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…
As part of our overview of various shade products, we briefly mentioned outdoor rooms, and the retractable shading options available to create them. These semi-permanent outdoor rooms are, however, a relatively new trend in the American market, so let’s take a more in-depth look at these shading solutions, ranked from least to most complex. The…
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…
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…
Spring has finally sprung. Time to get out in the garden, give everything a good spring cleaning, and think about how to best use your outdoor space this season. Is this the year for that patio, outdoor kitchen, or landscaping project you’ve been considering? Whether you’re looking for a small patio, a new outdoor kitchen,…
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…
I can’t believe it’s August already! We’ll be having Labor Day cookouts soon, and then, before you know it, it’ll be fireplace season. Winter happens every year, but it somehow always manages to sneak up on most of us. With that in mind, here’s a brief “fireplace checklist” to help you make sure you’re ready…