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How to Clean and Maintain Your Fireplace, Stove, or Log Burner

Fireplaces, stoves, and log burners are a great addition to any home. They provide a focus to your room as well as warmth and ambience during the colder months. However, as with any heating appliance, it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained so it operates safely and efficiently. Therefore, we’ve pulled together some tips for cleaning and maintaining your fireplace, stove, or log burner.

Clean the Interior

First of all, if you have a wood-burning stove or a fireplace, it’s important to clean the ash out on a regular basis. A build-up of ash can cause your fireplace or stove to operate less efficiently which can reduce the amount of heat it produces. To clean out the ash, make sure it is completely cool. You should clean the interior regularly with a brush or vacuum designed for that purpose. This will help prevent the build-up of creosote, a flammable substance that can cause chimney fires.

Check the Chimney

Your chimney should be inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year. A dirty or clogged chimney can lead to a dangerous build-up of creosote which can cause a chimney fire. During the inspection, the chimney sweep will look for any damage to the chimney such as cracks or missing mortar which could allow smoke and gasses to escape into your home.

Inspect the Flue

The flue is the opening at the top of the chimney that allows smoke and gases to escape. It’s important to make sure it is clear of obstructions such as leaves, bird’s nests, or debris. If the flue is clogged, smoke and gasses can back up into your home which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check the Seals

The seals on your stove or fireplace help to prevent smoke and gasses from escaping into your home. It’s important to regularly check the seals to ensure they’re in good condition and replace them if necessary. If the seals are damaged or worn, smoke and gasses can escape into your home which reduces the efficiency of the fireplace and increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

By following these simple tips and investing in regular cleaning and maintenance, you can enjoy the warmth and ambience of your fireplace, stove, or log burner for years to come.

If you’re looking for a fireplace or stove for your home, contact us now to arrange a visit to our showroom where we can help you choose the perfect heating solution for you.

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The Benefits of Having a Fireplace or Stove in Your Home

If you’re considering having a fireplace or stove in your home, you’re onto a great idea. Not only do they add a rustic touch to your living space, but they also come with so many benefits that you may not have even thought of. In this blog, we’ll look at all the benefits of adding a fireplace or stove to your home.

Warmth & Ambience

First of all, one of the most obvious benefits is the warmth it provides you. During the chilly winters, a fireplace or a stove can give off the perfect amount of heat to keep you and your family comfortable. Not to mention, they also create a beautiful ambience that can’t be replicated by any other heating source in your home.

Cost Savings

Having a fireplace or stove can also save you money on your energy bills, which we all know is essential right now. By using wood as a fuel source, you can reduce your reliance on electricity or gas – which is pretty pricey, especially in the colder months!

Eco-Friendliness

Having a fireplace or a stove has more of a positive impact on the environment than other heating methods. Unlike fossil fuels, wood is a renewable source that produces little pollution when burned. This means you can enjoy the warmth of your fireplace without worrying about the planet. You can find the best fireplaces for the environment here!

Aesthetic Appeal

We can’t forget about the aesthetic benefits when it comes to fireplaces and stoves for your home. Adding one of these heating sources to your house can instantly create a focal point in any room which adds charm and character. Not to mention, they provide a wonderful, cosy environment for nights in with loved ones or friends.

Added Value

Lastly, having a fireplace or stove in your home can actually increase its value for when you come to sell. Many homebuyers see them as a desirable feature and are willing to pay more for a property that has one. So, not only can you enjoy the many benefits whilst you’re living there, but you can also reap the rewards when it’s time to sell.

Backup Heat Source

In the event of a power outage, your fireplace or stove can provide a reliable source of heat to keep your home warm and comfortable which can be especially important during the colder months. By having this backup heat (and light!) source, you can ensure your family is comfortable no matter what happens.

Takeaway

In conclusion, a fireplace or a stove can bring so much to your home. Whether it’s warmth, cost savings, eco-friendliness, aesthetic appeal, or added value, installing one in your home today is a great choice. At Wakefords, we have a range of fireplaces and stoves available for you to view in-store and online. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure you get the right product for your home every time.

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How Fireplaces Can Add Value to Your House

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, a fireplace can be a great investment. They provide great warmth and aesthetical appeal whilst providing functionality and a focal point in any room. Here, we’ll discuss the ways that fireplaces can add value to your house.

Aesthetic Appeal

Fireplaces are seen as a luxurious feature in homes, and they can instantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any room by adding character. A fireplace is a focal point that draws attention to a space and can even make the room feel cosier, warmer and more inviting. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home with a fireplace because it adds that extra touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

Energy Efficiency

Many modern fireplaces are designed to be energy efficient meaning they can help lower heating costs in the home. Energy-efficient fireplaces use wood to create heat which reduces the need for gas. Fireplaces and stoves are designed to produce a comfortable amount of heat and can keep a room warm for longer periods. Buyers who are environmentally conscious or who are looking to save on their energy costs will appreciate a home with a wood-burning fireplace.

Increased Home Value

Because fireplaces are often considered a desirable feature, they can help increase your home’s overall value by around 5%. Although this doesn’t seem like much, when you put into context the value of the house, it’s a larger sum than you think. However, there is a range of factors that are taken into consideration, such as the type of fireplace, the size of the room, and the overall design and quality. Overall, buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that has one!

Versatility

Fireplaces are more than just a heating source, they can serve as a decorative element for displaying art, family photos, ornaments and other decorative items. It’s also a great place to show off your Christmas decorations and hang stockings! The versatility of a fireplace is another reason why it adds so much value to a home. It can serve many functions and add an extra bit of functionality to the space.

Unique Selling Point

Finally, a fireplace can be a unique selling point for your home setting it apart from other properties on the market. By adding a fireplace, you can create a feature that’s memorable and distinctive which gives your home an edge over the others in the area.

Takeaway

In conclusion, installing a fireplace in your home is a smart investment that adds aesthetic appeal and resale value. If you’re looking to boost your home’s value, take a look at the huge range of fireplaces and stoves we have in stock at Wakefords.

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Top 9 Fireplace Design Options to Try Out in 2022

Have you ever considered adding a fireplace to your living room or family room? They bring a sense of cosiness and comfort to any room.

A fireplace is a great design option that you can add to your room and make a dramatic statement while bringing additional heat and beauty. When considering a fireplace as part of your home layout, there are many options available to you when it comes to the design of your fireplace.

Fireplaces give you that beautiful fire look, but they also warm up your house. Fireplaces can be expensive to build into the home, but there are a couple of ways to get around this cost.

One way is to build your brick fireplace, while another option is to find one where the brickwork has already been done. Here are nine options you may consider when choosing a fireplace for your home.

Top 9 Fireplace Design Options

A fireplace media wall displays images on a screen that mimic the look of flames and provides a heat source. The images can be changed based on the seasons or holidays.

1. Stone Fireplace

Stone fireplaces are one of the most popular types of fireplace designs. They have a very natural feel and can be found in many different styles and colours. Stone is an excellent choice for a fireplace because it will keep your home warm, even if you don’t have a traditional chimney.

The only downside to stone fireplaces is that they tend to be more expensive than other fireplaces, but they are well worth the money if you want something that blends in with your home’s decor.

2. Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces are another common choice for homeowners who want an efficient way to heat their homes during the winter months. They’re easy to use and don’t require much maintenance at all.

Gas fireplaces can come in many different shapes and sizes, so there’s bound to be one that fits perfectly! If you want something that looks modern and sleek, this might be the right option!

3. Brick Fireplace

Brick fireplaces are another prevalent choice, especially if you want to create a rustic atmosphere in your home. The great thing about brick fireplaces is that they can be made from natural and artificial bricks, so you have plenty of options for design.

If you prefer not to use real bricks, then faux brick may be a better option because it looks just like an actual brick but is less expensive and easier to install than natural brick.

4. Fireplace Surrounds

A fireplace surround is an integral part of your fireplace because it provides aesthetic appeal while protecting your walls from heat damage.

Fireplace surrounds come in many different styles to match any décor. It can also improve the efficiency of your fireplace by keeping out drafts from outside air coming into the room where your fireplace is located.

5. Wood Burning Fireplace

Wood burning fireplaces are grand for rustic homes or those who love the outdoors because they give off an earthy and natural feel while still efficiently heating rooms in your home during colder months.

Wood burning fireplaces often feature glass doors to enjoy watching the flames from inside your home rather than sitting outside near them during cold weather months when it’s too chilly to sit outside anyway!

6. Cast Concrete Fireplace

Cast concrete fireplaces are an excellent option for those who want to create an outdoor fireplace. They are durable and can be customized to fit any design needs.

7. Steel Fireplace

Steel fireplaces are another popular option for homeowners who want a modern fireplace design that doesn’t compromise style or function.

Steel fireplaces can be made from either solid steel or steel mesh panels that allow heat to flow through them but keep flames within the fireplace itself. Steel mesh panels also come in various colours, so you can find one that best matches your overall home décor scheme!

8. Recessed Fireplace

Recessed fireplaces are grand for any room in your home. They can be placed against the wall or on a mantle, but the most popular option is to use them as a focal point in your living or family room.

The best part about this type of fireplace is that it doesn’t take up any floor space, so you can fit more furniture around it than if you had a traditional fireplace.

9. Vintage Fireplace

If you want to give your home an old-fashioned look, then a vintage fireplace design may be what you’re looking for.

These fireplaces were popular during the Victorian era and have become increasingly popular today because they can add so much character to any room in your home.

Summing Up!

Fireplaces have become standard paraphernalia in modern homes as they are designed to be a focal point of any room. People use it to make their rooms look more attractive, comfortable, and cosy.

This nature-inspired piece of art can do wonders to your home, especially if you live in an apartment with limited options for decorating the interior.

Wakeford’s Fireplaces are one of the leading specialists in designing luxury fireplaces that create a focal point in any room. If you want to get your unique fireplace or stove, speak with the experts at Wakeford’s.

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Why Do Fireplaces Smell? Here Is All You Need To Know

What is better than sitting in your warm cosy living room while enjoying your favourite TV show? The Winter season is thriving, and we all love to snuggle on a warm couch. But here is the truth, no matter how warm and comfy your living area is, a foul-smelling fireplace ruins all the fun. Good fireplaces are the key to spending happy winters and enjoying the warmth. So here are some reasons why do fireplaces smell bad:

Collected Leaves

It is common sense that leaves carried away by wind could get stuck in your chimney. Loads of leaves get collected in chimneys and start to rot. When you notice such a smell of rot and decomposition, you might be having a huge bunch of leaves up in your chimney. To get rid of this situation, the solution is simple; get your chimney swept. A good chimney sweep would remove all debris collected in it and so, no more smell now!

Dead Animals

The harsh winter days take their toll on small lovely animals such as raccoons and birds. They tend to move inside the source of warmth, that is, your chimney, and most of the time, they get stuck. Over time, their poor bodies start to disintegrate and produce an unbearable characteristic smell. To get rid of this, again have a good chimney sweep to clear out the chimney and als9 invest in a good chimney cap with mesh nettings. Chimney caps prevent the animals from getting into the chimney in the first place, and so they keep the source of smells at a good distance from your chimney.

Moisture

Moisture is the mother of all disgusting smells. If it manages to get into your chimney, then oh my, you are doomed (dramatic music playing). Well, not actually because you can surely eliminate it. Water seeps inside your chimney on rainy days. Combined with creosote, water can cause massive amounts of damage and rust to your damper and flue lining, which leads to costly repairs. Inside your chimney, it produces an unpleasant musty odor which can be embarrassing if guests show up. So here is how you can prevent it. Simply install a chimney cap so that water stays out of it during rainy days.

Creosote And Soot Buildup

It is one factor producing chimney odours that can not be 100% prevented. If your chimney smells like asphalt or burnt barbecue, then my dear, you have heaps of creosote and soot buildup up there. Creosote is a black and highly flammable tar produced from wood smoke. Soot, on the other hand, is mostly powdery and flaky amorphous carbon produced by incomplete burning of wood. Both of these result from burning the wood, so there is nothing that could be done about them. All you can do is have your chimney swept clean by a professional every year. Using low moisture wood for your fireplace can also greatly reduce the buildup.

In Conclusion

After having read the above article, you must be geared up to meet chimney odours out of your house! However, do keep in mind that a good fireplace can resist damage from all the above factors to a remarkable extent. Investing in a high-end and tough fireplace could make your winters warm, comfy, and enjoyable.

Wakeford’s Fireplaces and Stoves is a leading brand providing luxury options of fireplaces for your living room. We are a dedicated company and have been selling fireplaces and stoves all over Surrey and South East since 1984. We have a vast collection of cast iron, wooden, enclosed, open, and traditional fireplaces to adorn your home.