Saturday, October 26, 2013

Some Helpful Question and Answers About Electric Fireplaces

These are some of the most common questions we found about electric fireplaces.

Q: Do electric fireplaces really look real?
A: Yes but not all.
Modern electric fireplace effects technology have impressively improved. So latest releases are remarkably realistic that would surely fool one’s sight. However, don’t get fooled by too promising ads especially from cheap electric fireplaces. You may end up frustrated by the actual product.

If realism is what you want invest on it. Best electric fireplaces these days have an heirloom quality.


Q: Do electric fireplaces actually work?
A: Yes they really do.
This kind of home appliance have gained acceptance and popularity. They become a necessity especially in urban living where building a traditional fireplace is prohibited or impossible. The notion of being a heater enclosed in a fancy box makes people think they are just made for decoration with a little heating feature. Well, electric appliances cannot be underestimated. Just like cooking stoves, they can even become more powerful and efficient.


Q: Can electric fireplaces lower electric bill?
A: Well they use electricity, thus, they would certainly add to your bills. Alternatively, if the question is if it costs less than gas fuel or wood burning, there is no clear answer for this whether yes or no. The cost of fuels and electricity vary on your location and local rates.

There are factors in which we can say that you can save on cost using an electric fireplace. You can save on cost if you choose the right electric fireplace for your home. Purchase those that have a true zone heating capability, multiple heat settings, and time. Heat only the place where you need it and only the time you need it. Add to that the time and money you saved instead of spending for traditional and gas fireplace maintenance.


Q: How do electric fireplaces work?
A: The most interesting about electric fireplaces is on how they work. They are easy to use, hassle free, and quick heating. They may be shipped unassembled but the pieces can be put together easily. After that, you just plug it, turn on, and enjoy heat. They do not produce soot or ashes so no hassle maintaining the unit.

Aside from heating, a fireplace is also a decorative addition for your room design.

The same as portable outdoor patio heaters, there are electric fireplaces built with wheels. You can move them easily from room to room enjoying the looks and warmth of a fireplace where you wanted.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Keeping Your Patio Dry in Winter

Why do you have to keep your patio dry?

There are several reasons why we should keep our patio dry. One of them is that water or some moisture can easily ruin the color, texture, and durability of some types of pavers or concrete. Moisture can also make mold and green algae appear on some parts of your patio. These doesn’t look good for your patio design and they make troubles at the same time.

Here are some solutions that you can make:

Retractable Awning and Outdoor Umbrellas
You can install an all-weather retractable awning to cover your patio. It should provide a cover against meltwater and snow. The best thing about retractable awning is that you can pull back the canopy to expose and let your patio dry under the sun whenever available.

An outdoor or patio umbrella would also help you put some cover on your patio. A large one can provide enough protective shade for your patio and the outdoor furniture items in it. You can also take its canopy down to let your patio dry under the sun.

Shade Structure
You can also erect a permanent structure such as pergolas and gazebos to protect your patio. Building the structures would cost more time, effort, and money, but you can enjoy this stable and beautiful shade a long time.

Temporary Shelter or Tent
Setting up a temporary shelter or tent is an easier and quicker solution. It will provide a sure protection but you may not be able to use your outdoor space for a while. Besides, keeping your patio and outdoor furniture items dry is more important in this season.

Tips on Drying and Protecting
Keeping your patio completely dry is not entirely possible. There are other elements that make it wet aside from snow and meltwater. Winter is still humid so it also adds moisture to your patio. As said before, mold and greens can grow on wet places which can ruin some spots in your patio.

Here are some tips on how you can protect your patio even more.

Seal
Sealing your patio pavers and concrete provides protection against water and sunlight too. It will strengthen the surface and make the color or finish last longer. Sealants can also prevent molds.

There are different types of sealant for each type of material. Ask assistance from you local hardware.

Clearing
Drying in the sun is free but you need to remove anything that blocks the sunshine.

Use It
Use your patio sometimes in winter, you may not notice but it really helps drying out the moist. And as you use it you introduce some warmth or some heat from your fireplace, patio heater, and from your grilling that helps evaporating water or moist.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Winter-Proof Your Home and Save on Energy

Winter proofing ensures your home is safe and warm while going through the freeze. It also help you save on energy consumed by electric fireplaces or heaters and on the soaring cost of fireplace fuels. Energy saved is money saved.

Winter proofing prevent heat from escaping and cold from entering your house. Trapping the heat provides warmth longer, thus, your heaters and fireplaces do not need to work so hard generating heat and consume more energy or fuel.

Fix Damaged Areas and Weak Spots
Check your home and find locations where air can penetrate. It is possible that there are worn out and damaged areas somewhere around your house.

Find the weak spots because these can be ruined during the freeze and cold air gets a chance to get in. It may be too late to notice these when the worst of the winter strikes. Before the problems come, take actions to prevent them. Repair and reinforce any weak spots you can find.

Protect the Pipes
Pipes are also an easy target of the freezing winter. When not protected, the water on the pipes will be frozen and would create a pressure that would eventually break it. Protect the exposed pipes outside the house with insulation sleeves. Then do the opposite inside the house. Expose the pipes so that they can get some warm air preventing the freeze. It is also helpful if you can keep a tiny flow of water on your faucet. This allows water to run through the pipes, a little help to prevent the freezing.

Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams formed when ice melts at the top of the roof and flows down and hardens again at the edge of the roof or gutter. As the water continuously flow, they can be trapped at the ice dam then seeps under the shingles and find its way inside the house.

To prevent this, you should keep the top roof surface cold or at the same temperature as the outside. Insulate well the roof. If you have an upper room or attic, you should consider preventing the heat from accumulating in that area. Keep the room ventilated.

These task is considerably a must to ensure you'll have a livable home during winter. So when preparing your backyard patio and protecting your outdoor furniture, do not forget to prepare your indoors as well. Get a heating appliances such as electric or gel fireplaces if you cannot get or build a wood burning fireplace. You can also find portable heater stoves and patio heaters if you need something mobile.