With concerns over the environment, the iconic fireplace has shed some of its charm but it is still a favorite for many people. The natural comfort of a fireplace triggers very special memories for those who have them. The fireplace provides many benefits for your home, but there are also a few major downsides that need to be fixed. With the cost of energy rising annually, your fireplace has to dissipate energy in a very cost effective way. While having a fire going in a fireplace keeps the people near it warm, it actually removes warm air from the rest of the area, causing your furnace to work harder. Anytime there is no fire, a damper should manage the airflow. The thing is, fireplace dampers are often very inefficient in keeping warm air in the house and cold air out.

Many families that currently have a fireplace in their household dont realize how the fireplace can have an effect on their energy bill. Instead of heating a residence naturally, a fireplace can actually add hundreds of dollars to your heating expenses. However, there are a number of techniques that you can do that can turn your budget busting fireplace into something more efficient. All you need to do is only four basic things to fix your fireplace. These will certainly make your present fireplace far more economical, and lower your heating bills.

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The first suggestion is to change your existing fireplace damper with a top sealing damper. This type of damper is installed at the top of the chimney, and works like a storm door. It does an excellent job of preserving warm air in the house during winter months and cool air from escaping in the summer months. The damper is simple to fit, and can be purchased online. Next, you will need to have a fire-back in the rear section of your hearth. This is a cast iron plate that is created to add to the room decor, while saving the back wall from damage due to the fires. The fire-back also takes up heat coming from the fire and channels it back into the room, making your fireplace more efficient.

Another way to save money is by using a fireplace heater, which heats the space by drawing the air into a heat chamber and recycling the air back into the room. The fireplace heaters are put in place as closed systems so they dont produce any smoke but are very effective in keeping your house warm. The final thing that can be done is to install glass doors, which might be your biggest expense. Searching around, you will be able to find a good deal, and with instructions, you can install them yourself. These doors form a barrier between the hearth and living space, not only making the area less for the furnace to heat, but also affording some protection.

All of these tips are easy to do, and the products can be found online. Keep your fireplace and reduce heating costs by making it more efficient.