure on the best ways to go about cleaning your fireplace or stove then why not check out our cleaning tips here.
Prepare your wood properly
With a fireplace or a wood burner stove, you’re going to want to prep your wood properly if you want the best out of it. We would suggest:
- Splitting the wood in to a range of sizes to fit your fireplace or stove, but try not to cut pieces that are larger than 6 inches in diameter.
- Stack the wood ‘split-side’ down and store off the ground to allow air to circulate around it.
- Cover the wood (if kept outside) with tarpaulin or similar material to cover it from rain or snow.
- Store the wood for a minimum of 6 months for softwoods and 12 months for hardwoods. Make sure you have plenty to keep you going.
Circulate the air
One of the best ways to get the most out of your fire is to know how to circulate the warm air that it provides.
Already established owners of fireplaces will know that the heat they give off often tends to stay around the area in which the fireplace resides, which can be either a blessing or a curse. If you’d rather an evenly distributed spread of warmth then you can take a few steps to improve circulation.
Using ceiling fans at low speeds can help circulate air from the front of the room to the back. Using the fan on a low setting will ensure that it does not cool down the air, but rather push the warm air about.
Improving the insulation in your home can also help keep in the warm air provided from your fireplace and circulate it around. If you haven’t already, why not try double or triple glazed windows or wall-fillers to help trap in more of that toasty heat.
Know the ins and outs
Of course, it goes without saying that you should know how to use your fireplace from the get-go. But, a little additional know-how wouldn’t go a miss when ensuring you’re getting the best out of your new fire.
There is a way in which you can build your logs to result a strong burning fire that uses less wood but creates more warmth, here’s how
- Start off by creating a small fire with dry kindling, then add a few pieces of wood.
- Give the fire plenty of air by fully opening the air controls until it is ‘roaring’.
- Burn the fire for a while to heat your chimney or flue, before adding more wood.
- Keep a sufficient amount of space between the wood as you add more and ensure that the fire is bright and hot, do not let it smoulder.
Upkeep the maintenance
Lastly, it is important to upkeep maintenance on your fireplace to ensure it is always working at its best capacity. Cleaning and maintenance is what keeps your fireplace looking and working perfectly, so ensure you get into the habit of practising this.
Though it’s unlikely you’ll have issues with your fireplace or stove, there are a few ways in which you can check the safety of your fireplace.
For more information on how to get the most out of your fireplace, get in touch with ELB Fireplaces today.