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How to Choose and Install a Gas Fireplace Blower Kit
In a gas or wood insert, the blower is usually installed below the insert On a gas fireplace, the blower is generally installed against the rear wall facing upwards It's not unusual to have the blowers installed on either side of the fireplace. The way it works, the blower will suck in cold room air and force it...
How are fireplace mantels attached?
Mantels can be attached using screws, anchors, glue, clamps- it basically depends whether your mantel has or doesn't have a surround Standalone floating fireplace mantels (not attached to surrounds) may be attached to a wall with lag screws, or placed onto a backboard. Mantels that are part of a complete surround for a fireplace can be screwed into...
Can You Burn Coal In A Wood Burning Stove?
The general consensus is no, you shouldn't burn coal in a wood-burning stove, but there are some caveats according to the experts One Redditor said that it depends on your stove. A lot of stoves are actually able to do both wood and coal burning. It's recommended to check out the manufacturer recommendation (Source) Another wood stove owner...
What Does Seasoned Firewood Mean?
Seasoned wood is firewood with a moisture content below 20%, which is the EPA standard (Source) High moisture content means more firewood popping Generally, seasoned wood costs $240-285 a cord, depending on the time of year Experts recommend purchasing a moisture meter to test the firewood before you invest in a winter's worth If you need to season...
Why Firewood Pops And Crackles And How To Get More Or Less Of It
The popping and crackling is usually produced by trapped water or sap that heats up until it becomes a gas. The gas builds up pressure as it expands with the increasing heat until it eventually has enough force to break out through the wood and escape. That's what causes the popping or crackling sound and sprays bits of...
Do Pellet Stoves Need A Chimney?
Pellet stoves are not required to have a chimney but do require venting. They can be vented through a sidewall. This gives you more control over the installation process and reduces installation costs. Pellet stoves don't require a vertical exhaust vent and can be safely run on a horizontal exhaust because it has a forced exhaust system They...
house with chimney
According to some DIY experts we consulted, you might need a chimney inspection (Source) to get an overview of the issue One common reason: you might be missing a chimney cap  It can actually be quite difficult to eliminate all drafts from your wood fireplace- because depending on the type of chimney, if the chimney has a metal...
5 Best Hearth Rugs
A hearth rug is an important part of our living room. It provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the room, while also ensuring the area around the fireplace remains clean and free of ash. Fiberglass mats have been deemed the safest choice for hearth rugs. These rugs are heavy-duty, industrial-grade hearth mats that resist scorching and burns. These rugs are also...
How to Clean a Thermocouple on a Gas Fireplace
Are you wondering how a thermocouple can be cleaned? If that is the case, then you're not the typical fireplace user. Some people can't pronounce it, much less figure out how to clean it. So, this guide will take you through how a thermocouple is cleaned. If that is something you're looking for, keep reading because we'll make it as simple...
How To Paint Fireplace Doors
Painting your fireplace doors is a great way to update and freshen up your fireplace and breathe new life into an old fireplace. (Check  out how to update a 1970s stone fireplace!) There are a lot of different options for painting fireplace doors. You can paint them the same color as the rest of your fireplace, add a frame or molding to...