…existing chimney. CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE We have written a fair amount in other articles regarding chimney cleaning and inspections. A nationally certified chimney sweep is highly trained and skilled in making…
How Does My Chimney Work?

…existing chimney. CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE We have written a fair amount in other articles regarding chimney cleaning and inspections. A nationally certified chimney sweep is highly trained and skilled in making…
…your chimney crown and chimney cap are in good condition. CHIMNEY AND THE ROOF LINE Do not confuse a roof problem with a chimney leak. Whether your chimney is a…
…product applied to the chimney. THE CHIMNEY CROWN A chimney crown prevents water and melting snow from entering the chimney and causing damage. The crown should be slightly pitched to…
…is that dirty chimney’s cause chimney fires. And chimney fires damage structures, destroy homes and can seriously injure or kill people. The good news is chimney fires can be prevented….
…log chain is not on the list of approved chimney cleaning equipment. It will damage any chimney. THE PROCESS: Most chimneys are cleaned from the top, down. This is the…
You’ve heard the term and you know it can be dangerous, but what is creosote? How does it form in my chimney? And, what can I do to prevent it?…
…will want to make sure you’re doing business with a reputable firm. CHIMNEY LINER OR FLUE. When we talk about repairing a chimney, we really need to discuss the chimney…
…all become more enjoyable by the fire. This enjoyment quickly disappears if the fireplace smokes back into the house. Why does this happen? There are several reasons why smoke doesn’t…
…from the house up the chimney. How does a lock-top damper work? A heavy-duty cable is installed down the chimney and through or around the old damper. Often, a damaged…
…can. Chimneys built on an outside wall, especially masonry chimneys, can cool off too quickly leading to creosote forming. Note that if you’re using an insulated, stainless steel chimney pipe…
…blown into the chimney. A thorough chimney cleaning should quickly take care of this situation. Be sure to have an appropriate size chimney cap installed. ANIMALS If it smells of…
…chimneys. The stench of a dead animal or animal droppings is frequently the cause of chimney odors. If you have a federally protected animal nesting in your chimney, such as…
…to be installed into a frame wall. A gas insert is not a zero clearance fireplace and therefore cannot be framed into a wall because it does not have a…
…a fireplace. OTHER CHIMNEY CONSIDERATIONS: The height of the chimney is important. If the chimney is too short, the draft will be difficult to establish. Too tall and there will…
…chimney is built by a mason who uses concrete, bricks, concrete blocks, flue tiles, mortar, steel and cast iron to build a chimney. Stainless steel chimneys are often called “factory-built”…
…of the chimney. Identify the nature and volume of combustible deposits in the chimney. Examine appropriate accessible portions of the chimney and fireplace. Note the basic condition of the chimney…
…a Chimney Cap If you don’t have a chimney cap on your chimney, there are many good reasons to invest in one. Chimney caps protect your chimney from moisture; and,…
…clogged or dirty chimney or one in deteriorating condition can restrict the airflow up the chimney. [Link to: Who Cleans Chimneys?] Have a certified professional evaluate your chimney annually. HEIGHT…
…can we make it more enjoyable? The answer: Hygge for the office! Truth be told, outside elements do influence our moods, as does our indoor work environment. To keep the…
…and television host, appearing on stations including Food Network Canada, Discovery Home, and The Asian Food Channel. Robert was also the host of the wildly popular Food Network TV show,…
…work from their membership. WETT does not assist in resolving any consumer disputes, but they do maintain a database of violations of their code of ethics. WETT Inspections: What to…
…new chimney or gas vent pipe would follow the same route as the old chimney pipe through the roof. On an outside wall, you may follow the same route for…
…Blocked or Dirty Chimney. It is crucial to get your chimney cleaned at least once a year. (also see How Do I Clean My Chimney?) Clogged or dirty chimneys are…
Electric fireplaces are extremely easy and convenient to use. There are two main adjustments to turn on and off with an electric fireplace. One is the lights and “flames” with…
…Your Chimney is Clogged or Blocked Overtime, chimneys accumulate soot and creosote (a flammable crust or liquid that is a by-product of burning wood). Thick layers can prevent your chimney…
…the fireplace. They are designed to stop the cold outside air from coming down the chimney or losing the warm, heated air from the house, up the chimney. How does…
…that might have infiltrated the chimney. A chimney sweep inspects your chimney during the cleaning process, and also makes sure that your chimney cap is in good shape. It is…
If you own a fireplace or a wood burning appliance, you‘ve most likely been strongly advised to have your chimney cleaned annually by a certified chimney sweep in order to…
…training and certification of chimney industry professionals. CSIA works to advance the public’s awareness of the dangers of chimney fires and other issues that relate to the maintenance and performance…
Yes, it does, because a door serves several purposes. A door will contain smoke to the firebox as the draft is established from a cold start. Closed doors will keep…
…wood burning fireplaces need a chimney with an eight or ten-inch diameter. Your chimney design also plays a role in your chimney drafting. To effectively escape, smoke needs to go…
…these issues? WIND ISSUES Whether it’s the sound of the wind blowing across the top of your chimney, or the wind pushing air down your chimney, you could be in…
No, it does not. This is one of the appeals of an electric fireplace. If you want a bit of heat, turn the heat on. If you want just the…
…the Ambiance and Napoleon gas fireplaces. They offer a steady and consistent performance at a great price; what we feel are the “best” values out there! HOW MUCH DOES A…
…an overview of why they are useful and some tips to get the most out of fireplace accessories. Chimney caps A chimney cap, also called a spark arrester, consists of…
…work? This article will give you a better understanding of how an insert functions and the benefits of installing one in your home. GAS INSERTS Gas fireplaces inserts come in…
…articles. We know you’ll find them interesting: How Gas Fireplaces Work How much does it cost to operate a gas appliance? Using a Gas Fireplace When the Power is Out…
…call a professional to get your fireplace operating again. What will happen is that when you go to use your fireplace, it won’t work if spider webs have clogged the…
…of electric fireplaces comes up. How does an electric fireplace work? Do electric fireplace really heat? How to operate an electric fireplace? How long can you leave any electric fireplace…
…chimney system to the flue collar size on the stove. A six-inch chimney is considered “standard” today. However, there are a few stove models that may require an eight-inch chimney…
…chimney, or the flue in a masonry chimney fall into disrepair. If maintenance or repairs are needed, schedule it pronto. Companies specializing in this type of work get very busy…
…out the roof. There are no horizontal options for chimneys. The chimney for a wood burning fireplace or free-standing stove must be vertically terminated. It’s always best to keep a…
…days to remove the old fireplace and do the prepwork for the new one and another two days to finish the installation and stonework. And that’s not including the time…
…from your chimney, which will help prevent a chimney fire. Professionals will also check the condition of your flue lining. Even a tiny crack in the flue can cause a…
On a cold winter night, who doesn’t like to come home and warm up in front of a fire? A fireplace adds value to a home, as does a stove….
Does your fireplace have a retro-style? Does it need to be freshened up? There are many ways to update a fireplace. No matter your budget, it’s possible to have a…
…gas, the chimney can be damaged by the corrosive substances and acids caused by burning gas. In every circumstance, it’s essential that the chimney is evaluated to ensure that it’s…
Unlike the glass on a wood burning fireplace or a gas model, the glass on an electric fireplace will not get hot. Even with the heat on, the glass will…
The amount of gas you’re burning in your gas fireplace is easily adjusted manually or with a remote control. Whether it’s natural or LP gas, fireplaces have adjustable gas valves…
You think the fireplace in the family room is awesome, right? It does nice job heating and holds a fire for several hours. Does it seem to be missing something…
This is one thing gas grills can’t come close : Wood smoke flavor. Why is charcoal better? Let’s dispel some myths first. If you cook on high heat on a…
Like most things, there is a wide range of prices for a zero clearance, gas fireplace. Small basic models will start around $3000.00. While larger, fancier models can approach $7000.00….
There is a temperature difference between the air inside of the fireplace and the air in the room. Warmer air has more moisture than cooler air. When the fireplace is…
This can be more of a problem, but can be corrected by a competent fireplace service technician. The black is the result of soot from incomplete combustion. One of these…
This is not uncommon. Combustion air levels could be a bit low and the draft will take a couple of minutes to get well established. It normally takes a few…
A zero clearance (ZC) fireplace is a fireplace that has been designed to be built into a combustible frame wall. There are small “stand-offs” on the exterior of a ZC…
There are adjustable gas valves installed on fireplaces, stoves and inserts. Adjust the flame height down and you will use less gas and realize less heat. Adjust the amount up,…
…of gas and turning the pilot light off can lead to problems that will need to be fixed. Running the pilot light all year round will keep your system working…
If you follow the instructions above to light your pilot light, make sure you keep holding down the control knob in the ignite position for as long as a minute…
Who doesn’t love a summer barbecue surrounded by friends and family? The pleasant smell of grilled meat is mouth-watering. But what about your health? Some say that grilling your food…
Electric rates vary considerably around the country. The answer to this question has everything to do with your specific rate. Electric rates are based on kilowatt hours (KWH) of usage….
Most models have an automatic ignition system designed into a circuit board. Simply turn your control to the “on” or “start” position. Keep in mind the moisture content in pellets…
Compared to wood, pellet or gas fireplaces, electrics do not require much maintenance at all. An occasional bulb may need to be replaced. Odds are that your dealer will have…
…cheap product that might let you down. After all, you don’t want to buy a product, install it, then find it stops working or is constantly running into problems! Don’t…
…rescue! There is such a thing as food scientists whose job is to understand why food behaves the way it does when we cook it, spice it, brine it etc….
GAS INSERTS EXPLAINED: If you’re wondering if a gas fireplace insert might help to eliminate heat loss and cold downdrafts from your existing fireplace chimney, you are absolutely correct! A…
…this. The first thing you should probably do is have your fireplace evaluated by a professional. Is it still in good working condition or does it need some repairs? CONSIDER…
…and pellet inserts use a liner up the existing chimney. The liner is completely surrounded by insulation, thoroughly sealing the chimney. Since an electric insert is not vented, there is…
…or damage inside a chimney can be life threatening. And just for the record, banging a log chain alongside a chimney is not the proper way to clean a chimney…
…over any open burning wood fireplace. A gas fireplace insert will seal up the chimney and prevent cold air from spilling down the chimney and into the family room. Much…
…only could a collapsing chimney injure someone, it is very expensive to repair. White Staining White staining is a strong signal that something is wrong with the chimney system and…
…to have a mention that this applies only to the USA. WHAT ABOUT MONTREAL? DOES IT HAVE ITS OWN REGULATION ON WOOD HEATING? Yes, it does. Montreal has a law…
…a chimney that is installed vertically above the roof. Chimney pipe can be offset at 15° or 30°. And remember with a chimney, it’s always best to try to keep…
…Codes require the chimney to be at least 3 feet higher than anything within 10 feet, measured horizontally. The roof pitch and how close the chimney is to the peak…
…the outmost importance. Of course, we have solutions for every budget too. The experts who work for WE LOVE FIRE’s partner retailers have up-to-date trainings and certifications for New York….
…is highly flammable. A spark from the fire could ignite the creosote in your chimney lining and cause a hazardous chimney fire. Chimney fires are intense blazes that can quickly…
…answer this question, let’s get a better understanding of how your gas fireplace works. HOW DOES YOUR GAS FIREPLACE START? When you flip a wall switch, click your remote control…
…each year. A chimney sweep removes the ash and creosote from the chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable chemical residue that can lead to chimney fires when it is not…
…your chimney system has been professionally certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Call your WE LOVE FIRE expert for assistance. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Old newspapers. Keep a…
…fireplaces must have the chimney installed vertically. Will the location you’re planning on, work? Keep in mind, that there will be minimum and maximum heights for a chimney system. Your…
…so effective, and emissions are so low that you’ll see little if any, smoke coming out of the chimney! And does the fire ever last a long time! Overnight burns…
…the two-walled stainless-steel chimney for the old wood fireplace is in good shape, the two liners would terminate at the very top. Again, the old chimney cap is history, and…
…home from being lost up the chimney if the damper is left open. Have you ever experienced this? You get home from work and open the damper on the fireplace….
…provide needed minerals Depending on the options, it can be more affordable Also more affordable to maintain Gas Cons: It requires replacement parts (igniter, burner, etc.). It doesn’t really impart…
…what is new is how reliable, how versatile and how easy this equipment is to operate. How Does a Pellet Grill Work? Compressed, pelletized wood pellets are about the diameter…
Who doesn’t like to sit by the fire, wrapped up in a warm blanket, drinking hot cocoa, with the smell of burning wood permeating the house? It sounds cozy, does…
…you’ll see very little smoke coming out of the chimney! A 2020 compliant EPA-certified wood-burning stove is some of the most efficient equipment available today. CHIMNEY Remember that the national…
…established a regulation to limit the amount of particulates that each wood fireplace can emit up through its chimney. Prior to May 15th 2020, Step 1 limits here in the…
Due to the steep depreciation of new cars, buyers can often purchase similar used vehicles in excellent condition at a lower cost. Does the same principle apply to heating appliances?…
…to combustibles! Specifics are published in the owner’s manual. A 6” chimney is the standard for most stoves today. This includes stainless steel insulated chimneys or a masonry chimney with…
…chimney! Fireplaces with bifold doors are a bit better, but still not effective in controlling the fire’s combustion air or burn rate. Sealed, gasketed doors on your fireplace, stove, or…
…pros and cons with each fuel type. Your WE LOVE FIRE expert can help you sort out what might work best in your situation. We look forward to working with…
…In serious situations, negative air pressure can actually out-muscle the draft in a chimney and sucks that “make-up” air down the chimney. Needless to say, the problem with this is…
…and store it. The chimney has to be cleaned and inspected each year, and the ash from the fire needs to be cleaned regularly. Gas is a common fuel option…
…we need to go into long descriptions as to what a grill cover does — The name says it all! But there is a large range of quality and features…
…And, they’re not just for the family room anymore. But how do they work? Are they complicated to operate? Do they use a lot of gas? THE BURNER BASICS Gas…
…a gas fireplace that won’t light, most likely one of these reasons is the cause. Your Gas Valve does not work In a gas fireplace, a properly functioning thermocouple is…
…flexible aluminum pipes are installed up the chimney. One brings combustion air into the firebox, the other vents combustion by-products, out. Inserts are never to be built into a framed…
The WE LOVE FIRE dealer network has put together this summary of our top eight products picks. Understand that these are not our top eight most popular items or our…
…fireplaces are trendy and more convenient than ever. And they’re being installed in many home locations today, not just in the family room. But how do they work? Are they…
…and your property. Insurance is all about risk. And you must admit that building a fire in your family room sounds a bit risky, doesn’t it? Does this risk equate…
…credit is calculated from the total cost of the appliance and its installation cost, including the chimney, the floor protection and labor. Further down in this article, we will present…
…backdraft, and possibly chimney fires. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) also provides a handy guide to chimney maintenance to ensure your family’s safety and fire enjoyment. How to…
Do you have a house with a wood burning fireplace that doesn’t provide any heat to your home? This might be an older open burning masonry fireplace or an inefficient,…
…be left to season in the sun and wind until the moisture content is below 25%. This can be easily checked with a moisture meter. This process does not take…
…Desaguliers as the sources of inspiration Inspired by the work of Franz Kessler and Jean Desaguliers, Franklin worked diligently to create a unit that would increase burn time in order…
…long run. Fireplace glass can be expensive and time-consuming to replace or repair. Call the Chimney Sweep Chimney sweeps conjure up images of Mary Poppins, we know. But they’re an…
…the USA, the code requires a “level 2” inspection of the chimney and fireplace before installing an insert. A professional company that inspects your fireplace and chimney will provide documentation…
…system and your space and water heater. HOW DOES CARBON MONOXIDE HURT YOU? While you’re breathing, the protein hemoglobin in our blood will always grab onto carbon monoxide and ignore…
…Page Loomis, CA Valley Stove & Chimney Inc. 3129 Swetzer Road Loomis, CA 95650 Visit Store Page Placerville, CA Sierra Home Alternatives, Inc. 237 Placerville Drive Placerville, CA 95667 Visit…
…If this tip does not work, replace the regulator. Very few grills issues You should not have other issues with a well-maintained barbecue whose parts and structures are not damaged…
…previous article about Low n Slow, you will know basting doesn’t do what you think it does. It does not moisten the meat and every time you open the stove…
…them because their values and company philosophy parallel those of the We Love Fire dealer network, including: The highest quality and integrity standards. Face all challenges with optimism. Continually work…
Yes it will! Your gas fireplace, stove or insert generates its own electricity to open and closed the gas valve. Today’s appliances use one of two types of ignition systems:…
Pellet stoves look like a gas or a wood burning stove. But they operate much differently. There is a hopper that’s located on the back side of the stove that…
…home? We’ve got the answers! HOW DOES A FIREPLACE FRESHEN YOUR HOME? Even though it seems illogical, your fireplace can help cool your home in the summer months when it…
…Probably the biggest plus is the versatility and the ease of installation. Since there’s no vent pipe or chimney pipe to deal with, an electric fireplace can literally be installed…
…fair value for the goods and services you’re purchasing from them. HOW MUCH DOES A GAS FIREPLACE COST? Like most things, there is a wide range of prices for a…