How to Improve Fireplace Efficiency

Whenever you burn wood in the fireplace, some of the heat escapes through the chimney. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase your fireplace’s heat output and make it burn more efficiently. 

Only Use Hardwood or Seasoned Wood 

Hardwood and seasoned wood burn more efficiently because they don’t contain moisture, which can lower the amount of heat produced. Avoid using fresh-cut wood or unseasoned firewood, which not only burns less efficiently, but also deposits a lot more creosote in the flue. How long until you can use fresh-cut wood as firewood? It can take anywhere from six months to two years for the moisture to dry out. 

Important note: creosote is a highly flammable chemical compound that can cause chimney fires. That’s why it’s important to have a chimney sweep inspect and clean the flue before the colder months. 

Install Fireplace Glass Doors 

Fireplace glass doors help your fireplace burn firewood more efficiently by making sure your fireplace only uses air from the outside and not inside air. If inside air is sucked into the fireplace, some of the heat is lost. By enclosing your fireplace, the glass door helps wood to burn more efficiently. And, as an added benefit, the glass door also absorbs some of the heat and radiates it back into your home, increasing indoor comfort and saving energy.

Install Fireplace Grates 

Another way of increasing how much heat is radiated back into your home is to install fireplace grates, which allow air to enter underneath the fire to increase the fireplace’s heat output. For more tips on how to increase fireplace efficiency, consult a chimney sweep. 

Chimney Doctors, a locally owned and operated company, offers professional chimney relining, masonry repair and cleaning services. To request an estimate, call us at (518) 882-5009, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Clifton Park, NY, as well as the surrounding communities.