My electric fireplace keeps blowing the fuse box?

best rated electric fireplace heater image

tundra2000

It's a charmglow electric fireplace that heats up to 1500 sq ft, the problem is when i plug it in my basement or garage and it will run for about 5-10 min then it blows the fuse or circuit in the basement or garage. why is it doing this? I would like to be able to use it this winter.
When i first bought it, it worked fine anywhere in the house, but how would i go about hardwiring it into the circuit?

Answer
You are probably exceeding the wattage rating for the plug or circuit
that the plug is tied into.My suggestion, find it a permanent home.
Now hardwire it into a circuit all it's own. Make sure the wattage
and the amperage drawn are within the specifications of the
circuit breaker.Now if you are looking for a heater you can move around
consider one of the family safe electric heaters designed for this
kind of service.

What is the most inexpensive way to heat your home?

Arua

Currently I have GAS heating (Forced AIr) and it is very expensive. I do have a woodburning fireplace but only use it in the evenings when I am home. If the wood would last in there all day it would be fine.

I would like to eliminate the need for GAS heating this winter. I am considering electric space heaters, radiant space heaters, etc. I wonder if the costs of that could be less than with natural gas.

I would leave the temperate in the home at about 70 *F

I live in North East Ohio and the winter temps get to be in the 20's F, sometimes less.

If anyone has any suggestions, please!

Answer
The first (and most cost-effective) way is to do a top-to-bottom evaluation of your home insulation.

Air drafts:
Look for drafts along widows, doors, outlets.
Use smoke (either with a cigarette or a blown-out match) along those areas to see if wind is blowing in.
Every little crack and crevasse that you fill with insulation or caulk, every window that can be double-paned, every crack around electrical outlets that can be filled in, every door that can be skirted will help keep the heat in.

Roof:
Make sure you have the highest rated "R" factor of insulation in your attic. Also make sure you have proper venting in your roof.

Floor:
If you have a crawl space, place covers over the vents.

Do a temperature check in each room and determine which is cooler, which is hotter.
Then consider which rooms you can close off the heat vents and shut the doors during the night.

Now - I do not know what the gas versus electric ratio is in your city, but here in Oklahoma, it is less expensive to heat with gas.
However, I have used some of these oil-filled electric radiators and I must say that they are very efficient and work very well.

Lastly, check with your utility company - they might offer free evaluations to help you improve your energy efficiency.

Too bad we' can't have some of that cold air right now!
We're burning up here in hell...um, Oklahoma!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

In UK is it legal to burn ANYTHING you like in your own fireplace?

best electric fireplaces uk image

Honey W

Someone in my neighbourhood is using what I believe is un-seasoned wood.
It smells smokey, like cigarettes.

They were burning it evey day, but it stopped and I thought that maybe they were using garden waste and now it was all gone, but yesterday it stated again, from the afternoon until 1:30 this morning.

It's bound to start again later. I have to use the electric fan to get releif from it, but I don't want to spend chilly winter days like that.

The trouble is, I suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and so anything like this effects me more that it does other people, but all the same, there's talk about banning smoking it public places, so surely it can't be legal to burn smokey wood constantly like this?

I don't know which home it's coming from. Is there anything that can be done?

Answer
it depends where you live. smoke control zones were introduced in 1956 after the pea souper smogs that killed so many people. if you live in a town it is likely that they should not be burning anything that produces excessive amounts of smoke. this site will explain the law.
http://www.smfrancis.demon.co.uk/airwolvs/21control.html

Is it more economical to have the central heating or the gas fire on?

Ruby

Also, should i turn off the radiators in the rooms i dont use as much?
What temperature (degrees C) is the ideal temp to set it at?

Answer
Neither. :-) I don't know how electricity vs. gas breaks down in the UK, but in the US it's comparable. A gas fireplace has the same problem ALL fireplaces do, the heat goes up the flue. They're pretty, but inefficient as can be.

Plus burning gas puts a lot of humidity in the air, so you're adding cold dampness to the whole house.

You're best setting the central heating to a low number like 60 or 62 to keep the house livable, and using electric space heaters in the rooms you actually occupy.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Best way to heat my house?

electric fireplaces under 300 image

Meagan P

As the cold came so Quickly this year i was forced to put my heaters on early, my house is 100% electric, during the winter months our electric is averaging $500/ month during the cold months. $225/mo during spring and fall when no home heating or cooling is needed and about $300/mo during the summer with Energy star window AC's on. My house is about 30 years old with poor ventilation, crappy doors but Good new widows and roof. The heaters are probably as old as the house too. We rent so any major home improvement is out of the Question, I have been thinking about purchasing a fireplace to help take some of the Burden of the electric bill, but im wondering would it even make a difference? i could use the fireplace to heat about 1/2 of my house (kitchen and living room, hallway and bathroom) and use the baseboard heaters for the rest the house (the 3 bedrooms) so i guess my question(s) would be:
Would a portable Fireplace help or hurt the electric bill?
What kind of Fireplace would be better?
i know electric and Propane would be basically my only options since i don't have natural Gas hookup and no chimney for wood burning.

And we are only 9mo into a 2 year lease breaking the lease would cost us upward of 5k so moving is not an option either (looked into it already)
or is there some kind of other fireplace that would heat my home? i see alot about Gel Fireplaces but cant find much info on them

Answer
Has this house got any insulation in the ceilings at all? Our other home was built in 1974 and was total electric. We never had any heat bills in the years we lived there that were as high as yours seem to be. We had a heat bill of just over $200 one time after 20 days of temperatures that never went above freezing during the day! We had 220 volt baseboard heat too. We used a 23,000 btu kerosene heater on occasion when the power was off, that heated the whole house. We had about 1,500 square feet. Unless there is a basement or crawl space under this house, natural gas or propane aren't an option because you need a furnace with duct work to each room to carry the heated air. There are some natural gas and propane radiant heaters that can be hung on outside walls. You'd have to check the fire code on these. An outside wall location may not heat the space required. the landlord would have to be involved with this because holes are required in the outside wall to run the gas line through. I hesitate too suggest a kerosene heater because they can cause a house fire if not used properly! Ask your landlord about the attic insulation. Is there any at all? How many inches? If insufficient attic insulation, would he have more put in? Make sure you turn the heat down to about 55 degrees in rooms not used during the day. Turn the heat up to 68 degrees when the rooms are occupied. Make sure the baseboard heaters are free of dust so they're more efficient. I would suggest that if you have a friend who's an electrician, that they check this house to see if there's a problem with the electric circuit. The month electric bills sound way to high for these modern times! Also, check to make sure the electric company is charging you the correct kilowatt per hour rate. You should have a different ( lower ) rate for a totally electric home. Hope you find an answer for these high electric bills.

How much gas should a gas fired hot water heater use?

danrice126

I know that this is dependent on a number of factors. I've never had a gas heater before, so I'm new to this whole system, but I'm wondering if it's possible that I have a leak. My wife and I are living by ourselves in a house with a gas hot water heater. Ordinarily, we use about 15-20 bucks worth of gas, last month our bill shot up to $88, then to $150+ (this was about 143 CFM of gas), just for the gas portion of our bill. We live in the south, where it has been unseasonably cold, but I'm wondering if this is likely or if I should start looking for a gas leak?

Our last bill showed 143 CFM of gas used. We have a hot tub heater (which we don't use) a fireplace (on gas which we don't use), and neither of them has been turned on since our last reading a week ago. In that one week, our hotwater heater (the only thing on gas) has used 21 CFM. Temperature at night has been around 40. It is just my wife and living here.

It is an older unit with a 40 gallon tank a recovery of 33.6 gallons/hour and a 10,000 BTU rating. The ignition area has not recently been cleaned. Does this sound like something that is "normal" usage of gas under these conditions even if we have it set at 140 degrees (I don't know if we do or not, I'm just trying to pick and upper limit). I spoke with someone who lives nearby who heats their house, does laundry and heats water with gas and their whole bill was 1/2 of mine. I understand house sizes differ, drying is extra, but we have neither of those (heat and dry with electric) and we don't shower excessively. Is this obscene raise in gas usage due to us just needing a more efficient water heater? The cold spell? A faulty meter?

Any insight on this would be appreciated. As I said, I'm new to gas, and I want to make sure we're not using a lot of gas for no reason if it can be avoided.

thanks!
Thanks for the tips. I'm not sure if it's really 140. My wife and I moved into the house fairly recently, and we have not adjusted the settings. I just guessed at that as what I thought the typical setting was.
I have also looked at the meter. It is not constantly running, so it's unlikely that it's a leak (and I had the gas company check it to be safe). However, it's gone up about 20 CFM since last week when it was read last, and the meter appears to be accurate to that respect.

I don't know who gave the guy a thumbs down, but that seemed to make some sense (I can't rate as I'm not level 2...whatever that is.)

I timed my usage, then I realized the main issue is that I'm an idiot. I thought my heat was electric...turns out it's gas, thus the cost. Guess I should get the system checked, but I'm sure that's the issue.

Answer
I find it difficult to believe that you usually only use $15 - $20 worth of gas, per month, if you have a gas water heater and use a normal amount of hot water. First thing you need to do, if you do, indeed have it turned up to 140 degrees, is turn it down to around 125 - 130 at the highest. 140 degree water can and will produce 3rd degree burns in a very short time on exposed skin, small children and elderly folks are most suseptible to this. The age of the heater only makes a difference in that the newer models are insulated better than older ones. This can make some difference, but it would be negligible unless the heater were setting in an unheated room that was exposed to the outside temps. The burners in the new models burn about the same as the burner in the older units. Fire burns the same from one decade to the next, and burners haven't changed much. I have an electric water heater and a gas range and furnace, and in the winter months, my gas bill shoots up to over $300 for several months till it starts warming up again. I would think that your increased useage would most likely be attributable to the same thing, the season and the weather conditions.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the best all around electric fireplace to buy? (realistic, money...)?

best electric fireplaces to buy image

jheil21

I wanna purchase a electric fireplace for a bedroom. I want it to look realistic and have lots of options. Low flame, high flame, heat on, heat off
Can I build a mantle around an insert?
Any info would be great!
Thanks!!

Answer
You can comparison shop and read reviews on this site.
http://www.nextag.com/electric-fireplace/search-html

how can I tell if an electric fireplace is really safe before I purchase it?

mrvnhs

I need to buy an electric fireplace but not really sure about how trully safe they are, as in do some models catch on fire (etc.) Maybe someone out there has had some experience with a particular unit and can tell me.

Answer
look for a tag stating that it has been tested by an
independent testing laboratory,
UL approved,

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Wood vs. gas fireplaces...?

electric fireplaces pros and cons image

momathomew

What are the pros and cons of EACH? We are moving into a house that has an older gas fireplace. Our inspector says he personally likes wood and we should convert it back. My husband also likes wood and thinks the point of a fireplace is to save on gas/electric bills. I agree with that, but I'd like to know the good and the bad about both gas and wood.
Thanks

Answer
I have a wood burning fireplace. My original thoughts were that I would go with wood burning because I wanted to use it to save money rather than lose money due to gas. The place that built my house put in a radiant wood burning fireplace. I've found out a few things since then. I'll list some of the options regarding fireplaces and pro's/cons.

Radiant Woodburning:
- Pros: best as far as appearance - real fire and easily visible
- Cons: lets cold air in during winter when not in use and can make the room smell a little, have some mess to clean up when you bring in the logs, can be a little hard to start, doesn't heat the room well

Woodburning with Blower:
- Pros: best for saving money if you have firewood available and does a great job of heating the room
- Cons: can't see the fire as well, it's encased by a metal door with glass in it due to the blower

Radiant Gas:
- Pros: easy to start, easy to see, no firewood mess, no smell, easy to view
- Cons: not real wood, expensive to heat with, doesn't heat the room well

Ventless Gas:
- Pros: very easy to start (just flick a switch), no firewood mess, no smell, very good at heating room, easy to view
- Cons: somewhat expensive to heat with but much more efficient than a radiant fireplace, glass door isn't meant to be opened often

If it was me, I'd either go with a wood fireplace that has a blower or a ventless gas fireplace.

Oh yeah, a few little notes if you get a wood fireplace, especially a radiant one. After you open the chimney flu and before you get ready to start the fire in the fireplace, I recommend opening an exterior door or window, especially if you have a well insulated home. If you don't the difference in air pressure between outside and inside your house can draw smoke into the room even with the flu vent open. Keep the window or door open until the fire gets going. After the heat from the starts going up the chimney and creates an air draft up the chimney then you can close the door or window without the worry of smoke filling the room. Also, it's good to leave a few ashes in the fireplace. The ashes are what hold the heat. And lastly, make sure to leave air void under your logs and some in between them. The air void allows oxygen to get to the fire when you are starting it and allows the fire to start easier.

Is an electric fireplace more efficient than a gas fireplace?

Maddogmc

I'm asking those who've experienced both.

A gas fireplace requires an outside vent through which toxic fumes escape, however you also lose a lot of heat through that same vent. And when your fireplace is off, cold air comes in through the vent

An electric fireplace does not require a vent, therefore you retain 100% of the heat.

Any more pros and cons? How about costs? I ran my gas fireplace for one week this month (at night), and my gas bill jumped by $30. Would running an electric fireplace at night for one week cost $30 of electricity?
Most electric fireplaces heat up to 400 sq. ft, so that's what I'm referring to. They sell at Canadian Tire for $199 and up depending on the detail work of the attached mantle. Frankly I'd rather just rip out my gas insert and replace it with an electric insert... but electric inserts are much smaller, so there'd be some re-framing and tiling work to do as well... but anyway, that's another story.

Answer
i can't give the exact number as i have no idea what one you are looking at and how much you intend to run it, but if you run it the same amount of the gas it will be cheaper

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Any one out there ever buy an electric fireplace?

electric fireplaces in bathrooms image

Atsa me At

for your home? Not an insert. Which did you buy? I would like to get one that has a large open face so I can see more of the flame..a no headache one...seems everything you buy anymore, if you don't know the correct questions to ask the sellers, they don't go out of their way to warn you of potential problems/hazards, well of course not they want to sell their items...thank you.

Answer
I wouldnt buy an electric if your looking for heat. They are stictly for looks. Sales guys will tell you "OH and it does 3000 or 5000 BTU" If you have a $30 space heater from Target that sits under your kitchen table, then you know how much heat that is. That will heat your bathroom after some time and thats it. All they put in them is a cheap little space heater. If your looking for something large to view Lennox makes the best one on the market but they charge for it. You will spend $2-3000 just for the fireplace and with 220v it will do 10,000BTU with 110v it just does 5000btu. But at that price I would just go for gas or wood, because you still have to purchase a full surround mantel. It def. looks the best out of all though because it doesnt use just standard lights. Other wise all the other brand are just cheap little boxes with lights in them with a 20 dollar space heater. Heat Surge claims to be Amish, but when purchased look on the back and you will see MADE IN CHINA, it's all chip board, Amish don't use chip board, so if the sticker is missing thats proof rite there.
I just recommend pick the one you think look the best, just don't plan on purchasing it for heat. And I would not leave the heater on for long times. Leaving just the fireplace on is just a 60W. bulb but with the heater at the same time you have about 1500w an hour

how much does it cost to have an electriction check the labels on the breakers in my house?

The Philos

the breakers in my basement are labeled wrong and are confusing how much will it cost to have an electrition see which breakers control what electric outlet or appliance?

Answer
You could probably do this yourself. I did when I purchased my last home. I simply turned on lights in every room, went down stairs and flipped one switch then checked which outlets and lights went out.
Before hiring anyone, I shop around for best price and try to get a feel for the company. Then I ask myself-what would it cost if I didn't have the work done? I once put off getting a new roof that I thought would last me one more winter...now I have a brand new fireplace, chimney, living room, bathroom wall, kitchen ceiling and roof :- /

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Ways to take away the smell of smoke other than incense?

electric fireplaces sale image

Ramen Ever

I burn incense in my room because it's the only thing I could find that would keep it from smelling like an ashtray. The problem is they give me a screaming headache. I love the way they smell but I can't go into my room without my head hurting. Sprays and candles don't work. Is there any other way I can kill the smell of smoke?

Yes, I know smoking is bad for me. If that's all you have to say please don't answer.

Answer
I'm surprised your parents aren't saying anything about this. Surely they're not unaware of this problem in your room. Of course, there are always tales of teenagers smoking in their rooms by hanging their heads out the window. You can also try dishes or cups filled with vinegar & some filled with baking soda. However, then you'd have the smell of the vinegar, plus it wouldn't really be enough, about the same as the candles.

There are electric ashtrays that you could try. I don't know how well they work. There are also e-cigarettes or something like that, which are supposed to be smoke free, only giving people the nicotine rush. They seem to be getting a lot of attention lately. They are probably far more expensive than regular cigarettes & subject to strong regulation of the sales.

Your only real choices are smoking outside or buying a really good air cleaner, which could cost you almost $200 + replacement of the filters. Hope you have lots of money. If you smoked in the rest of the house, & if it were only a few times a day, you might be able to smoke near the kitchen stove with the exhaust fan on, but I'm not sure if that's safe from blowing up near a gas stove or if it would completely work in hiding the smell. If you smoked in the bathroom with the exhaust fan on in there, you'd still have the smell in the towels & in the bathroom curtain & shower curtain. If you had a wood-burning fireplace, there are ways to set the flue when it's not in use & smoking with your head almost in the fireplace so that the smoke would go up the chimney. I'm not sure how well that would work in hiding it from your parents. They might smell it right away when walking into the house.

You would also need something over your head to keep your hair from smelling like smoke + wearing a smoking jacket to keep the smell off your clothes. Then you'd also need to brush your teeth every time you had a smoke, not a bad idea.

Of course, in advising a teenager about something that is illegal for the teenager, I hope I'm simply showing what a hassle that it is, & that none of these is really a very good solution. Otherwise, I would be in big trouble, wouldn't I?

What GREEN Product that you will install at home ?

Leona

I saw a article online regarding few of Green products that all family should install at home..
Solor Panel, Bidet4me bidet seats, water filter, etc.. so what other you recommend ?

Answer
Here are energy-saving steps that I've taken during the past six months:

- Replace 29-year-old conventional water heater with a tankless water heater
- Insulate attic (formaldehyde-free fiberglass)
- Replace most CFL bulbs with LED
- Added foam covers under light-switch and outlet covers
- Pop outlet plugs into little-used outlets
- Spray foam insulation around kitchen sink pipe opening
- Foam cover for exterior spigot (for garden hose)
- Replace most batteries with rechargeable ones
- Close heat / air vent in guest room when it is not in use
- Dust soffit vents (outside the house, under the overhang)
- Started making some green cleaning products for home and body (e.g. use 1 teaspoon soap, a few drops of essential oil and 1 cup of baking soda plus a little water to make a paste to be an effective bathroom cleaner, instead of bleach)
- Install electric fireplace (not sure if this will lower energy use -- gas central heating; seems like it would, but it's too early to tell)

On the to-do list:
- Caulk around window drafts
- Cover floor register grills
- Continue to upcycle old pieces from storage and estate sales. For example: My old metal drying rack had a bottom shelf that fell off and would have to be welded back on. I didn't use it, but it's pretty, so I'm going to hang it on my kitchen wall and tie my aprons to it for decorative storage.

PS - You sound like you work for Bidet4me. Didn't have a problem spelling "bidet," but you misspelled "solar"...

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Does anyone own an electric fireplace? How well do they put out heat?

electric fireplaces ontario canada image

lynn

Answer
I lived in a 4-bedroom house where there was an electric fireplace in the basement. Most of the winter, all I needed was the fireplace to warm up most of the upstairs! (and that's in Northeastern Ontario, Canada!!!)

Where can I get a replacement circuit board?

Steve

I am looking for a hef22 circuit board for an electric fireplace.Can anyone help with a phone #,website etc

Answer
CFM Home Products
2695 Meadowvale Blvd. ⢠Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 8A3
800-668-5323

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How to upgrade heat system in 35 yr old home? Electric heat cost is a killer. attic/cellar was insulated?

electric fireplace 35 image

git along

Would propane addition be good? switch completely to $ oil $ There are 2 fireplaces but do not want to get into wood stoves, because this was my inlaws house and i rent it out and don't want the tennants burning it down.. My husband was going to handle this but just died suddenly of cancer. I know I dont HAVE to upgrade, tennants pay for heat, but I can deduct cost of upgrade on taxes and make the house more attractive to potential tennants (winter heating costs top 800/month!) its about 2500 sq. feet.
ONE MORE THING since I still have 400 characters :-) What kind of caulk should I use (A)around outside doors and (B) around the bathtub surround? 2 different types? Thanks in advance, look for more queries in future!!
ps I live in Massachusetts, gets 80 to 90 in summer, as low as -20 below 0 in winter. gets quite cold!

Answer
Lot of questions here but let's see if this helps. Going with natural gas if you have opportunity is the best route. Oil is definitley not cheaper than eletric. If you live in a warmer climate you could try a heat pump however if you have heat pump you will still need to install an air handling unit for your air conditioner. If you go with propane or natural gas you could install a boiler system with radiant or in floor heat. We put in a boiler in a first home it was built in 1947 and we found that it was great because you never had cold spots in the house everything was toasty. But agin if you install a boiler you need an air handling unit for your a/c. You can use a water heater for in floor heat but it is not as efficent as a boiler. We also found that are utilites with the bioler were about 70% less than the gas furnace. I would suggest that you talk to a couple of heating contractors and tell them these are the items you are looking for and have them give you a quote and then compare the gas, propane, heat pump and boiler options and decide which is the economical for you.

Look at you windows and doors caulking is a could thing however, if they are really bad you may want to consider replacing them. I would you a silcone exterior caulk for the outside and inside arounf the windows and flexible paintable caulk.
For your tub surround They have caulk made for tubs and tiles. Make sure that it is waterproof and paintable.
Goof Luck.

What would the average utility bills for a one bedroom, one bath loft apartment be in zipcode 72204? ?

Jinx

I've been looking for a good site to calculate the estimated costs of the electricity, gas heating, and water bill on a one bedroom, one bath apartment in Little Rock, Arkansas. My boyfriend and I need an estimate before we attempt to move in. The one we're looking at is loft style with a gas fireplace downstairs and has doors to the outside balcony ( concerned about the door insulation). Help?

Answer
Your looking at about 35.00 for water sewer, estimate 100 for electricity in the summer, If you have natural gas the bill would be around 35.00 in summer and 100.00 for winter, if no gas then figure about 100 on the average for your electric bill year round, (these are monthly costs.)

Summer in this area is more expensive but winter can be cheaper cause it is warmer here. So you might have a cheaper heating bill in the winter to save up for summer. There is always the option to get on the budget plan and they estimate average costs for the year and send you a bill that is the same all year. you build credit in the winter to spend in the summer.

There are some apartments that offer free utilities you might search some of those out if available.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Can I buy or make an insert to convert my faux electric fireplace into a gel burning one?

best electric fireplace logs image

Heathen

I have a faux electric fireplace, but would like to convert it to one that I could use the logs that burn gel canisters (sterno). I wonder if anyone knows how to build an insert fire box, or where I can purchase one.

Answer
You would likely need a vent free gas log fireplace insert. I would try northline express or house of fire first.

What is the most realistic looking electric fireplace?

ndsino

I know there are many types of fireplaces, but I'd like to find the most realistic electric fireplace I can. I don't want it for the heat -- just for the look. We live in a warm area, so really don't need the warmth of the fire. I also have a budget of less than $1000. What would you recommend?
I should also add that we prefer a more classic look rather than a modern, trendy look. You know, something like you'd see in an old living room all decked out for Christmas -- stockings hung on it, etc.

Answer
Cool summer evenings, crisp autumn mornings, and winter's many frosty days provide perfect opportunities to cozy up with Dimplex's traditional-style electric fireplace. Featuring a roomy 20-inch firebox opening, realistic glowing logs, and a patented 3D flame feature, this handsome room accent creates an elegant fire look without the dangers of smoke, an open flame, propane, or gas emissions. The unit's fan-forced heater distributes heat quickly and evenly throughout the room, while its thermostat control makes it easy to maintain personal comfort levels. The fireplace can also provide a glowing fire without the heat for visual enjoyment year-round. Concealed controls provide a clean look and the included remote control allows for easy adjustments without having to leave that perfect spot on the sofa. Classic in design, the fireplace offers a rich burnished walnut finish, graceful embellished molding, and a generous mantel for photographs, vases, or other personal touches. It measures a space-efficient 36-3/4 inches wide by 36 inches high by 11-3/4 inches deep to fit nicely into rooms large and small.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

In UK is it legal to burn ANYTHING you like in your own fireplace?

electric fireplaces uk image

Honey W

Someone in my neighbourhood is using what I believe is un-seasoned wood.
It smells smokey, like cigarettes.

They were burning it evey day, but it stopped and I thought that maybe they were using garden waste and now it was all gone, but yesterday it stated again, from the afternoon until 1:30 this morning.

It's bound to start again later. I have to use the electric fan to get releif from it, but I don't want to spend chilly winter days like that.

The trouble is, I suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and so anything like this effects me more that it does other people, but all the same, there's talk about banning smoking it public places, so surely it can't be legal to burn smokey wood constantly like this?

I don't know which home it's coming from. Is there anything that can be done?

Answer
it depends where you live. smoke control zones were introduced in 1956 after the pea souper smogs that killed so many people. if you live in a town it is likely that they should not be burning anything that produces excessive amounts of smoke. this site will explain the law.
http://www.smfrancis.demon.co.uk/airwolvs/21control.html

Is it more economical to have the central heating or the gas fire on?

Ruby

Also, should i turn off the radiators in the rooms i dont use as much?
What temperature (degrees C) is the ideal temp to set it at?

Answer
Neither. :-) I don't know how electricity vs. gas breaks down in the UK, but in the US it's comparable. A gas fireplace has the same problem ALL fireplaces do, the heat goes up the flue. They're pretty, but inefficient as can be.

Plus burning gas puts a lot of humidity in the air, so you're adding cold dampness to the whole house.

You're best setting the central heating to a low number like 60 or 62 to keep the house livable, and using electric space heaters in the rooms you actually occupy.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Will it cost more to heat up your house using just space heaters or just using the heating system?

electric fireplaces target image

mikespad78

Answer
I have had almost 30 years experience in designing and correcting heating systems for houses and commercial buildings.

You can actually save money using electric space heaters sometimes.
Here is when and how:

The first situation is if the actual cost per BTU of your heat is cheaper by electricity is less then by your other method of heat. You need to factor the efficiency into your calculation. Some areas of the country (like the northwest) actually have quite cheap electricity rates compared to oil or propane, for example. Electric heat is nearly 100 percent efficient, Gas ranges from 60 percent for older systems to slightly over 90 percent for the best new systems. Oil ranges 50 to 85 percent or so. If your main source of heat is electric then see the second situation below.

The second method is if you can close off all of your house and basically "live" in one room. Heat that room ONLY with the electric space heater to a comfortable temperature and turn down the temperature of the rest of the house as low as possible to avoid freezing the pipes. Make sure that the room that you heat with the space heater does not contain the thermostat for the main heating system or it won't have an accurate measurement.

The electric heat may be more expensive, but you aren't heating much of the house with it so your total bill will be much smaller.

Remember that all electric heat is almost 100 percent efficient, wether it is a light bulb or a fancy heater that looks like a fireplace. So there is no need to buy anything more then a basic safe heater for $20 to $30 at the hardware store or Target. Avoid the cheapest, since they aren't as dependable.

Check out this link for an excellent Fuel Cost Comparison Chart.

what electric, wall mounted fireplace has the most realistic fire?

Passionate

Answer
A very popular wall mounted electric fire is the Be Modern Orlando:

http://www.hotprice.co.uk/2118/5359/products/be-modern-orlando-wall-mounted-electric-fire---flat-glass.html

The Be Modern Orlando is available with a curved, black glass fascia or a flat glass fascia. It features LED lighting which have a selection of colours to represent a real fire.

Alternatively, have you seen the new LCD electric fires? These feature a real image of a fire (like a movie) and some offer a selection of scenes and even sound!

Dimplex make 2 electric fires with the LCD effect:

http://www.hotprice.co.uk/2118/3921/products/dimplex-living-art-wall-mounted-lcd-electric-fire---lva191.html

http://www.hotprice.co.uk/2118/4995/products/dimplex-living-art-wall-mounted-mirror-electric-fire----lva192.html

A new manufacturer of electric fires is Celsi Fires. They offer a similar style of electric fires and the flame effect can be seen here:
http://www.bfm-europe.com/index.php?target=steps&task=catstep&brand=10

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

THE PARKINSON STOVE? (fireplace)?

electric fireplaces ebay image

Lauren

can't seem to find any PARKINSON fireplaces like mine? I live in an old building, built around 1935 and i have a fireplace with - THE PARKINSON STOVE writen on it...

in the stove their are 6 white BEAM radiation things, few of them are broke and i want some!?


Any suggestions as to how i could get some? EBAY HAS NONE.

Answer
If you are talking about the burner grates or front grates, you might have to have one custom made for you. Your chances of just finding the grates are slim unless you are willing to put in some serious work.

Since the Parkinson Stove Company was an English company out of Birmingham, you might want to focus a search in that area first. Read the classified ads - someone might have one or parts of one. Did you get the model number from the back of the stove?

You'll never find someone willing to part with the grate if they have the rest of the stove so you need to set a search on eBay.

If you have some time on the weekends, make a scale drawing of the grate and head out to area antique or antique-type stores and flea markets. You might find one grate here and another there but it is going to take time and diligence.

Parkinson Stove Co Ltd made gas stoves for many years and there are several different models.
http://www.historyworld.co.uk/advert.php?id=1018&offset=50&sort=0&l1=Household&l2=
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Parkinson_Stove_Co

Apparently the Parkinson Stove Co Ltd also had an office in Melbourne, Australia (which provides another search area) not to be confused with Parkinson and Cowan of London and was acquired by Thorne Electric. One of the companies was acquired by Electrolux.

There are some companies which you could check since despite your description, only you know exactly what you are looking for. We have no idea of the age of your heating stove.
http://www.britainsheritage.co.uk/antique-fireplaces/1930-art-deco-fireplaces.htm
http://www.happystoves.co.uk/
http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/wood_burning_stoves/Antique-stoves.html
http://www.ovnestoves.com/showroom.php
http://www.antiquegasstoves.com/pages/parts/gas.html
http://www.goodtimestove.com/
http://stovehospital.com/
http://barnstablestove.com/html/contactus.htm

Use the addresses and write or call each company - send photos of what you have and what you need. It is not going to be easy.

How can I convert several small, battery operated lights to run from an ac outlet?

Erica

My girlfriend and I recently moved to Texas. Our apartment has a fireplace but we have no plans to use it to actually light fires. Instead of having a dark, black pit in our living room, she wants to use flameless candles to illuminate the area. Instead of switching some 20 odd candles on one at a time and using battery power to run them, we would like to wire all of the flameless candles together, in parallel, to a wall outlet so that we only have to flick the switch and we will have an instant fire in our fireplace, without using batteries at all.

I can handle splicing wires, it's just the details that get the better of me, i.e. math.

I know that I need an adapter, but I don't know how to determine what size adapter I need.

Once I figure out what size adapter, what measures can I take to allow me to add or take away lights from the circuit as I see fit?

At the moment we have 3 types of candles: the large type requires 3 double A batteries. The medium type come wired together in twos, They use 3volt batteries. The small uses a 3 volt battery as well.

I have access to a multimeter but I can't figure out how many amps something like this uses. Also, I am under the impression that while adapters have to be specific to the voltage, it's usually better to overestimate on current. Working under this presumption, would my circuit work if I were to find an adapter rated for my circuit's voltage but rated for the highest number of amps?

If someone could give me some instruction so that I know how to adjust my system in the future if I need to change anything, that would be awesome.

Thanks!

Answer
There's a far easier way.
Electric logs. Vintage one on sale for $15 now on EBAY.
It uses a 25 watt bulb.
No need to re-invent the wheel (or fire either!)
Here:http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=electric+log&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I have about 1000 squ.feet of living space in the lower section of my home, since this is where we spend most?

best electric fireplaces at lowes image

ken e

of our days ,I am looking to buy a energy savings space heater to cut down on my heating costs this winter . I have heard so many mixed reviews on which heater to buy ,can anyone who really knows what they are talking about recommend the best heater to buy
I am leaning towards the infrared modals but not sure if the cost effectiveness that the makers state is actually true

Answer
If you have gas in your home. Get a new efficient gas fireplace. Not only will it save you a bundle on heating cost over any electric space heater but it will give you instant zone heating. It will offer a beautifully aesthetic live flame too. When you are done with the additional heat for the evening you can turn it off without waiting for a fire to ember and sucking the heat out of the home. The fireplaces are also more efficient then your furnace as they supply direct heat. In many areas you can get a vent free gas fireplace..Lowes has them for about $ 500.00. The savings would pay for themselves in 2 years times over the electric units.

Electric fireplace?

Jenny

We bought a beautiful house that is perfect in every way, except for a very ugly fake fireplace. My house is traditional, but the mantel is light oak. Well, actually, it is just about perfect after I have spent 4 years and a lot of money. My last project is the fireplace, and my budget can't take a custom-made job. We are total electric so I don't have the choice of using gas. The electric fireplace w/mantel that I found at Lowe's is made of fake, cheap looking material. If I go through my decorator and her carpenter, it would be perfect, but would cost $6,000 to $10,000. I've done a lot of searching on the web, but I'm confused. I would appreciate any suggestions. My furniture is cherry, some dark antique pieces, and I have a black baby grand, so I need a fireplace that is not only functional but fits with my decor. Thanks!
There is no indention into the wall. They just put Italian marble (strange) where the fireplace would be. It's all flat with the wall. I have a hand-painted screen in front of it, but it is still a useless waste of a long wall. The dimplex is beautiful. Thanks for recommending that. Not sold here, but is available within 200 miles. Such nice people here! Some of the categories have such *angry* people. I was prepared to be insulted. :)

Answer
if you already have a fireplace replace the mantel with one that matches your decor and then just order the logs and a log stand then insert them into your fireplace and plug in when they are on they look real especially if you keep the doors closed a little no one will know we did something simualar but we made a box inserted it into the wall witch backed up to a closet and then we put the screen on and then the logs and when ever any one comes over they think that it is real cause no one looks that close to a fireplace to know if it is real or not good luck hope all works

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How much is the average cost of Gas and Electeric for 2 people in 3 bedrooms house in NJ?

electric fireplaces nj image

nushi

We just bought a house and we dont have any experience about the cost of utilities. Could someone please help me in this rtegard?
We are just 2 people and we were freezing in winter time by keeping the temperature from 10 PM till & AM on 60 and 65-68 from 7AM till 10 PM and most of the time we had our wood fierplace on, however we have receieved 3 bills for gas and electric since we moved to our new house. The house is good isolated and there is no gas licking. The oven is gas and gas furnace is well-maintained 10 years old.
The following is our bills for Gas and Electric
Jan : $123 Gas & $33 Electric
Feb: $ 300 Gas & $77 Electric
Mar: $255 Gas & $70 Electric

I appreciate your help

Answer
Be carefull with the wood burning fireplace. If you are using the gas furnace and the wood burner at the same time you are loosing heat up the chimney.

Run the furnace (68-70 degrees) without the fireplace and you will cut your gas consumption.

Wood burners smell great but will cause your gas bills to go up.

Air to air heat pump..is it cost effective in North Carolina?

Mom2beauti

My husband and I are moving to northern North Carolina this coming September, and we will more than likely be buying a house.. We both grew up in NJ and are used to gas heat..I know electric heat can be very costly in certain areas of the country..will an air to air heat pump in NC be costly as well...or would it be cost efficient? It seems that all the homes in North Carolina are air to air heat pumps, and not gas.. I appreciate all advice, thank you!

Answer
I live in northern NC too, most houses around here have natural gas heat. In fact, most of my friend's houses in surrounding towns have natural gas heat too (and its weird because the ovens are electric not gas)

Sorry I don't have a direct answer for this, just wanted to chime in here with a thought for you .. I moved from NY to NC 7 yrs ago and my suggestion would be for you to rent first for a year before buying a house outright, especially if you haven't lived in NC before. The climate is SO different here than in the northeast, your real money spent will be in air conditioning not heating imo. During the winter here I only need heat on at night because I'm ok with it being 69 indoors, but I run the a/c all day long during the summer because even with it running at full strength it gets up to 80 degrees inside from the direct sunlight. (Yes the air conditioning unit is working properly). Plus almost every newer house here has a fireplace (which I have only ever felt the need to use like one time in the past 5 years) If you rent for a year before buying you will have a much better idea of what kind of bills to expect and what your comfort level is, so you can be better informed about what you think you may need in your actual house. Plus youll get to know the area better before buying up property! The winters are usually very mild here, but the summers are brutal. Good luck!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Do electric fireplaces really help you save on your electric bill?

electric fireplace 50 image

alucard

Answer
Nope. If you want to save some money; use a 1500w space heater in the room you are in, and keep the thermostat in the house set at 50, or 55. Shut it off - and unplug it - when you are not using it.
How much money you will save depends upon the peak rate from your power company, and what type of heat your house has now.

What are some easy ways to warm up an apartment?

Stringer B

My apartment has very low heating and the landlord doesn't bump it much. This past week has been terribly cold, so much that I've actually resorted to wearing gloves inside the place. My windows are also drafty. So what are some cheap, easy, fast ways to warm up an apartment? The contract says I'm not allowed to use a space heater, so that is out of the question. I usually have people over on weekends, and I don't want them to be cold, so please give me ideas.
?

Answer
Buy a steam type humidfier unit (they are cheap at discount pharmacy and big box stores) and run it. The combination of putting more moisture in the air and the heat in the steam will make the place feel warmer.

Also, hang drapes or even sheets across doorways to reduce the air flow through the house and block drafts. If there are rooms like a spare bedroom that you rarely use, shut the door and close off the register in there so less heat is dissipated to that room.

You can buy gel fuel fireplaces that burn cans of alcohol fuel, like Sterno, and warm up the area. Many of them look quite nice, they are safe to run and have no fumes and do not need to be vented. I have one that looks like logs (made of concrete) in the old fireplace in my own house and it looks and even crackles like a real wood fire when I burn the fuel cans. This is too expensive to run all the time but if you are having friends over you can fire it up and it gives a homey feel to the place and warms it up. Google "gel fuel fireplaces" and you will see plenty of options, Only drawback is the cans can be expensive -- it costs about $10 to $15 for 3 cans that burn about 2 hours each. Sometimes you can find the gel fuel in gallon jugs to refill the cans.

Also get a bunch of those cheap polyester fleece throw blankets that every store has anymore and keep them folded on your sofa and chairs. Sometimes just wrapping one around your shoulders or puttin it over your lap can warm you up a bit.

You can get cheap plastic film kits that tape over your windows then you use a hair dryer to heat and shrink the plastic so it looks smooth. If you don't have curtains, buy some cheap drapes and hang them on the drafty windows too -- it will block air sneaking in around the frames.

For sleeping it is hard to beat electric mattress pads. I have used one for years. Turn it on an hour before you go to bed and you will be toasty. Since I have had one I turn down my thermostat to 50 overnight and still sleep comfortably.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Does the advertised Amish Heat surge really heat a room well without running up the electric bill?

electric fireplaces without heat image

WonderWoma

In every Sunday issue of our paper, there's an advertisement for the Amish fireplace mantle with the so called 'free' heater, Heat Surge that prmises to be so cost efficient. Has anyone bought it and realized a difference? Especially in the gas heating bill, and electic bill and efficient heating of a room? We bought the Eden Pure, it doesn't heat a large room, and we're waiting for the electric bill to see if it cost us more!

Answer
Wonder Woman: If you want to save on heating costs, the best way is through âzone heatingâ. This is where you turn down the thermostat on your main heating system by several degrees, then selectively heat just the space you are living in or using. According to the US Department of Energy, zone heating can reduce your overall heating costs by 20% or more. Now, with respect to which heater to use for selective heat, it is true that you can buy many heaters at low cost. What you get with a Heat Surge is the warmth and ambiance of a terrific looking fireplace in conjunction with a great heating unit. Youâll find comparable electric fireplaces at most big-box retail outlets, most for much more than a Heat Surge. Yet none of these competitive products come with the real wood authentic Amish mantle thatâs made us famous. Please learn more about our products and hear from a few of our million happy customers at www.heatsurgetoday.com. Hope this helps!!

Chris Pugh
Heat Surge

Best way to build a fireplace against a brick wall?

Brielle

One of our walls in out living room is brick and we would like to have a fireplace there. How would you suggest building one? It has a gas pipe hookup but we are also looking at electric ones. My husband can lay bricks, tile, stone, whatever. He can also make a mantel. We would really appreciate any tips or suggestions!

Answer
visit a hearth store, they have many options for vent free gas fireplaces, since you already have the line there its your best option, you can buy them with the mantel or without, if its a zero clearance model it will only produce heat out of the front and so the brick is a moot point. i recently installed one in my living room and constructed my own mantel for it, took me about 20 minutes to install and alother 30 to build the mantel, very easy

Powered by Yahoo! Answers