Fireplaces Are a Great Option During a Power Outage

Fireplaces for Power Outages

Cozy Fireplace WisconsinWinter storms mean bad weather in many parts of the country. And, that often entails power outages for millions of homeowners. If you live in an area that experiences severe winters and rely on electric heating, you may find yourself freezing in your own home. The good news is that you can still generate sufficient heat and stay cozy during a power outage. Wood-burning and gas fireplaces & stoves are not only safe, but are excellent sources of heating when you are without power. As long you’re prepared, your family won’t feel like icicles when the temperatures dip below freezing.

One primary concern many homeowners have is whether a fireplace is safe to use during a power outage. What you need to know is that fireplaces are a safe and effective heating option when there is no electricity. In fact, fireplaces and stoves have been around for hundreds of years, long before the days of electricity and central heating.

Wood Burning Fireplaces & Stoves

As long as your chimney is clean and unobstructed, your fireplace and stove are safe for use. To ensure that you’re prepared to use your wood-burning or gas fireplace safely in the winter, schedule an inspection and cleaning with a certified chimney sweep. Also, it’s a good idea to test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before old man winter arrives. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that may be very deadly. Ensuring your CO detectors are in working order will help keep your family safe when you are using the fireplace. Finally, use high quality hardwoods that have been seasoned for at least 6 months. These hardwoods have a lower moisture content and will produce more heat with less smoke. And, remember never leave a wood-burning fireplace unattended. Be sure to extinguish the flames before you leave the house or go to bed.

Gas Fireplaces & StovesWisconsin

As a homeowner, you can’t predict when a power outage will occur or how long it will take to repair. It may even take two to three days or longer to restore power to your community. But as long as your standing pilot is present in your gas fireplace or stove, you won’t need electricity to activate the pilot flame. Use the owner’s manual for your particular model to learn how you to manually light the pilot light. Also, some gas fireplaces have electronic ignition systems with a battery backup to assist in lighting the flame during a power outage. If you are unsure how to activate the pilot light for your gas fireplace or stove, give us a call and one of our trained technicians will be happy to assist you.

Fireplace Inserts

Fireplace inserts are a quick, easy and affordable way to upgrade any traditional masonry fireplace that can be used during a power failure. In fact, a fireplace insert can even be used to convert from a wood-burning to the convenience of a gas-fueled fireplace. We carry a variety of attractive designs for every room of the home. Our direct-vent and vent free models can be installed in homes that were built without a traditional fireplace.

For more tips on using your fireplace and stove during a power failure and to schedule an annual chimney inspection, call or stop by Burlington Fireplace & Solar today!

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