When we’re out repairing a customer’s gas fireplace, logs, or insert, we’re often asked if it’s worth repairing the unit, or if it would be best to just replace the entire thing. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, but here are some factors to consider: The first question to ask your service tech: is…
Our “What to Expect” series explores some of the factors to consider when you’re purchasing a new wood or gas appliance. Previously: gas fireplaces So you’ve decided that a wood stove is right for you! Congratulations on your choice of such an environmentally-friendly heat source; Wooden Sun carries a variety of high-efficiency, low-emission stoves that…
So you’re interested in a gas fireplace! First off, let’s make sure we’re on the same page by defining just what a fireplace is. This post deals with gas fireplaces, which can be installed on combustible surfaces and framed with wood studs and drywall for ease of construction. Finishing options are unlimited, and can be…
We’ve previously discussed several reasons why awnings are a good choice for your home, and how best to take care of them, but when it comes to the products themselves, the options can be a bit overwhelming. In this post, we’d like to offer a brief overview of different types of awnings, canopies, and shades…
Every fireplace season, we get calls from homeowners reporting that they can’t get their wood fireplace burning right, or that smoke spills back out into their house when the fire is going. So let’s take a look at what goes into your fireplace system, and what might be interfering with it: Draft is the force…
Whether you’re comparing wood or gas appliances, you’ll see an efficiency rating listed in the product information. Between uncertain fuel costs and increasingly strict air quality regulations, more and more consumers are looking for the most efficient heaters they can find. But what do efficiency ratings actually mean? How are they measured? The bad news…
Running your central heating all winter can get expensive, as well as putting a great deal of pressure on your heat pump. Why waste money heating unoccupied space? Zone heating is the practice of using a heating appliance to heat only a few rooms at a time while keeping the rest of your house fairly…
So you’ve looked at your options, and are trying to decide on a wood stove. One important choice to make is whether to purchase a catalytic or non-catalytic stove. Which one is the best option for you? Each comes with advantages and disadvantages; there’s no “best” stove, only the best option for you and your…
It’s true that an awning keeps your house cool and lowers your heating bills, but maybe you don’t want to shade your yard or garden. Or perhaps you enjoy the look of your interior blinds or curtains, but want to be able to open your windows without the wind blowing your window treatments around. Available…
Often, the sunny patio or deck that’s so perfect for during the fall and spring gets so hot during the summer that it’s impossible to enjoy. An awning or canopy provides a cool, shaded area, perfect for children & pets, and the ideal place to enjoy a summer barbecue. A retractable awning extends your home’s…