Cicada Crawling Up the Chimney
This past weekend, for most homeowners, was the time to cut your grass. We’ve had plenty of rain to have the grass grow quite long. After opening the garage door and pulling out the mower, I was greeted by cicadas sitting on both garbage cans. They are definitely a good size bug. Okay, no big […]
Cold Draft in Fireplace Signals
Cold draft in the fireplace is a signal that something is wrong with the flow of air through the chimney and fireplace. Traditional fireplaces have an open firebox intended to allow air to go up the chimney – This is the natural draft created by the design of a traditional fireplace. How does a cold […]
Chimney Efficiency Top 4 Tips for the Cooler Season
Chimney efficiency, in Illinois, is critical to keeping the house warm…after the fire has gone away. Many have asked why the room gets so cold after a warm cozy fire. Sure, part may be that you enjoy sitting close to the fireplace and you have the warmth of the fire surrounding you, and when it’s […]
Cold Air Can Create a Chilly Fireplace Draft
A fireplace cold draft is a common problem for many homeowners. There are many reasons for a fireplace cold draft to occur, but what we know for certain is how the cold draft makes you feel. Uncomfortable. Let’s find out a bit more about some causes of fireplace cold drafts and what may be to […]
Why Does the Fireplace Let Cold Air into the Home?
Whenever we think of a cold winter’s day, our minds drift to a warm fireplace. There’s nothing like sitting in an oversized chair with my favorite ‘drink’ while I close my eyes to enjoy the warmth and crackling sound of the fire. The fireplace can certainly serve as a place of solace and relaxation. Clearly, […]
How to Achieve a Picture Perfect Fireplace for Thanksgiving
Preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday is turning out to be a bit different. Gone this year is the uncle who throws crumbs of food and bits of trash in the fireplace. Or the kids that like to poke the fireplace logs sending sparks in every direction. This year, we get to create our own scene. […]
No Short Cuts When It Comes to a Wood Burning Fireplace
There’s nothing more beautiful, warm and inviting than a wood burning fireplace. It’s frequently featured in family pictures and is often the center of attention in a home. That’s because a wood burning fireplace is special. Some enjoy watching the flames and listening to the crackles of the burning wood. Others enjoy tending to the […]
Gathered by the Fireplace, a Cool Breeze Overcame the Guests
Everyone gathered into the family room to rest after hours of eating appetizers, snacks, meals and of course, desert. I stayed in the kitchen to clean up the rest of the dishes. As I stood by the sink, I could hear a variety of conversations, some repeatable and others…not so much. A voice came over […]
A Special Q & A on Gas Fireplaces in Hot or Warm Weather
Gas fireplaces are many times found in homes, condos and townhomes. There’s a common misunderstanding with gas fireplaces…maintenance. All gas fireplaces need to be maintained, even if you don’t use your gas fireplace. Q: The gas fireplace has only been used a couple of times in the past few years. Can I just use it? A: […]
Summer Chaos in the Chimney
There are big disturbances going on in your chimney and it will certainly make its way into the fireplace and into your home. If you find yourself saying, “I can wait to get the chimney cleaned,” think again. Chaos #1: Summer heat and humidity, and we’ve already had a couple of 90 degree days, seeps […]
