How to Make Your Fireplace More Energy Efficient

With the cost of energy on the rise everyone is looking for ways to become more energy efficient when it comes to heating and cooling their homes. Families are doing many different things to achieve this goal. They are installing modern HVAC systems, they are upgrading their current system, and many people are installing wood stoves and fireplaces so they can burn wood. These are all great ideas, but did you know that if you have a fireplace you can increase it's efficiency as well. This article will cover several different methods of making your current fireplace more efficient.

How Your Fireplace Works

The first step to making your fireplace more efficient is to understand how it works. As we all know a fire requires oxygen to burn, it gets this oxygen from air. While your fireplace is burning wood two other basic principles are in effect. The first principle is that hot air rises, this means that you lose some of your heat up the chimney. The second principle is that cold air drops. This means that there is a constant flow of cold air coming down the chimney into your home. To make your fireplace more efficient you must reduce the effects of these natural processes.

Glass Doors

The first solution is to install a set of heavy glass doors in front of your fireplace. There are many different types of doors on the market, and they are reasonably priced making this fix one of the fastest and least expensive options. Fireplace doors are designed with small vents in the bottom that will give your fireplace an adequate supply of oxygen so it can burn. Glass doors also keep you from losing warm air from your home up the chimney. They also help to prevent cold air coming down the chimney from entering your home. Another benefit of glass doors is that many of them are ornate and beautiful which will add to the overall look of your fireplace and the room where it is located.

Fireplace Inserts

Installing a fireplace insert may be the best way to make your fireplace more efficient. While adding an insert will cost a little more, you will find that your home is warmer and that you burn less wood. A fireplace insert is much the same as a wood stove only it fits inside of your existing fireplace. You will have a liner installed in your chimney that will be connected to your insert. What makes and insert so energy efficient is that it is tightly sealed. You will not lose warm air up the chimney because the insert is tightly sealed with a heavy door on the front. This tight seal will not allow cold air into your home. Another factor is the liner, it is also tightly sealed so less cold air comes down the chimney in the first place.

Other Possible Options

Another option that is less expensive than the first two options is to line the back of your fireplace with sheet metal. This will act as a reflector and reflect more warm air into your home. If your fireplace is older check your damper. Over time dampers lose some of their ability to seal properly. If your damper is not sealing properly then replace it, this can make a big difference in the efficiency of your fireplace.

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Getting Supplies for Your Weapons Online

Using your firearms safely and effectively calls for you to have the right supplies for it on hand. When you want to have everything you need to shoot, you may want to look beyond the inventory of your local outdoor and hunting stores. You can find ammunition, magazines, AK 47 accessories, firearms, and more for sale when you shop online. You can also find out what your state's laws are regarding online weapon purchases when you visit the website.


Accessories for Safety and Ease of Use

A big part of being able to shoot safely and effectively involves being able to maintain a solid grip on your weapon. If the handle slips in your hand or your magazines fall out while firing, you could end up hurting you or someone else.

Rather than worry about each time you use your firearm, you can shop online for accessories like holsters, grips, stocks, and more. These items will let you maintain a solid hold on your gun while you fire. They also let you safely carry your weapon in public without the worry of dropping it or having someone knock into you and accidentally discharge it.


Cleaning Kits and More

After you use your weapon, you must clean it so that it fires effectively the next time you plan on carrying it with you. You do not want to risk your gun jamming or backfiring on you. You can keep your gun clean and polished by buying a cleaning kit on the website. The kit has everything you need to clean both the inside and outside of the gun. It also contains instructions on how to use it properly.

When you want to learn how to use your gun more effectively, you may be interested in reading books about your particular gun or about owning weapons in general. The website has a variety of books related to these and other gun ownership topics. You can add this literature to your other weapon and accessories purchase.

Along with gun-related items, you can also find outdoor gear for sale online. For example, if you worry about surviving in the elements, you can buy a survival box that comes with all of the items you need to stay safe and well until you are found.


You must be safe while carrying a gun. You can buy supplies, accessories, and more online today.

Emergency Preparedness Tips For Winter Storms

When you want to make sure that you are ready for harsh winter conditions, you'll find that there are a few things that you need keep in mind. Being unprepared for winter weather can result in everything from severe injuries to sickness, even to death, and if you want to make sure that you and your family are going to be okay, remember that you should prepare as thoroughly as possible.
 
Your Home
Your home is going to be the first thing that you need to look at. You and your family might be trapped there for days or even weeks if the storms are very bad, so make sure that you have all of the essentials that you need. How well are you currently prepared and what can you do to really be safe? The things that you need are very simple, but unless you take them into account, you may suffer in the time that it takes for rescue to come.
First, do you have a heat source? Even if your furnace is running fine, remember that you should setup a backup heating source on top of it. Space heaters are one way to deal with it, as is keeping enough wood around for your fireplace. Also make sure that you have a good method to create the fire if necessary.
Also make sure that all your pipes are insulated. In the case of a sudden temperature drop, you may find that the water in the pipe expands. This can cause the pipe to burst, but it can also stop up your water supply.
Know what you are going to do if a fire breaks out. Are your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in working order? Does everyone know how to use them? You'll find that good fire safety precautions are essential when you want to make sure that your family stays safe.
Is there enough food, water and medicine in your winter storm emergency backpack? What first aid supplies do you have at your disposal? You may need to get by for a few days without being able to get to the store.
Make sure that you keep at least one cell phone with two charged batteries on hand in case your telephone service shuts down. This can help you call for emergency assistance should the need arise.

The Essentials
When you have the above taken care of, you'll find that you are in pretty good shape for winter storm preparedness. Also make sure that you consider the following. They are also quite important and can be found in a number of different ways.
When you have important objects like flashlights, radios and weather radios, also make sure that you have the new batteries that go along with it. Test both items and batteries regularly to make sure that they still work.
Blankets are another thing that you need to think about. Winter storms are cold, and making sure that everyone has at least two to three blankets is important. This can keep everyone comfortable if the heat is interrupted.
What do you have that will help you remove snow, ice and sleet? Windshield scrapers, hoes, brooms and even shovels should be kept where you can reach them.Make sure that you keep things like rock salt, road salt and sand on hand to break through frozen surfaces. It is important to keep these items handy as well.
If you are worried about getting help, look into emergency flares and other types of lighting.

Conclusion
Remember that survival is your primary goal in the event of a winter storm situation. Make sure that your home is ready for everything the weather can throw at it, and that you and your family can survive for as long as it takes. The steps above can help improve your chances for survival by a wide margin.

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