Relaxing by a fireplace is an excellent way to unwind at the end of a long day. But you certainly don’t need your fireplace to heat you up at all times of the day. When you turn on your whole-home heating system to an ideal temperature during the daytime, you don’t have to keep the fireplace going. In fact, you need the fireplace to be well-sealed if you want to prevent heat from escaping out the chimney.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Minneapolis’
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Monday, November 16th, 20153 Hidden Dangers That May Be in Your Chimney
Monday, November 2nd, 2015Heating systems and chimneys are one of the main sources of home fires in the U.S. Keeping a chimney clean and well-maintained is one of the most important things you can do for your home safety and for your health. Still not convinced? Check out a few of the hidden dangers commonly found in chimneys and fireplaces, and learn why it’s so important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned each and every year.
Do You Know of the Dangers of a Clogged Dryer Vent?
Monday, October 19th, 2015The vent that leads from your home’s clothes dryer to the outside of the home is rather unremarkable in its structure. But its sole purpose is to vent dangerous combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide out of the home. This is a vital part of a home that is often neglected. It can become clogged with debris over time, no matter how often you clean out the lint trap. And eventually, all of that debris can lead to one of the biggest dangers to your home: fire.
Repairing Your Masonry Chimney: It’s Not Just for Looks
Monday, July 6th, 2015A masonry chimney—one constructed of masonry materials like brick and mortar—adds an elegant touch to any home. The masonry gives a vintage feel to the house, but it may experience some wear and tear over time, especially when exposed to water. Some people choose to repair their chimneys in order to update the look and feel of their homes. However, you should know that there is more to chimney repair than aesthetics (or, looks).
Don’t Wait for Cold Weather to Think about Your Chimney
Monday, June 22nd, 2015As the weather warms up, lighting a fire in your fireplace is probably one of the last things on your mind. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., we understand that our customers don’t think about their chimneys as often as we do. But we do feel that it is important for any homeowner to get their chimney swept, even when the weather outside is warm. Here’s why.
3 Myths about Chimneys that Could Put Your Home at Risk
Monday, April 13th, 2015Many people are fairly unfamiliar with the chimney they make use of every winter. It is such a great feeling to walk into a room kept warm and cozy by the light of a glowing fireplace, that you may not take the time to think about what’s really going on inside of the chimney. Chimneys require a certain level of regular care and maintenance, and believing otherwise could put your home and family members in jeopardy. Today, we’ll take a look at three common myths about chimneys, so that you can get the facts and take the proper steps to keep your unit safe.
Myth #1: Chimneys and fireplaces are a great, maintenance-free source of heating.
One of the most dangerous beliefs about fireplaces is that little needs to be done to keep them in good condition. A standard forced-air heating system such as a furnace contains multiple moving and electrical components, and these must all be in good condition if you want the heater to run efficiently and operate correctly and safely. Although it lacks the mechanical complexity of a furnace, your chimney needs just as much maintenance in the form of annual inspections and cleaning. A dirty chimney can lead to a chimney fire, so be sure to get on a chimney cleaning schedule today.
Myth #2: I don’t use my chimney often, so I can skip an inspection this year.
Chimney fires most commonly result when creosote builds up in the chimney flue. Your chimney is meant to provide a pathway for the dangerous byproducts of combustion to move away from the home. However, as condensation forms in the chimney flue, a residue forms from these byproducts known as creosote. If conditions in your chimney are not quite right—if the damper is not adequately opened, for example—creosote may build up more quickly. So even if you don’t use your chimney very often, you may still have a significant buildup, and it is worth it to get an inspection.
Myth #3: A good chimney sweep will get through the job fast.
If a chimney sweep service promises you fast inspection and cleaning, be wary. A chimney expert will take time to make sure that your chimney is in top shape, something that should take over an hour.
When you decide it is time for quality chimney inspections and chimney cleaning in Minneapolis, MN, 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. is the name to trust. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
What You Should Know about Your Prefabricated Fireplace
Monday, April 6th, 2015Nothing really compares to the warmth and comfort of a fireplace. While furnaces and boilers can heat up the entire home, a fireplace brings a family together, providing a place for everyone to gather and discuss the day’s events. Traditionally, fireplaces were made entirely of durable materials like stone and mortar, but today you can also choose a prefabricated, mostly assembled fireplace instead. Here are a few things you should know about this relatively new type of fireplace.
A Prefabricated Fireplace Differs from a Traditional Masonry Fireplace
A masonry fireplace may be composed of bricks or stone and mortar, among other materials, while prefabricated fireplaces are made of a lightweight metal. A traditional masonry fireplace is designed and built to fit your home, while a metal fireplace comes pre-assembled to be set up by a technician. While a masonry fireplace may have a traditional look and feel, installation is time-consuming and costly. A prefabricated fireplace chimney may be more efficient than a masonry fireplace and chimney, while a masonry fireplace may last for longer.
The Fireplace and the Chimney Belong Together in a Set
In a prefabricated chimney, the fireplace and the chimney are designed to go together as a set. They are tested together for safety and often sold and packaged together as well. It is always recommended that you install them as a set for efficiency and safety.
A Prefabricated Chimney Will Last Long with Proper Care
Like any heating system, a prefabricated chimney deserves a certain level of maintenance so that it can continue to work safely and efficiently. This includes regular cleaning and inspections, preferably once each year. It’s also vital to have a professional install a new prefabricated fireplace to make sure there is enough air clearance and that the unit is carefully inspected before use.
Call the chimney and fireplace experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for fireplace installation, maintenance, cleaning, and repairs in Minneapolis. Our professional technicians are certified nationally for chimney relining, sweeping, inspection, and more.
Efficiency and Safety Tips for Wood Stove Owners
Thursday, January 22nd, 2015While wood stoves were once reserved for outdoor use, today’s indoor wood stoves are better than ever, with advanced ventilation systems, safety features, and an attractive and vintage look for a great addition in any home. Many homeowners still have their reservations about wood stove installation, but there is plenty you can do to make sure your unit continues to run efficiently and safely.
Work with 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. in order to make sure your new wood stove installation in Minneapolis goes smoothly and that your unit runs as safely and efficiently as possible.
Saving Money and Benefitting the Environment with Your Wood Stove
- Only Purchase Stoves Built after 1990: According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, stoves built before 1990 were 50% less efficient than modern EPA-approved stoves.
- Find Wood with a High Heat Value: The heat value of wood helps you to determine how efficiently it will burn, though you may be limited to a few specific types due to your location.
- Weatherize Your Home: Weatherizing your home by sealing any cracks and leaks helps monitor the indoor temperature and keeps you from running your stove for long periods of time.
- Only Allow Professionals to Service Your System: A professional knows where to install a system for peak efficiency as well as the proper maintenance and repair procedures.
Safety Tips for Wood Stoves
- Professional Service is Key: Again, one of the most important things you can do is choose professionals for installation, service, and yearly maintenance to keep everything running as safely as possible.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Check your unit’s manual for the most accurate safety information or ask your technician for further advice.
- Burn Dry, Seasoned Wood: Wet wood cannot burn efficiently, and drier wood helps to protect against creosote, a buildup of which can be a fire hazard.
- Never Leave a Wood Stove Unattended: Always put out your wood stove before you leave the home to prevent the risk of fire.
We use industry standards for installation and ventilation and have years of experience with Minneapolis wood stove installation.
For professional service and more information about keeping your home safe, call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
How Will Professionals Restore My Chimney after a Chimney Fire?
Thursday, January 8th, 2015You may simply see your chimney as a decorative addition to your home that also requires little maintenance to make your living space warm and welcoming. But according to the National Fire Protection Association, chimney fires are one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Most of these fires are caused by a buildup of creosote, a preventable issue in most cases. After a chimney fire, it takes an expert to figure out the next steps that should be taken, which is why you should always contact professionals for chimney restoration in Minneapolis, MN.
First, the technician will need to assess what may have led to the fire in the first place. It would be irresponsible for a technician to begin repairs without first determining what can be done to improve your chimney and firebox and keep the problem from occurring in the future.
Next, the technician will repair or replace components that were damaged by the fire. Any severe masonry damage will need replacement, as will a cracked chimney liner. Sometimes, the masonry must be replaced because of the extensive damage. However, a technician may instead use a process tuckpointing to correct any issues with the masonry and crown. Trained tuckpointing specialists do their best to fill in any gaps with mortar that is as close as possible in design and texture to the original.
The technician will most likely need to install a new chimney liner after a fire as well. Many homes are equipped with clay tile liners as they are easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and readily available. But these so a poor job of absorbing and distributing heat, which can cause them to crack during a chimney fire, exposing the masonry to damage. Most professionals advise replacing clay tile with a steel or aluminum liner instead.
After a chimney restoration, a technician will recommend that you continue to schedule chimney cleaning and inspection on a regular basis. The most common source of chimney fires is creosote buildup, something that a technician can clean with the proper tools and know-how.
When you call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney restoration in Minneapolis, MN, you’ll get expert advice, assessment, and repairs from specialists in the industry only. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
The Advantages of Gas Fireplace Inserts
Monday, September 8th, 2014As we head into another fall, our thoughts begin to turn toward heating. Last winter was a doozy, hitting us with incredibly cold temperatures and a lot of snow – and the forecast for this winter is looking similar. A great way to keep your home warm and improve your indoor heating experience, without blowing your monthly budget, is with the installation of a gas fireplace insert in your Minneapolis home. With a wide range of product offerings and two generations of experience with installation, 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., can help you stay warmer this fall and winter with a gas fireplace insert.
Two Choices in Fuel Type
Gas inserts can work with either natural gas or propane. Natural gas can be less expensive than propane and can produce about 5% more heat, but natural gas may not be available in some areas. We will help you to determine which fuel is best suited for your home.
Advantages of a Gas Fireplace Insert
There are several advantages to installing a gas fireplace insert into your home:
- Versatile – inserts are made in a variety of sizes and colors to fit many different fireplaces and types of décor.
- Energy efficient – fireplace inserts have efficiency ratings ranging from 65% to over 90%.
- Clean burning – there is no ash or creosote to clean with a gas insert.
- Adds additional heating – depending on its size, a gas insert can heat 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. This allows you to add extra heat to the area in which your fireplace is located, offering you zone heating for that area.
Maintenance
One of the great advantages of using a clean-burning fuel is that your fireplace and chimney won’t require as much maintenance as before. But, it is important to schedule annual maintenance for your insert to keep its components in great working condition.
Always Hire Trained Professionals
To ensure that your gas fireplace insert is correctly installed and maintained, it’s always important to hire trained specialists. Look for certification from either CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) or NFI (National Fireplace Institute).
A gas fireplace insert in your Minneapolis home can offer you great energy efficiency and clean burning this fall and winter.
Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., today and schedule an appointment with one of our chimney and fireplace installation experts.