Monday 12 September 2011

The Benefits of Wood Heat

Despite the fact that many people are turning to natural gas and electric fireplaces to heat their homes, there are many benefits to good old fashioned wood heat that should not be overlooked. The beauty and ambience created by a fire burning behind clear glass doors as well as the special kind of warmth given off by a woodstove located in the main living area are just two; wood heat offers cost savings, has a low environmental impact, provides free exercise and gives you a sense of security.

COST SAVINGS
Overtime there is definitely a cost savings in your utility budget by using wood particularity if you are able to source an inexpensive or free wood supply. If you live in a rural area where wood is plentiful you may want to consider this form of heat.

LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Wood is a renewable resource with low emissions when burnt correctly and can lower your environmental impact.

EXERCISE
Wood heat is not for armchair enthusiasts, this type of heat requires you to play an active role in loading, unloading, stacking, cutting & splitting. For those unafraid of physical labour, it can be a better workout than a paid gym membership saving you even more money in the long run.

SECURITY
The biggest benefit of wood heat, in my opinion, is the security of knowing that you will remain comfortable in your home during electrical-power interruptions. Parts of Canada are subject to some pretty harsh winters where ice storms, accidents and other occurrences can knock out power for an indefinite period of time. Even if wood is not your primary source of heat, it is smart to at least have a wood burning stove as a back up source of heat in case of an emergency.

Regency offers a large selection of wood burning stoves, fireplaces and inserts to suit your needs. To find a Regency dealer near you, visit us at www.mtlmarketing.com

Friday 2 September 2011

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fireplace for your Home

With so many outdoor fireplaces to choose from, the task of finding the right one for your home can be a little daunting. Here are three questions to answer which may make to your decision easier

Do you prefer wood, propane or natural gas?

     Since owning a wood fireplace requires buying or chopping firewood, storing it and then making a fire with it then cleaning up the soot and ashes, most people don’t have the patience for an old fashioned fireplace. Rather they prefer an outdoor natural gas fireplace. Not only so they make a wonderful backyard accessory with their modern and sleek designs, their warm, long lasting flame with less sparks and smoke offers a completely hassle-free outdoor fire experience. A natural gas fireplace isn’t that different from a propane gas fireplace other than the fact that natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel releasing less pollutant into the air and it doesn’t affect the taste of food cooked on it like propane sometimes does. But if you already have a wood burning fireplace, don’t fret; it can be converted into a natural gas fireplace with the help of an insert.

Would you like it to be multifunctional? 
     Many of the new outdoor fireplaces also serve as functional outdoor tables. Regency and Springline both offer a line of fashionable and functional table-style fire pits that will transform your backyard into the perfect sitting area or outdoor dining room.




Do you prefer a more traditional looking fire or something more modern?


     While some people like the look of a log-burning fire, others prefer the ultra modern look of glass or pebbles. Whatever your preferences, there are plenty of fireplaces to suit your tastes. Urban Fire builds a lovely line of stainless steel outdoor fire pits that come in your choice of colored glass while Grand Firepit manufactures amazingly realistic looking ceramic log fire pits.

     No matter what style you choose one thing is certain: an outdoor fireplace will enhance your backyard and create a relaxing ambiance for you to enjoy on those beautiful summer nights. For more information on outdoor fireplaces check out our website at www.mtlmarketingcorp.com