Don’t let energy savings go up in smoke
By Kelly TrapnellYour fireplace creates a warm, cozy atmosphere during wintry weather, but don't let it add unnecessary dollars to your electric bill.
Fireplaces heat the room they're in but at the expense of the rest of the house. Most of the heat in traditional fireplaces goes up the chimney instead of warming living space, and the draft pulls heat from other rooms. So if your thermostat is located away from the fireplace, it will work harder to maintain room temperatures for the rest of the house.
Fireplace "inserts" help boost energy efficiency. However, emissions from old inserts and fireplaces without inserts are up to 20 times worse than using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified wood stoves, pellet stoves, or gas/oil furnaces. So look for an EPA-certified insert if you want to supplement your home's heating.
Contact a local retailer to learn about efficient stoves and inserts that will circulate hot air into a room to help lower heating costs. But keep in mind the disadvantages of using high-maintenance fires as heat sources, including constant attention and ash disposal.
If you don't have an efficient insert but love a crackling fire, follow these measures for safety and improved efficiency.
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