Posts by TJ Robinson
Benjamin Franklin and the Franklin Stove
Benjamin Franklin is best known as one of our nation’s Founding Fathers. He helped to draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In addition, to being a statesman and diplomat, Franklin was also an author, publisher, scientist and inventor. Franklin was naturally curious about things and how they worked, so it’s no surprise…
Read MoreTroubleshooting Tips for Gas Fireplace Problems
There’s nothing quite like a gas fireplace for convenience. Flip the switch and you have an instant fire, adding warmth and ambiance to your home. But what happens when you flip the switch and nothing happens? Below are some tips to help you troubleshoot this problem and others with your propane or natural gas log fireplace. Check to…
Read MoreReduce Your Child’s Risk of Asthma
Over six million children in the U.S. have asthma. Medical studies have shown that long-term exposure to mold in your home can double your child’s risk of developing asthma. But there are some solutions to prevent and reduce mold in your home. Molds are fungi – plant-like organisms that grow outside or indoors. Inside your home, molds grow in…
Read MoreHow to Prevent Creosote Buildup
According to the National Fire Protection Association, creosote buildup is the cause for most fireplace and chimney fires. Creosote buildup can be pretty sneaky since it occurs over time and you may not notice it. But there are some things you can do to minimize creosote buildup to help keep your family safe. (Unfortunately, you can’t eliminate creosote entirely.)…
Read More8 Steps for Starting a Safe Fire
Most people probably think starting a fire in their fireplace or wood-burning stove should be a pretty easy task. But if you don’t start your fire correctly, you could end up with a room full of smoke. Therefore, here is a recommended method for getting your fire going, so you can enjoy the comforts of…
Read MoreProblems Caused by Frozen Dryer Vents
How often do you check your outside dryer vent during the winter? If you’re like most people, you probably said, “Never.” However, during the winter, your dryer vent flapper can freeze shut due to rain and falling temperatures. Or, snow can pile up around your outside dryer vent. When you run your dryer, the snow…
Read MorePros and Cons of Soft vs. Hardwoods
Did you know that the density of your firewood can determine how long your fire will burn and how much heat it gives off? The wood from different types of trees can vary widely in how much heat the wood produces, how the fire will burn and the overall fire quality. When you know more…
Read More5 Benefits of Wood-Burning Stoves
Wood-burning stoves used to be a mainstay in American homes and are still used in many homes today for heating. However, newer technologies have made wood-burning stoves more energy efficient and cleaner burning than they used be. If you’re considering installing a wood-burning stove, but are still on the fence about it, here are some of…
Read More4 Causes of Creosote Buildup
Have you noticed smoke flooding into your home when burning a fire in your fireplace or wood stove? Or maybe you’ve noticed that bits of debris have fallen from the flue into your fireplace or stove? These are signs you have a creosote buildup on the inside of your chimney flue. Creosote is a black…
Read MoreWhy You Shouldn’t Burn Your Christmas Tree in Your Fireplace
After the holidays, it’s time to take down the Christmas tree, pack up the lights and decorations, and return your home’s décor back to the way it was. While you likely have a location to store all of your decorations, what do you do with a REAL Christmas tree after the holidays? Unless you bought…
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