Increasing Fireplace Efficiency

The fireplace should warm up your house without causing strain on your nerves or your budget; unfortunately, not all models live up to these expectations. Learn about increasing fireplace efficiency to make your fireplace work the way it should, saving money on your utility bills in the process. Check out the following tips on what to do on your own to improve the efficiency of your fireplace.

Change the damper

Exchange the fireplace throat damper with a top sealing damper at the apex of the chimney. These dampers contain a seal that acts like a storm door, protecting the air inside from escaping and keeping the outside air from entering. This damper works throughout the year; it does not matter if you are cooling your house or heating it.

Get a fireback

To protect the back wall from fire damage, install a fireback to add beauty while improving efficiency. A fireback is a plate made of cast iron that is set in the back of the fireplace. The cast iron absorbs heat from the fire, which is then radiated back into the room.

Add a heater

A fireplace heater draws air from the room, which is then circulated through a chamber heated by the fire and blown back into the room. Fireplace heaters are closed systems; there is no fireplace smoke to permeate your home. Some of these heaters make a substantial difference in the temperature inside your home; depending on the type you buy, it can heat an entire room. Certain fireplace heaters are installed with glass doors, thus adding to the energy savings and ambiance.

Learning some steps to increase fireplace efficiency saves money on energy bills. Instead of losing money from fireplaces that do not work correctly, have a fireplace that keeps you warm and is economical to use.