Fire Pit Safety

We love fire pits, as you might be able to tell from our list of top 10 best fire pits. But we also recognize that when using a fire pit you should always ensure that there is no risk to the surronding area or anyone who may be close by. To help, we have compiled a list of important dos and don'ts when it comes to using a fire pit or chiminea.

• Never, never, never light a fire pit indoors. Even though many are portable, they can't be properly ventilated indoors. Get an open flame going inside, and pretty soon staying warm will be the last of your concerns.
• Be aware of local laws and local regulations relating to the burning of outdoor fires where you live. Check any local, state and federal fire codes that apply to your area fire before deciding on the particular model of fire pit to purchase.
• Read and stick to the instructions supplied with your fire pit for details on fire safety and the use of combustible fuel. And don't use the instruction manual as kindling. Keep it handy!
• A licensed professional must inspect any natural gas patio heater or fire pit prior to installation. It also pays to have it routinely inspected every year as the pit experiences wear and usage.
• Don't store combustible materials close to your fire pit, or use the fire pit itself as a store. Even if these materials are treated and considered flame-retardant, reduce risk by following the local fire codes and safe-operation instructions. And be sure to clean soot off of your fire pit, chiminea, or patio heater after repeated use to stop it building-up.
• Use of an approved fire pit screen whenever you have a fire. This will protect people and furniture from flying embers, and prevent things from unnecessarily going up in smoke.
• If your patio heater or fire pit is operating never disconnect the fuel supply. Always switch it off and allow to cool down first.
• When deciding where to place your new fire pit, choose a flat, sturdy, NON-wooden surface! It also pays to position the fire pit in a sheltered area away from strong gusts of wind that could carry embers from the fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand when you have a fire going. Don't leave your fire unattended, and be aware of children or pets that may be near the fire. There are tools available for maneuvering screens, coals, and logs within the fire pit; there's no reason to touch it with your bare hands while in use. A pair of sturdy, fireproof gloves should also be worn when tending the flames.
• Don’t touch your extinguished fire pit for several hours after it has stopped burning. Metal pits can radiate high heat for a long time even though the fire is out.|Start small and grow. Until you know the full extent of how your fire pit performs, begin by starting a small fire and gauging the size of the flames and speed at which fuel burns. An initially small fire will burn off safely any excess materials from the manufacturing process.
• Avoid burning pressure-treated wood or manufactured fire logs in any domestic fire. These items sometimes contain toxic substances which as gases may be harmful. Also, don't burn wood that has been chemically treated painted or stained, or wood that contains creosote.
• Never use petroleum-based accelerants such as gasoline or kerosene to start a fire. Ask at your local hardware store for a suitable wood fuel source. Some local hardware stores supply fuel made especially for chimineas and outdoor fire pits.
• Do not use water extinguish fires in a fire pit or a chiminea. Water can cause a rapid reduction in temperature which may cause the fire pit to crack or warp! To extinguish a fire we recommend keeping a mound of dirt and/or sand nearby. When you are ready, mix the dirt into the contents of the fire. Keep adding until all the embers in the fire are extinguished.
• Once a fire is completely extinguished, remove the ash and dispose of it in an aluminum can. Add water if necessary. Always have a bucket of water nearby should the fire spread to the surrounds.

If using a fire pit concerns you then check out our article on the best patio heater. They are a great alternative and can be a lot safer to use.

No-one wants any accidents when enjoying your patio. 

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How Much Does it Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace?

One of the areas we did not examine in our article on the best electric fireplaces, was the matter of cost and as a corollary, energy efficiency. We address that here.

In areas that experience extremely cold winters, the crackle and warmth of a fireplace can be a very handy addition to a living room. Nonetheless, when most homeowners think of a fireplace, what comes into their mind is a natural gas burning or a wood burning fireplace. But there is another unique option: An electric fireplace!

Though not very common, electronic fireplaces are greener, safer, stylish and less expensive to run. For instance unlike a natural gas or a wood fireplace, an electric fireplace doesn’t really produce a burning flame. The flames that it produces are just light refracted in a 3-dimensional pattern which makes it very environment friendly.

This however doesn’t mean that it does not emit heat. According to Bobby Renner, chief scientist for USA’s best energy team, “It basically acts like a toaster and it has a coil that usually heats up. There can be a blower attached to it to help distribute the heat or it can radiate out naturally to warm the room.” Although he acknowledges that this is not enough to warm entire house, it can warm a 400-square foot room well.

And because there is no combustion, it also means there are no toxins or gases released. There is no build-up of nitrogen oxides, sulfur or other bacteria that cause bronchitis, asthma or wheezing. In addition with coils emitting the heat through electricity and blowers or fans distributing the heat, it means electric fireplaces are more energy efficient. All the energy produced is used, none is wasted. With that in mind, let’s now look at how much exactly it costs to run an electric fireplace:

Cost of running an electric fireplace

The exact cost of running this handy appliance of course will vary depending on the electricity rates in your location, your power usage and the type of fireplace you are using. But mainly most electric fireplaces run on 2 main modes: without heat or with heat.

Though the cost of running the two is considerably different, when running both the heat and the flame effect it is still relatively less expensive than running a natural gas or a wood fireplace.

How Much Does it Cost to Run an Electric Fireplace per Hour?

In short, running electric heaters on average cost between 8 to 23 cents/hour. This is a wide range because you can either run an electric fireplace with either heat and flames or just flames if you do not need the extra heat. The costs in no heat mode is usually between 3 and 5 cents per hour.

What does this mean?

If you set the heater to maximum, the appliance can use up to 23 cents per hour. But most people usually set the heater to cycle on and off and at about fifty or 60 percent usage, the unit will use about 11 cents per hour.

In summary, when the heater is off it can cost about 3 cents to 5 cents every hour. On average the cost of operating an electric fireplace is between $100 to about $300 compared to about $500 a year used to run a natural gas fireplace.

A simple mathematic equation that you can use to figure this out is: watts by hours per day by KWh rate. For instance a standard unit that operates at 1500 watts produces 5,1112 BTUs and it can heat up to 400 square units.

Read our article on the best electric fireplaces available today

So the watts here are 1,500 and if you plan on using the appliance for 6 hours per day you multiply 1,500 watts by 5.

Then next check your utility bill and find out the kWh rate charged in your area. Let’s say it is 0.15 for instance. The exact cost will be 1500 watts by 6hrs per day by 0.15 kWh which translates into $1.350 per day.

This is around 23 cents/hour and it is quite good considering that there is no ash removing, no chimney cleaning, no gas fumes and there is an easy to control fire. Moreover, you might be able to also lower the thermostat on your entire heating unit!

Bottom Line

Whether it is an electric wall mount unit, a free standing portable unit or an electric insert unit, electric fireplaces are considerably inexpensive to run. In addition when used as zone heaters they can save you a lot of cash on your central heating costs. What’s more is that they are restful, beautiful and an appealing room focal point.

Another big benefit of an electric fireplace is that you can use it anywhere in any home. It doesn’t matter whether the room has access or it allows you to install a real fireplace. It is also very easy to move with your fireplace to your next residence if you relocate, making it a very valuable investment that can go with anywhere you go!

Hopefully you enjoyed this article on the cost of running an electric fireplace.

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Introduction to the Electric Fireplace, a Modern Alternative

Electric fireplaces have undergone an impressive development in recent years. Gone are the early days when their obviously fake flames and unreal looks failed to capture anyone’s imagination. Today, practically all electric fireplaces on the market feature a very realistic and professional design that will surprise many when they see an actual electric fireplace for the first time: often, prospective buyers cannot spot an electric fireplace among its gas counterparts during a store visit.

We have looked at the range of electric fireplaces on the market today and selected the top 10 best models. We provide recommendations for inserts, free-standing units and wall mounted heaters. See our article on the Top Electric Fireplaces.​

Not a Real Fire

Still, an electric fireplace is not a fireplace in the true sense of the word: there is nothing burning at all. This, however, has not kept sales of these units from rising tremendously in recent years. To understand better what electric fireplaces have to offer, take a look at their features, the available types, their installation, prices and costs, and finally, their advantages and disadvantages.

All electric fireplaces produce visual effects designed to closely resemble an actual wood-burning fireplace: “flames” made from fabric are moved by the air from a small blower, while glowing lights and even simulated burning embers add to the overall impression. Additionally, many units contain an electric fireplace heater which generates heat for distribution into the surrounding room by a fan. To control operations, most electric fireplaces come equipped with devices found usually also in gas fireplaces: an instant on/off switch with optional timer settings and a remote control.

Types of Electric Fireplace

There are three main types of electric fireplaces available: electric fireplace logs, electric fireplace inserts, and free-standing electric stoves. Electric logs are simple and cheap and can be easily installed into a real fireplace as an add-on for the summer months. Electric fireplace inserts consist of an entire self-contained housing also designed for installation into an existing fireplace cavity. They are designed to generate more heat than logs and are typically built for permanent installation, requiring significant effort to remove. Finally, free-standing electric stoves are available in many varieties, for example simulating old-fashioned wood ovens or more modern designs.

Installation

The installation of an electric fireplace is far simpler than that of any other fireplace, in fact, for someone with experience in home improvement, do-it-yourself installation is definitely possible. Most units simply need a regular 100-120 Volt power plug-in, while large electric fireplace inserts may require a 240 Volt connection.

The prices for electric fireplaces start around $200-$500 for electric logs and $500-$2000 for free-standing stoves. A simple corner electric fireplace costs between $500 and $1000, while more elaborate inserts can be found from $1000 up to more than $2000. Still, compared to gas or wood fireplaces, electric models are by far the cheapest solution.

Electric Fireplace vs Traditional Fireplace

• There are numerous advantages associated with an electric fireplace: first, only a power connection is required – no venting and no fuel is needed.
• Nothing is burning, there are no fumes and no soot.
• The appliance is plugged into a standard outlet and uses only minimal electricity: on average equivalent to 2-3 light bulbs for visual flame effects.
• However, an electric fireplace heater will use 10 to 20 times more electric power than that. It can be switched on and off conveniently, can be tuned to an exact heating level.
• Electric fireplaces require minimum maintenance effort: no fireplace-specific cleaning needs to be done and no firewood or gas must be supplied.
• Many free-standing units are small, even movable. Electric fireplaces are “zero clearance” devices, installable anywhere in the house.
• Positioning a small corner electric fireplace is as easily possible as installing a free-standing unit in the middle of the room.
• By far their biggest advantage is however the separation of the visual “flames” effect from the heating function. Both can be turned on and off independently, for example to use only the visual aspects during hot summer months or to ward off a chill in a dark bedroom with the electric fireplace heater.

Read our article on the best electric fireplaces available today

With all these advantages, it must be remembered that an electric fireplace is, in fact, not a real burning fireplace. Being dependent on electricity, it cannot be used during a power outage. Also, the heater alone is -like all electric heaters- less efficient than a comparable unit running on gas or wood.

Conclusion

In summary, electric fireplaces have become more and more attractive over the last years. While they cannot replace a real gas or wood-burning fireplace, they have many interesting features to offer, especially for buyers on a tight budget or for those whose housing situation does not allow for a fireplace using real flames. In any case, the information provided above should help prospective buyers to make an informed decision and get the most out of their new fireplace.

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Spice Up Your Patio with an Outdoor Patio Heater

In today’s developing world, people are also looking for ways to expand what they have. They are expanding and enhancing their living space, no longer sticking to the constraints proffered by walls. Independent houses with patios and a yard have maximum scope of usability. It does not matter if you have a small home, for you can now extend it outdoors on to the patio.

A Patio Makes the Outdoors More Accessible

A patio not only allows one to have the benefit of the outdoors in summers, but also provides more space for entertaining guests. The open air surrounding provides a unique ambience with swaying trees and moon and stars in the night sky for company.

As your patio develops into a living space, it transforms from a morbid wooden or brick structure into a warm, lively and inviting place. It is no longer a place with just a few chairs and a table strewn around; instead it is now a carefully planned space as important as the rest of your house. Deciding the purpose of your patio is perhaps the most important step.

Plan your Patio to Maximize Use

You need to plan what you want your patio to look like, and how you want it to feel. You will need to decide upon the furniture, accessories and lighting you are going to use to brighten the place up. You can add a fire pit to give your patio an exclusive individuality. Fire pits are a classic addition often used to liven up patios. People love the warm glow and the crackling of fire, especially in chilly weather.

Heat your Patio to Allow Prolonged Use

Traditionally, fireplaces have been indoor additions. They cheer up any room, bringing a pleasant and romantic touch much needed in any home. However, nowadays, fireplaces are also being used outdoors as they add class to an otherwise dull and drab home exterior. They create a cozy niche and an inviting atmosphere, thus enlivening the patio and yard.

A fire pit can look amazing while providing great heat.

Adding a fire pit (see our best fire pit reviews) in the patio gives your home an extension, which flows outwards from the indoors. It is a beautiful concept that works like magic in enhancing the look and feel of the patio. However, installing a fireplace takes time and money, but the cost is worth every cent you pay for it.

You could add a fireplace to your patio, if you are looking to make it look new. Patio fireplaces are available in just about any size and shape. The earliest patio fireplaces comprised an outdoor brick barbeque and a chimney. They slowly evolved into modern day freestanding fireplaces. Today, there are several fireplace styles awaiting your consideration.

The most popular patio fireplaces are those made of pottery chimenea, cast iron and powder coated steel. However, there are a number of patio heater models that have the advantages of a chiminea or fireplace but a much simpler more portable design.

These patio heaters are striking and compact, designed to sustain a slow burning fire while protecting it from the elements. Traditional brick fireplaces, which must be permanently affixed, are also widely in use.

Common styles of patio fireplaces include the pit style fireplace and the open fire bowl design. Apart from the materials mentioned, fireplaces can also be made of wrought iron or stainless steel. You have a vast choice to select a fireplace that would best suit your patio.

Consider Installation Issues

Incorporating a fireplace outdoors is not always easy. It requires careful planning for if not done right, it will end up looking like a glorified grill. The style of the area in which the fireplace is being placed is also an important factor to consider. Much like picking interior furniture, you must choose your patio fireplace according to the surrounding decor, making it complement it.

It goes without saying that each fireplace has a unique price, varying with size, design and material. Determine your budget before you venture out. Use your budget limitations to narrow down the options, and pick the fireplace best suiting your needs.

There is another low cost alternative suiting people with a low budget. You can design and build your own fireplace with the help of a patio contractor. Also, vent less gel fireplaces, specially made for the patio, are now available. Apart from this, there is a wide range of patio products on the market, for the sole purpose of cheering up the outside of your house. Let your imagination run free while you revamp your patio.

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Warm Up the Winter Season with an Outdoor Fireplace

The freezing temperature, longer nights and less sunshine could surely bring the blues during the winter season. Wouldn’t it be nice if you can stay outside without getting cold? A number of homeowners tend to cover up their outdoors during the winter time in order to protect their garden and patio furniture from extreme weather.

But you could still enjoy and have fun in your backyard this season all you need is an outdoor fireplace that will keep you warm during a cold night.

Having a fireplace on your backyard is not only for decorative purposes. While it could enhance the look of the outdoors, it also provides heating and warmth even during winter.

Finding the right one for your home is easy because of the wide range of selection to choose from.

Outdoor fireplaces are becoming very popular right now and it will be best to know a little about it before making the purchase.

Here Are Some Factors To Consider When Buying An Outdoor Fireplace:

Would you want a permanent structure on your backyard or an option to remove it anytime? Just like having a swimming pool, it could be permanently constructed in the backyard or you could opt for a portable fireplace.

A ceramic wood burning fire pit is portable, but looks great too.

There are essentially two alternatives. Your could purchase a patio heater, or a fire pit. There are a number of options for both and both can be both effective heaters and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Check out our patio heater reviews article for the best patio heater, and out fire pit reviews article for what we consider to be the best fire pit.

Having said that, the use of bricks still provides a classic and traditional look that could enhance the appearance of your garden.

This type of material is also durable and could withstand the weather changes outdoors making it ideal for all seasons. Stone hearths are also widely used outdoors because they last longer. The advantage of having a fireplace permanently installed on the outdoors is that its design could complement the look of the entire backyard.

On the other hand, a portable fireplace is one that you can install and remove easily which means you could use it anytime, anywhere. Homeowners that often go to camping or individuals who rarely utilize the backyard usually prefer this type.

A patio heater allows you to enjoy the long summer evenings, great if you have no room for an outdoor fireplace.

Often made from light yet quality materials, removal and storage are also quite easy as it does not take up a lot of space. The good thing about it is that you can install it during the winter season then keep it away during summer or bring it to one of your camping trips.

If you have the budget and looking for the best kind of outdoor fireplace, consider getting one from a designer company that specializes in high end fireplaces made of limestone and other expensive materials. It normally has an intricate design pattern for an elegant look and highly functional.

An outdoor fireplace should not only provide your family with warmth during the winter, it should also add beauty to your backyard and at the same time increase the value of your home.

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Make Your Patio Fit for All Seasons

If you live in a part of the world with long and cold winters, chances are that months go by in which you don’t use your patio.

Ideally you want to optimise the usage of your outdoor space, and installing a patio heater can easily do this.

A patio heater is a type of heater that is built exclusively for use outdoors.

Traditionally only a luxury seen at restaurants, the popularity of patio heaters for personal use have grown over the last decade, as it literally provides you with the opportunity to have outdoor parties and BBQ’s throughout the year.

Deciding on a patio heater should not be too difficult a task and fact we have taken a close look at the best patio heater on the market. But not only traditional patio heaters.

We have also examined what might be the best outdoor fire pit for your patio, should a patio heater not be your preference. There is a range of designs available to suit your needs from a practical, financial as well as aesthetic perspective.

Here are some points to keep in mind when choosing a suitable patio heater:

• You can choose between a compact tabletop heater and a larger standalone patio heater. The easily transportable table-top version can warm up an area within an approximate 10 feet diameter, whereas the standalone patio heater has a longer reach of about 20 feet with less mobility.

• You also want to have your patio heater blend in and add style with the rest of your wood patio furniture design. Patio heaters generally are available in a stainless steel, copper or painted black finish.

• Also ensure that your patio heater has an electric starter. This has become a standard feature in patio heaters lately. From a safety perspective it’s important to have one, as it doesn’t require matches or an external light to start it up.

• On that note - safety is always crucial. Any heater you purchase should include a safety switch, concealed burner and flame control. With most of the recent models, these will be standard features, but it is worthwhile confirming it nevertheless.

• Finally, patio heaters are also available with different power sources. Gas patio heaters are generally more popular. You can also choose to purchase an electric heater, which can simply plug-in to an existing power outlet. Alternatively you can also opt for a solar model or a patio heater powered with natural gas.

Regardless of what type of patio heater you acquire, it is sure to open up additional avenues of pleasure and entertainment. Just imagine having a cup of a coffee on a chilly winter’s evening, surrounded by the cosy warmth of your heated outdoor patio.

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Six Tips on Using Your Fireplace Safely

When the weather turns cold, many homeowners choose to use their fireplaces as a way to stay warm. Unfortunately, there numerous incidents each year where the improper usage of a fireplace causes fires, injuries and other issues like carbon monoxide poisoning.

​These tips are focused on safe use of indoor fireplaces, but they might easily apply to the use of an outdoor fire pit, or a patio heater.

Following these six safety tips will help fireplace users, and most especially children, stay safe.

Use the Right Materials in the Fireplace

It is important to only use seasoned hardwoods in the fireplace, like maple and oak. Wood that is soft or moist can cause build-up in the chimney and result in a fire. Soot and unburnt products may line the chimney, vastly increasing the likelihood of a chimney fire. Chimney fires can produce almost explosive damage, they burn very hot and can do a huge amount of damage.

For more information on the dangers posed by chimney fires check out the Chimney Safety Institute of America.​

Never use plastic or cardboard in a fireplace. These substances create fire hazards and produce hazardous fumes and chemicals when burned. Do not use charcoal, gasoline and lighter fluid to start a fire. The use of these materials can trigger an explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Have the Chimney Inspected Annually

An annual chimney inspection is necessary to ensure the fireplace’s safe functioning. The inspection checks the chimney for leaks, cracks and debris. An inspection determines whether the fireplace is in working order, needs repairs or cleaning. If the chimney is coated with creosote and other debris, a chimney sweep can remove it. Gas fireplaces need to have their controls and burners vacuumed every year. It is recommended that heavily used fireplaces are inspected annually.

Do Not Forget to Open the Damper

Fireplaces need ventilation to work properly. Do not forget to open the damper. Having the damper open while the fire is burning prevents dangerous gases and smoke from filling the home. The damper should be open before the fire is lit. Close the damper when the ashes are cool. A damper that is closed too early may allow gases to enter the home.

Light Small Fires and Use a Fireplace Screen

While sitting by a roaring fire may seem appealing, large fires are harder to control. Try to keep the fire small and manageable. Small fires are much easier to handle. Never use a fireplace without a screen. These screens prevent any embers or logs from coming out of the fireplace.

Never Leave a Fireplace Unattended

We all know from our own childhood, children are attracted to fires. Having a screen or gate in front of the fireplace does not prevent any accidents from occurring. Fireplace screens can become incredibly hot within minutes. Children and pets may not always be aware either how hot they are, or how quickly they become hot.

Monitoring the fireplace prevents inquisitive children from becoming hurt. Do not allow fireplaces to burn overnight.

Periodically Check Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are the first line of defense should something go wrong with your fireplace. Every floor of the home needs a detector. They should be tested each month to make sure they work and the batteries need replacing every year.

Over the past couple of years the use of fireplaces has increased. They are good ways to heat a home efficiently and can provide a cozy atmosphere. However, fireplaces that are not used properly or maintained can present many dangers in the home. These tips will help homeowners enjoy their fireplaces in a safe way.

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