Fireplaces and Indoor Air Quality
If you have a fireplace in your homes, I’m sure it won’t be long before you will be using them to save money on your heating bill and perhaps to set the mood with your significant other. Either way, there are a few things you should know first about your fireplace and how they will affect your indoor air quality.
First, remember to turn off gas starters. Some fireplaces have a gas line running to them to help start the fire. It’s not uncommon to forget to turn off the gas line after the wood has started to burn, and this can lead to a surprisingly expensive heating bill!
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are both essential tools in controlling humidity problems. But as it relates to using your fireplace, a good humidifier can greatly reduce issues such as dry skin and the symptoms related to allergies and asthma. The fixtures and fittings in your home, such as hardwood floors, wood furniture, and musical instruments can also be severely and adversely affected by dry air.
Use ceiling fans to circulate that warm air coming from your fireplace and air vents. I’m sure you’ve noticed that little switch located on your ceiling fan, just switch it over so that the fan blades are pulling the air up towards the ceiling instead of the normal down flow of air.
And lastly, close off other rooms in your house. The show Mythbusters proved the theory that lighting a fire in the fireplace actually reduces the temperature in the other rooms of your home. Yes, it’s true. Lighting a fire can make the rest of your house colder! One way to save money on your heating bills this winter season is to close off the doors to other rooms of the house as much as possible when burning a fire in the room where you will spend the most time.
These are just a few tips that will hopefully help you out this winter. Remember, if you have any questions at all about your indoor air quality or any heating questions in general, just give Climatic a call!
