Simple Upgrades That Save Money and Energy

As temperatures drop and heating bills rise, homeowners search for ways to maximize comfort while minimizing energy costs. Two upgrades—installing gas logs and glass fireplace doors—can make a significant difference in both energy savings and home efficiency.

Gas Logs: Clean, Efficient Heat

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are charming but inefficient. Most of the heat escapes through the chimney, and burning wood releases smoke and particulates. Gas logs offer a cleaner, more energy-efficient alternative. They burn natural gas or propane, producing steady heat with less waste. Unlike wood, gas logs can be turned on or off instantly, giving you better control over your energy use and costs.

Glass Fireplace Doors: Sealing in Savings

Adding glass doors to your fireplace is a simple upgrade with a big impact. When the fireplace isn’t in use, glass doors act as a barrier, preventing warm air from escaping up the chimney and cold drafts from entering your living space. This means your furnace or central heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills.

Combined Benefits

• Improved Efficiency: Gas logs convert fuel to heat more efficiently than wood, and glass doors keep that heat inside your home.
• Reduced Heat Loss: Glass doors block drafts and prevent conditioned air from escaping.
• Lower Utility Bills: Using less energy to heat your home translates directly into savings.
• Environmental Impact: Gas logs produce fewer emissions, and efficient heat retention means less fuel is burned overall.

Upgrading your fireplace with gas logs and glass doors is a smart, cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency in your home. Not only will you enjoy a warmer, cozier living space, but you’ll also see real savings on your energy bills—making these simple changes a win for your wallet and the environment.

Right now get $200 off you gas logs and fireplace doors combination! Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

Modern Solutions for a Warmer, Safer Home

Gas fireplace logs and glass doors offer homeowners a convenient and stylish way to enjoy a cozy fire. Together, they deliver both comfort and practical advantages.

Why Choose Gas Fireplace Logs?

Easy to Use: No need to haul wood—just flip a switch for instant warmth.

Low Maintenance: Gas logs burn cleaner than wood, leaving less mess and requiring less frequent cleaning.

Consistent Comfort: Adjustable flames and steady heat make your space cozy and energy-efficient.

Stylish Variety: Choose from traditional log sets or modern designs to fit your décor.

The Advantages of Glass Fireplace Doors

Safety: Glass doors keep sparks and embers inside, protecting children and pets.

Energy Savings: Prevents heat loss up the chimney and keeps the room warmer.

Cleanliness: Stops ash and debris from reaching your living space.

Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a contemporary or classic look to complement any fireplace.

In short, gas fireplace logs paired with glass doors make your fireplace safer, cleaner, and more efficient—while adding a touch of modern elegance to your home.

Right now get $200 off you gas logs and fireplace doors combination! Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

Gratitude, Community, and Looking Ahead Together

As the leaves turn and families gather around the table, we are reminded of just how much we have to be thankful for. At The Fireplace Shop & Grill Center at West Sport, Thanksgiving is a special time not just to reflect on our successes, but to appreciate the people who make everything possible—our valued customers.

Thank You for Your Trust and Support

We are grateful for the trust you place in us every day. Whether you’re a longtime partner or new to our community, your support fuels our passion and drives us to deliver the best possible products and services. It’s because of you that we continue to grow and evolve year after year.

Celebrating Community

Thanksgiving is about more than just great food and togetherness—it’s about community. We cherish the relationships we’ve built with you and look forward to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

Our Commitment to You

As we head into the holiday season, we recommit ourselves to serving you with excellence and integrity. Your feedback, loyalty, and enthusiasm inspire us to keep improving and finding new ways to exceed your expectations.

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday

From everyone at The Fireplace Shop & Grill Center at West Sport, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories. Thank you for being part of our journey—we couldn’t do it without you.

With heartfelt gratitude, Happy Thanksgiving!

Remove the hassle of constant basting from the Thanksgiving equation and pop the turkey on a rotisserie. As it rotates it bastes itself to juicy, smoky perfection, plus the stuffing underneath catches all the flavorful drippings.

Ingredients:

Turkey:

• 1 x 12- to 14-pound turkey, wing tips removed with kitchen shears
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for the turkey
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Stuffing:

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 yellow onions, diced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 16 cups cubed stale white bread

Directions

Special equipment: a rotisserie attachment for a grill; butcher's twine; a 9-by-13-inch disposable aluminum pan or half-sheet pan; an instant-read thermometer

For the turkey:

Prepare a grill fitted with a rotisserie attachment according to the manufacturer's instructions for cooking over medium-high heat.

Truss the turkey with butcher's twine so it is compact, then mount the turkey on the rotisserie spit. Push in the spit forks so they are very secure; tighten the screws well.

Mix together the sugar, paprika, 2 tablespoons salt and 1 tablespoon pepper in a small bowl until combined.

Rub the turkey all over with oil and sprinkle with the seasoning.

Place the spit on the rotisserie. Position a 9-by-13-inch disposable aluminum pan or a half-sheet pan under the turkey.

Cover the grill and cook until the skin starts to brown slightly, about 20 minutes.

Uncover the grill, drizzle the turkey slowly with the melted butter as it turns, then cover the grill and continue to cook for another 40 minutes.

For the stuffing:

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sage, thyme, celery, onions, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat.

Beat the eggs with the parsley in a large bowl. Add the bread, then pour in the vegetable-broth mixture and toss to combine.

After the turkey has been roasting for 1 hour, uncover the grill and carefully spoon the stuffing into the pan under the turkey.

Cover the grill and continue to cook until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the stuffing is golden on top and hot throughout, another 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes; remove the stuffing earlier if it starts to brown too quickly on the bottom.

Remove the turkey from the spit and let rest for 30 minutes before carving. Keep the stuffing warm until ready to serve.

Recipe and image: foodnetwork.com/recipes

Black Friday is known for its dazzling deals and massive crowds flocking to big box retailers. But amid the rush for the lowest prices, a growing number of shoppers are choosing to spend their money with small, local businesses instead. Shopping small on Black Friday is more than just a trend—it's a meaningful way to support your community, discover unique gifts, and make your holiday shopping experience more rewarding.

The Power of Shopping Small

When you shop at local businesses, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re making an investment in your community. Small businesses are often owned and operated by your neighbors, friends, and fellow residents. The money you spend at these establishments is more likely to stay in your local economy, helping to create jobs and fund essential services.

Unique Finds and Personalized Service

One of the biggest perks of shopping small is the distinct and often handmade products you can find. Whether it’s hand-poured candles, custom jewelry, or locally roasted coffee, small retailers offer items you won’t see in the big chain stores. Plus, you’re more likely to receive personalized recommendations and service from staff who genuinely care about your experience and satisfaction.

Strengthening Community Connections

Shopping small fosters a sense of community and belonging. Local businesses frequently host events, sponsor youth sports teams, and participate in charity drives. When you support them, you’re not just a customer; you’re a valued member of the community who helps keep these traditions alive.

Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury and get a free chimney liner system when you buy IronStrike wood stove or fireplace insert! A $600 value!.

Fireplace inserts convert an existing inefficient open-hearth wood-burning fireplace into an attractive and efficient zone heating system that allows you to control your comfort. These inserts are engineered to get the most heat out of your fuel while providing the warmth and enjoyment that comes from watching a fire.

IronStrike offers two types to choose from: wood-burning fireplace inserts and direct vent gas fireplace inserts. They differ on fuel type, features, ease of operation and energy efficiency. You will find a wide range of sizes and design styles depending on the type you choose.

FIVE STEPS FOR SELECTING A FIREPLACE INSERT

1. Determine fuel type that best meets your heating requirements. Then, consider the room where you'll be using the insert.
2. Measure your existing fireplace's opening, depth, back-wall, hearth and mantle height.
3. Select a model that fits into the existing wood-burning fireplace opening.
4. Select a surround that covers the gap between the insert body and the fireplace opening.
5. Select required and decorative options that finish the insert and complement your home.

WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE INSERTS

High-efficiency wood-burning fireplace inserts don't just look good. They're also powerful heating appliances that are EPA certified. These models undergo rigorous testing and meet or exceed stringent emissions limits to ensure efficient and responsible wood burning. Look for variable-rate control models that regulate wood use. You'll be able to enjoy the fire longer and put more heat into your home, not up the chimney. Blower kits are available to help distribute the heat for additional comfort and control.

Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury and get a free chimney liner system when you buy IronStrike! A $600 value!.

Enhancing Comfort, Efficiency, and Value in Your Home

A fireplace insert is a highly effective home improvement that can transform both the functionality and aesthetics of your living space. Whether your home has an existing masonry fireplace or you are considering adding one, a fireplace insert can offer significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, safety, comfort, and property value.

What Is a Fireplace Insert?

A fireplace insert is a closed firebox designed to fit into an existing fireplace. Typically made of steel or cast iron and equipped with insulated glass doors, inserts are available in a variety of fuel types, including wood, gas, pellet, and electric. They are engineered to increase heat output and reduce energy loss compared to traditional open fireplaces.

Benefits of Installing a Fireplace Insert

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Traditional fireplaces can cause significant heat loss as most of the warm air escapes up the chimney. Fireplace inserts are designed to generate and retain more heat in the room, lowering heating bills and reducing energy waste.
• Enhanced Safety: Inserts contain the fire within a sealed box, minimizing the risk of embers escaping and reducing exposure to smoke and gases.
• Versatile Fuel Options: Homeowners can choose between wood, gas, pellet, or electric inserts depending on their preferences, local fuel costs, and convenience.
• Increased Home Value: Fireplace inserts can be an attractive selling point, appealing to buyers who value modern energy efficiency and a cozy ambiance.
• Low Maintenance: Inserts generally require less maintenance than open fireplaces, with easier ash removal and, in the case of gas or electric models, minimal cleaning.
• Modern Aesthetics: With a wide range of styles and finishes, inserts can update the look of an older fireplace and enhance your home's decor.

Cost and Return on Investment

The cost of a fireplace insert can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type, size, and features. Installation costs are additional. However, the investment often pays off through lower heating bills, increased home value, and enhanced comfort during the colder months.

Adding a fireplace insert is a smart and practical home improvement. It combines energy efficiency, safety, convenience, and style, making it a valuable upgrade for both your lifestyle and your property's appeal. Whether you seek to revive an outdated fireplace or simply want to add warmth and ambiance, a fireplace insert is a modern solution worth considering.

• Improved Efficiency: Inserts are designed to burn fuel more completely, converting more of the fuel's energy into usable heat.
• Lower Heating Costs: By generating more heat with less fuel, inserts can help reduce your overall heating expenses.
• Environmental Impact: Modern inserts produce fewer emissions compared to open fireplaces, making them a greener choice.
• Enhanced Safety: Sealed doors reduce the risk of sparks and embers escaping, and some models offer built-in fans to circulate warm air safely.
• Versatility: Available in a range of fuel types and styles, inserts can complement any décor and meet different heating demands.

Choosing the Right Insert

• Assess Your Existing Fireplace: Measure the dimensions of your fireplace opening and chimney to ensure compatibility with available inserts.
• Select a Fuel Type: Decide between wood, gas, pellet, or electric inserts based on your fuel availability, desired maintenance level, and personal preference.
• Consider Features: Look for features such as blowers, remote controls, programmable thermostats, and air-wash systems for cleaner glass.
• Check Efficiency Ratings: Choose an insert with a high efficiency rating (look for EPA certification for wood and pellet models).
• Consult a Professional: Work with a certified installer to ensure proper fit, venting, and safety compliance.

Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury and get half off the chimney liner system.

Fireplace inserts are a popular solution for improving the efficiency, safety, and aesthetics of a traditional open hearth. Whether you're upgrading an old hearth or installing a new heating source, choosing the right insert requires careful consideration of various factors. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to selecting the best fireplace insert for your needs.

1. Understand the Types of Fireplace Inserts

There are several types of fireplace inserts, each designed for different fuels and purposes:

• Wood-burning inserts: Replicate the traditional feel of a wood fireplace while improving efficiency and reducing emissions.
• Gas inserts: Convenient and easy to operate, offering consistent heat and minimal maintenance.
• Electric inserts: Ideal for homes without a chimney, offering flexible installation and simple operation.
• Pellet inserts: Use compressed wood pellets for efficient, eco-friendly heating.

2. Assess Heating Needs and Efficiency

Determine the primary purpose for your insert: supplemental heat, ambiance, or main heat source. Look for efficiency ratings and BTU output to match the insert to your room size and climate. Energy-efficient models often feature EPA certification and advanced technology to maximize heat output and minimize emissions.

3. Consider Venting Options

Proper venting is essential for safety and performance. Options include:

• Direct vent: Sealed system that draws air from outside and expels combustion gases outdoors.
• Natural vent: Uses the existing chimney for ventilation, suitable for certain wood and gas inserts.
• Vent-free: Available for some gas and electric inserts, these models do not require a chimney but must meet local building codes.

4. Evaluate Features and Controls

Modern inserts offer a range of features:

• Remote or wall-mounted controls
• Adjustable flame and heat settings
• Blowers or fans for improved heat circulation
• Decorative options such as glass doors, trims, and log sets

5. Set Your Budget

Fireplace inserts range in price based on fuel type, size, features, and brand. Consider not only the initial cost but also ongoing maintenance and fuel expenses.

Choosing a fireplace insert involves balancing aesthetics, performance, and safety. By considering fuel type, size, efficiency, venting, features, and installation, you can find a fireplace insert that enhances your home’s comfort and value. Consult with professionals and review manufacturer recommendations to make an informed decision.

Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury and get half off the chimney liner system.

A fireplace insert is a self-contained unit that fits directly into your existing open hearth. Made from cast iron or steel and often featuring glass doors, inserts are designed to increase heat output while reducing energy waste. They come in various fuel types, including wood, gas, pellet, and electric, making it easy to find one that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Why Upgrade to a Fireplace Insert?

• Improved Efficiency: Open hearths lose much of their heat up the chimney, but inserts are engineered to radiate more warmth into your living space.
• Lower Energy Bills: By maximizing heat output, inserts can help lower your reliance on central heating and reduce energy costs.
• Cleaner Burning: Modern inserts burn fuel more completely, resulting in less smoke and fewer particulates, which is better for your home’s air quality.
• Enhanced Safety: Inserts provide a barrier between the fire and your room, reducing the risk of stray embers or sparks.
• Style Options: Whether you prefer rustic charm or sleek modern looks, inserts come in a variety of styles to complement your décor.

Choosing the Right Fireplace Insert

When selecting an insert, consider the following:

• Fuel Type: Wood inserts offer classic crackling fires, while gas and electric models provide convenience and easy control. Pellet inserts are highly efficient and eco-friendly.
• Size: Measure your hearth carefully to ensure the insert fits snugly. Most manufacturers provide sizing guides to help you choose appropriately.
• Ventilation: Some inserts require venting through your chimney, while others (like electric inserts) don't. Consult a professional installer to ensure safe operation.
• Features: Options like thermostatic controls, blowers, and remote operation can enhance your experience and comfort.

Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury and get half off the chimney liner system.