After the holidays and the excitement of a new year settles down, the rest of the winter can feel a bit like a marathon…even here in Houston! However, the chillier weather is good for one thing: unwinding in front of the fireplace with a hot beverage in hand. …but what happens when your fireplace no longer warms the room like it used to? Is it now relegated to be but a decorative relic forever – beautiful and eye-catching, but functionally useless?
Fortunately, this is not the case. In fact, there are quite a few ways to bring back the heat you’ve been missing.
Read on to learn more about how you can boost your fireplace’s efficiency and heat production? Have specific questions that can’t wait? Lords Chimney is here to help. Reach us online by filling out this appointment request form, or give us a call at 855-504-0005.
What Are the Most Common Reasons a Fireplace Isn’t Giving Enough Heat?
That’s a great question – and a pretty crucial one to determine your best approach moving forward. In general, fireplaces and chimney systems can be relatively finicky, and because so much of how and why they operate happens out of sight, it can be tough to determine the cause of a heat production issue. For example, the problem might be in the quality of fuel you’re using, or it could be something with your appliance/structure itself.
That being said, here are some of the most common reasons why a fireplace is not heating well:
- There could be a significant buildup of creosote or other debris creating a blockage that makes it much harder for the combustion fumes to escape
- You might be using unseasoned wood or other materials not intended to be burned in a fireplace
- Your damper might be faulty and is inhibiting proper airflow
- The logs could have been stacked incorrectly
- Your flue liner might have tears or holes
And while these might be some of the more common reasons your fireplace is not performing the way you’d like or how it once did, they are not the only. It’s important to get in touch with a professional to come and troubleshoot your issues as soon as you notice them. Operating an appliance that is behaving strangely or differently than normal could leave you at risk for numerous dangers, like carbon monoxide exposure or chimney fires.
What Are Some Simple Ways To Improve My Fireplace’s Efficiency?
Ah, yes…the fun part! Just because your fireplace might not be heating the way you’d like right now does not mean you have to bid it farewell. Quite the opposite, actually! An inefficient fireplace might be a nuisance at first, but it can also be a great excuse to re-think your space and what you’re looking to get out of your hearth. While there are some simple things you can try, if all else fails, think of this irritation as a new opportunity to increase the heat and the vibes in your living space.
Here are some tips that you can try to increase your fireplace’s heat output:
- Ensure your damper is open and you have adequate airflow. With the pace at which life moves these days, in some ways it’s a wonder that more people don’t forget to check their damper before lighting a fire. This piece of your system is vital in ensuring that the airflow is balanced between the outdoors and the inside of your home.
- Only burn properly seasoned wood…and make sure it is stacked properly too. Did you know both the “what” and the “how” of the wood you burn matters a great deal in the quality, efficiency, and overall performance of combustion? Not only do you need to make sure you’re only ever using adequately dried (seasoned) timber, but you also should take care to stack your logs from biggest at the bottom to the smallest at the top, so the fire burns accordingly.
- Have a glass covering or doors installed. A double-whammy! Adding a glass piece to the front of your fireplace (usually available as doors) is an excellent way to both increase the heat production and radiant warmth, while adding a stunning look to the room too.
- Switch up your fuel type. If you’re currently using wood as a fuel source, perhaps it’s time to consider converting to gas. While it’ll never be able to replace wood in terms of overall ambience, gas is known to be more efficient in heat production. Plus, it’s a lot easier to operate and maintain.
- Upgrade to an insert. Along similar lines, if you’re interested in really changing things up, while still keeping most of the integrity from your original design, you could look into upgrading to an insert. Available in a handful of different fuel types, inserts are one of the best ways to breathe new life into a tired, old, and drafty fireplace.
For Excellent Hearth Care in the Greater Houston Area, Trust Lords Chimney
While the tips above certainly give you some things to try and a lot to think about when it comes to an inefficient fireplace, nothing replaces a professional eye’s once-over. The single most important thing you can do for your fireplace system is to stay on top of those preventative maintenance services like chimney sweepings and inspections. When performed on a regular, annual basis, these tasks can help keep you informed, as well as troubleshoot any potential problematic areas before they become an issue.
To learn more about how to make your Houston home’s fireplace heat better – or for anything else hearth-related – schedule an appointment with Lords Chimney. We’re here to make your home as castle-like as possible. Reach us through our website, or by calling 855-504-0005 – we can’t wait to serve you.
We’ve all heard a spooky story that starts, “It was a dark and stormy night…” That sentence often starts scary stories because darkness can be…well…scary. Darkness creates hazards that we aren’t ready for.
To combat the dark, we have created a lot of things that provide us light – even in dark places. Walk into a dark room, flip a switch, and suddenly you can see everything. Even, the average neighborhood provides pedestrians enough light to take walks at night along well-lit sidewalks and streets. Light is everywhere and it provides us safety.
But what happens when the light goes out? Lords Chimney knows that electricity isn’t always a guarantee. Power outages can happen suddenly and without warning, and when they do we find ourselves plunged into a dark world…and that dark and stormy night goes from a scary story to a scary and dangerous situation.
Knowing what to do when the lights go out is important for maintaining the safety of your home and the people living in it. That’s why Lords Chimney wants to provide you with some tips and tricks to staying safe when the power goes out. And if you need chimney sweep and fireplace repair services, don’t hesitate to count on us.
Find New Light Sources
Let’s face it – we all leave things lying around the house sometimes…and when the lights go out those things can be disastrous. It’s hard enough not to step on your kid’s jagged LEGO bricks when you can see. Remove the lights and your floors become a minefield of clothing, toys, your latest online purchase, books, pet beds, throw pillows, and whatever else can trip you up.
Simply put, seemingly innocuous things in the light suddenly become hazards waiting to take your feet out from under you and send you into a wall when it’s dark.
Not all light requires power that comes from the electric grid, however! Quickly get light into your hands and into your living spaces. Lighting a fire in your fireplace or wood stove provides light to your whole living space. It also has the added benefit of providing a little warmth on those chillier southeastern Texas nights.
In addition to a fire, get battery operated flashlights into the hands of anyone who needs to be walking around your home. Even a candle can provide some light in a pinch!
Lords Chimney has a team of technicians that will help you maintain your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney system, so that it’s always ready for such a time as this. Having your system ready to go has so many advantages (even when there are no issues with power to your home), but when the power goes out, the light, warmth, comfort, and safety a fireplace provides makes it one of the most important tools in your belt.
Get Connected
Establishing communication with anyone you can will help you as you navigate what steps you are going to take during the power outage. Talking to your neighbors will help you figure out whether your home is the only one experiencing the problem or if the issue is community wide.
Using your charged up cellular service can provide you with access to outside sources that can help forecast the extent of the problem and even how long it might last. In extreme cases, having access to a radio can allow you to continue to communicate with people, pool resources and information, and give and receive help when needs arise.
Prepare Ahead of Time
The best way to make sure you take the right steps after a power outage is to make sure you are ready before the power outage takes place. While it doesn’t happen often, it isn’t abnormal for the power to go out at times. Having a few things ready for such an occasion will only offer benefits. Here’s what we suggest always having on-hand:
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Flashlights & Batteries: As mentioned earlier, flashlights or battery-powered lanterns are essential for providing light during a power outage. Ensure you have enough batteries to keep these devices operational.
- First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have in any emergency situation. Include basic medical supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you or your family members may need.
- Non-Perishable Food & Water: Keep a supply of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits. Additionally, have enough bottled water to last for at least three days. If you have a fireplace, consider stocking up on easy-to-cook meals that can be prepared using its heat.
- Blankets & Warm Clothing: Without electricity, your home may become colder than usual. Have blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing available to help retain body heat and stay comfortable.
- Portable Phone Chargers: Maintain communication with the outside world by having a portable phone charger. These devices can be powered by batteries, solar energy, or hand-cranking, providing a reliable source of energy for your mobile devices.
- Entertainment: To stave off boredom during a power outage, especially if it lasts for an extended period of time, have books, board games, or other forms of entertainment on hand. Keeping your mind engaged can help alleviate stress.
Equipped with these things and a ready to use fireplace or wood stove will put you in a great position to wait out the next power outage that comes your way.
Lords Chimney Is Here To Help
At Lords Chimney, our team of experts can help you with any of your home heating appliance needs – from installing a new fireplace or wood stove to cleaning and maintaining your chimney systems. Call us today and allow us to help you make sure your home is ready to provide you with all the light and warmth you will need to make that dark and stormy night not so dark and not so scary. You can also reach out to us online!
Each year the entire globe will turn their attention to the clock as the final day of the year, December 31st winds down and January 1st of the next year kicks off. For one moment everything else seems to take a backseat to the hope that comes with ringing in the New Year.
Around the world there are a vast array of traditions and celebrations that remember the blessings of the past year and make way for a new and – hopefully – better year ahead. And many of these said traditions happen around a warm and cozy fire in the fireplace.
What Are Some New Year’s Eve Fireside Traditions?
Lords Chimney knows how important it is that your fireplace is working the way it should, always providing you, your friends, and your family the warm, cozy, environment that you deserve. This is why we have the most highly trained, knowledgeable, and experienced technicians available for those in the Houston and Beaumont area. The traditions that you create around your fireplace are important to you and your community. That makes them important to us!
Explore some of the fireside traditions people have throughout the world. And if you need an inspection or repair scheduled, reach out to us today!
🔥 Drinking Your Wish in Russia
Russia boasts a unique New Year’s Eve tradition involving fire. According to Russian belief, the initial chime of midnight acts as a gateway to new beginnings, presenting individuals with a single chance to entreat the universe for their most cherished wish.
To partake, one must patiently await the stroke of twelve. Once it hits, they write their wish on a small piece of paper, ignite it, and capture resulting ashes in a champagne glass – then, it’s down the hatch before the final second of midnight elapses.
Allegedly, successfully completing this ritual within the allotted time may lead to the fulfillment of the desired wish.
🔥 Cutting Apples in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, people try to get a glimpse of what might be in store for them in the new year. It is believed that you can judge how lucky or cursed you will be based on what shape is contained within an apple.
Each New Year’s Eve, family members will slice an apple in half while sitting around their fireplace. If the shape of a star surrounds the core of the apple, you are in for a lucky twelve months ahead. If the shape of a cross appears, however, you may be in for a pretty rough year.
🔥 Wave Jumping in Brazil
Each December 31st in Brazil people from all over the world show up on the beaches to pay homage to Yemoja, the goddess of the sea. Wading into the shallows, these beach goers jump over seven waves as the clock counts down to midnight. Jumping these waves, while bearing gifts, trinkets, and flowers, is believed to appease Yemoja and gain for you her good luck.
Of course, after spending a chilly night in the waves, warming up by the fireplace is a must!
🔥 Hogmanay in Scotland
The most important holiday in Scotland is Hogmanay, which is a celebration of the final day of the year. Coming from ancient Celtic practices and beliefs, this holiday takes to the streets to ring in the New Year. While the celebration is technically in honor of only one day, the city of Edinburgh has extended the festivities into a three day lead up to the New Year – that makes it one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in the world.
Dancing, singing, fire throwing, fireworks, torchlight parades, and bagpipers blasting away through the streets all mark this as a unique and fitting holiday. Of course, party goers need places to break from the celebration and warm up – which is why many homes keep their fireplaces lit and available to the chilly party goer.
🔥 A New Year’s Kiss in Germany
This tradition has become pretty familiar to many throughout the world. In Germany, it is considered good luck to receive a kiss at the stroke of midnight. A midnight kiss is meant to bring good luck and long lasting love to the couple who participates. And what better place to complete this act than in front of a warm and cozy fireplace?
🔥 The Ball Drop in the United States
Throughout the United States people will gather in homes, sit around the fire, and watch the festivities in New York City. When midnight approaches the countdown begins and a giant ball is dropped in Times Square marking the beginning of a new year.
Lords Chimney Is Here for You
At Lords Chimney, we realize that the most important traditions happen around the warmth and light of your fireplace. That’s why we make sure to provide our customers with the best service available. Call us today to schedule your inspection and cleaning, and let us help make your New Year’s Eve celebration one to remember.
When you think of Christmas, it’s hard not to imagine a warm and toasty fire crackling in the fireplace with stockings and Christmas decorations adorning the hearth. Enjoying the fireplace is a holiday tradition as old as the celebration itself!
Throughout time and across cultures holiday celebrations have centered around the hearth as fire warms the home. In the modern era, centering the holiday around the fireplace continues with the added activity of a relatively recent tradition – watching holiday movies. The movie industry goes crazy when the holidays roll around as people everywhere settle in around their home theater systems and watch their favorite Christmas flick. From Home Alone to White Christmas, classic film comes to life and leaves many people with two questions:
- Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?
- Can I mount my TV above my fireplace?
At Lords Chimney we don’t blame anyone for wanting to enjoy their favorite holiday movies while also enjoying a cozy fire. Lucky for you, we know a thing or two about fireplace safety – and as an added bonus, we can offer our favorite holiday movies to watch while enjoying the Yule log.
Need to book services with us? We’re here to help. Call or schedule with us online now.
Is Mounting a TV Above My Fireplace Safe?
In order to enjoy those movies you are definitely going to want to have a TV correctly installed in a safe place in your home. But can you install a TV directly above your fireplace? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. There are many variables at stake, and what works for one household may not work for another. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Televisions & Heat Should Never Meet: Televisions are simply not made to withstand high temperatures. The components that allow you to enjoy the HD world of Buddy the Elf are not components that hold up to the heat put off by flames and high heat. Most of the time, electric fireplaces won’t cause a problem for a TV mounted above it. Gas and traditional fireplaces, however, can produce enough heat to damage your television, causing it to shut down without warning.
- Know Your Fireplace & Chimney: Understanding what your chimney and fireplace are made of, how they work, where the hidden parts are located, and how to avoid damage to them is crucial to keeping your fireplace in good, safe, working order. Mounting a TV takes specific hardware for specific kinds of material that you are mounting to. What may look to be drywall could be covering up a different material that surrounds your fireplace.
- Consider Professional Services: Our professionals at Lords Chimney are able to take into consideration the many different factors that can determine the feasibility of mounting a TV above your fireplace. In some circumstances, we can help adjust things to make it a safer option.
At Lords Chimney we hold safety standards in the highest regard. That is why we believe that when it comes to placing anything around your fireplace you do some homework first. And, as always, before you start installing anything around your fireplace consider giving our professionals a call ahead of time. Our knowledge of fireplaces and chimneys will allow you to move forward with confidence that you aren’t putting your home in danger.
Your Go-To Holiday Movie List
Even if you shouldn’t mount your TV above your fireplace, it is totally worth mounting a TV on an adjacent wall! That way you can still enjoy your Christmas movie marathon in front of the fireplace. The Christmas season offers some really great movies that are perfect for enjoying while sitting by the fire. Here are some classic favorites:
Home Alone
This is a Christmas favorite for many. The fireplace is known as a home location that brings families together. Notice the scene in this movie where Kevin, left alone by his family, sits in front of his fireplace? The lack of fire seems to give the plethora of Christmas decor surrounding the fireplace a lonely feeling. All you’ll want to do while you watch it is crawl into the TV and light that fire for poor Kevin.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Even though Harry Potter might not immediately come to mind when thinking about the holidays, Christmas plays a significant role in the setting on many occasions. While you are enjoying a fire in your fireplace, imagine being a wizard that uses floo powder to send letters or even travel through the fireplace Floo Network.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This Christmas favorite reminds us that Christmas is about way more than gifts, decorations, and good roast beast. The songs of thanksgiving and joy that come from the Whos down in Whoville help the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes in one day. Notice the fireplaces all waiting for Santa to appear only to have the mean ol Grinch come instead.
The Santa Claus
An oldie, but a goodie from the 90’s, this Christmas favorite stars Tim Allen who finds himself legally obligated to take on the role of Santa Claus after the original fell off his roof. Let’s just say he finds many unique ways to get down even the smallest chimney flues. The best part is, if you love this one, you’re sure to love its two follow-up films, as well!
The Holiday
This romantic comedy follows the lives of two women, Iris and Amanda, who decide to exchange homes for the Christmas holiday to escape their respective relationship troubles. While in their new environments, both women unexpectedly find love. The film explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the magic of unexpected connections during the holiday season.
Book Your Chimney Cleaning With Us
Is your chimney ready for a visit from Old Saint Nick? Ensure everything is good to go by booking your chimney sweeping with us today. Call or schedule online!
The warmth, togetherness, and festivity that fall and winter usher tend to spill over into your home decorations. Decking out your space for different seasons and holidays can become a cherished tradition, and the fireplace, stove, and hearth often takes center stage because it’s a natural focal point – and because it plays a role in holiday lore!
While decorating the fireplace can bring extra joy to the season, it’s crucial that home safety remains an ultimate priority.
So… is it safe to decorate your fireplace or stove? Yes – as long as certain considerations remain at the forefront.
Questions? We’re here for you. Call or reach out online now.
How Far Should Decor Be From My Fireplace?
A good place to start in safely decorating your fireplace is knowing the three foot rule. All combustible decorations should be placed a minimum of three feet away from the fireplace or stove. This rule applies to objects of all kinds – furniture, rugs, curtains, baskets, and other decorative items.
What Can I Put On My Fireplace Mantel?
The mantel is an attractive option for decorating, but needs to be given special attention due to its proximity to the fireplace.
Fire-safe items: Choose non-flammable or flame-resistant decorations for placing on the mantel, and make sure they’re stable or anchored firmly down. A decorative item that’s prone to tipping over can be problematic if it falls while the fire is lit. - Stone, ceramic, metal, and glass items: These won’t burst into flame if they get too hot – but be mindful that their surface can get very hot to the touch.
- Candles (with caution): Candles require special attention. Wax candles can soften on a mantel, causing them to melt at an accelerated rate, and their open flames should be carefully attended to. Battery operated LED candles can mimic the glow of real candles without the fire risk. If you opt for real candles, make sure they’re securely anchored.
- Stockings (if you’re careful): Stockings qualify as decorations that dangle from the mantle. Does this mean this holiday favorite is a no-go? Not if you’re careful. Either remove stockings from the mantel before lighting fires, or find a similarly festive spot to hang them if moving stockings seems tiresome.
What to avoid?
- Greenery and garlands: Spooky spider webs, fall leaves, holiday fabrics, and draping evergreen branches? They may be festive, but they shouldn’t be dangling from the mantel. Below the mantel can become too hot for safety, and items that are draping are also at risk for falling.
- Wreaths and similar items: Wreaths and ornaments are seasonal staples. But consider hanging them on the wall instead of over the fireplace opening – especially if they’re heavy. Keep dry decorations like corn stalks or hay bales far away from the fireplace or stove.
- Interactive items: if you have any interactive decorations that children may enjoy playing with, consider keeping them opposite the fireplace or in another room.
How Far Should a Christmas Tree Be From the Fireplace or Stove?
Christmas trees are one of the most iconic holiday decorations. To safely enjoy your Christmas tree, be sure to maintain the three foot rule – keep the tree three feet away from the fireplace, stoves, and other heating sources.
In addition, make sure the tree is stable, and if you have a real tree keep it well watered all season. The dry heat in our homes dries live trees out fast, making them prime fuel for a fuel. A hydrated real tree or flame-resistant artificial tree will both be less combustible should an accident happen.
More Fireplace Decor Safety Tips
✓ Invest in a screen.
Fireplace screens can serve both decorative and safety functions. How so? They prevent sparks and embers from making an escape, while adding an aesthetic touch to your fireplace.
✓ Purchase smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Home safety must-haves also include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which serve to help you respond quickly in an emergency situation. Be sure that they’re in place with fresh batteries, and test them regularly. Keeping an ABC fire extinguisher near at hand and keeping your whole family well-versed in fire safety will also help ensure a safe holiday season.
✓ Use appropriate fireplace fuel.
Remember to fuel your fires properly. Whatever your fuel source is, other fuel types and non-fuel items should never make their way into your stove or firebox. Bits of packaging or discarded wrapping paper can contain toxins that can be released by burning, or may burn unpredictably.
✓ Book annual chimney inspections.
Be sure that you adhere to the recommended annual chimney inspection. Over time, combustible creosote can build up in your chimney flue, and wear and deterioration can make your chimney components less reliable and unsafe. A chimney that’s swept and in good working order will simply do its job better – venting smoke and gases safely away from your living space so you can enjoy your fireplace or wood stove with ease.
Keep Your Home Safer – Count On Us
The health and safety of your home and family is a top priority for us. That’s why our CSIA-certified technicians take great care with every job we take on. If you have questions about fireplace safety or are in need of an inspection or fireplace facelift to get your hearth holiday-ready, let us know! We’re happy to serve.
