When it comes to heating your home in the wintertime, nothing is as cozy and friendly, not to mention economic, as using a wood burning stove.
Permits to cut your own wood cost around $10 per cord, and a good fireplace will cost around $1,000.
When you add those costs together, plus the minor costs associated with cutting firewood, fireplaces pay themselves off in just a few months.
However, before you run out and buy a fireplace, there's a few safety tips you need to consider.
Thousands of homes burn down every year due to improper use of fireplaces, and you don't want your house to be among the casualties.
First, it's important to understand that many fires are started due to improper installation.
So when you buy your fireplace, make sure that it is high quality, and that you buy all the necessary supplies to install it properly.
If you want to do it yourself, be sure to get complete instructions, and that you fully understand them before getting started.
If you don't, then you may want to consider hiring a professional.
You'll find that the installation costs are much cheaper than replacing a home that has burned down.
After installation, you'll want to be sure to always keep the area around the fireplace free from clutter.
Don't place any items near the sides or back, and keep both paper and other kindling well away from the fireplace.
If you have children, it's also incredibly important that you get a fireplace guard to keep your little ones away from the heat.
In addition to these things, you'll need to clean your chimney at least once a year, either by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself.
Creosote builds up in the chimney as time goes by, which could cause a fire.
You'll also want to consider home owners insurance, if you don't already have it.
Occasionally, fires are caused by unexpected accidents, even in the most carefully installed and tended fireplaces.
So if you plan on heating your home with wood, it's important to find a homeowners policy that covers accidents such as those caused by wood burning stoves.
By following these safety tips, using wood to heat your home can be pleasant, affordable and safe.
Permits to cut your own wood cost around $10 per cord, and a good fireplace will cost around $1,000.
When you add those costs together, plus the minor costs associated with cutting firewood, fireplaces pay themselves off in just a few months.
However, before you run out and buy a fireplace, there's a few safety tips you need to consider.
Thousands of homes burn down every year due to improper use of fireplaces, and you don't want your house to be among the casualties.
First, it's important to understand that many fires are started due to improper installation.
So when you buy your fireplace, make sure that it is high quality, and that you buy all the necessary supplies to install it properly.
If you want to do it yourself, be sure to get complete instructions, and that you fully understand them before getting started.
If you don't, then you may want to consider hiring a professional.
You'll find that the installation costs are much cheaper than replacing a home that has burned down.
After installation, you'll want to be sure to always keep the area around the fireplace free from clutter.
Don't place any items near the sides or back, and keep both paper and other kindling well away from the fireplace.
If you have children, it's also incredibly important that you get a fireplace guard to keep your little ones away from the heat.
In addition to these things, you'll need to clean your chimney at least once a year, either by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself.
Creosote builds up in the chimney as time goes by, which could cause a fire.
You'll also want to consider home owners insurance, if you don't already have it.
Occasionally, fires are caused by unexpected accidents, even in the most carefully installed and tended fireplaces.
So if you plan on heating your home with wood, it's important to find a homeowners policy that covers accidents such as those caused by wood burning stoves.
By following these safety tips, using wood to heat your home can be pleasant, affordable and safe.
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