One of the main reasons people use fireplaces is to warm their homes. A fire in a fireplace can be extremely effective in warming a room by sending out heated rays of flame that radiate from the fire and into the surrounding space.
The heat from the flames radiated into the room is a great source of warmth and can be a relaxing way to unwind after a long day at work or school. The only problem is that when a fire burns out the chimney can draw in the cold air from outside and suck out some of the heat from the house, making it chilly for everyone inside.
If you have a wood burning fireplace, one of the best ways to keep your home warm and comfortable is to create an insulated, well-constructed firebox. This means leaving an ash bed that's at least an inch thick. It also means using a good kindling material, such as newspaper balls or other tinder, to help start the fire.
In addition, you can reduce your fuel consumption by installing a top-sealing damper and keeping your damper closed after the flames die out. In extreme weather, this can help minimize the amount of heat lost from the chimney and keep your house warmer for longer periods.
Alternatively, you could try an electronic firelighter to light your stack in cold weather. These appliances are designed to blow super-heated air at logs, which can assist in pre-heating the flue and chimney as well.
