My house has a wood-burning fireplace that we seldom used because of the heat loss. The heating system and water heater run on natural gas, so I’m thinking of converting the fireplace to a gas fireplace.

What are my options?

Answer: You have several options: gas logs, a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert. None involve structural changes, but there are significant differences in aesthetics, energy efficiency, and effects on the air in your house. Having a gas line within eight feet is great, because basic installation costs often include hooking up to a gas line within 10 feet.

A gas log set will give you the look of an open fire but not a lot of heat. The installers must lock the damper into a partially open position. That guards against someone lighting the fire and forgetting to open the vent. Having the damper open all of the time, of course, means that you’re losing heated or cooled air all the time — not the solution you’re seeking. To avoid that, you’d also need to install glass fireplace doors.

A gas fireplace is another option. Because no exhaust would go up the chimney, you’d keep all of the heat in the room, and you could still have an open fire.  They are not recommended as main heating systems; you’re only supposed to run them for three or four hours at a time, to keep the moisture and exhaust buildup to generally tolerable levels.

Finally, there’s a true gas fireplace insert. This solution changes the look of a fireplace, because you’re adding an insert, and it eliminates the option of having an open fire. But the look is still tidy, and the result is that you can enjoy the fire without worries. The glass doors are always shut because the fire chamber is sealed, with all of the combustion air piped in and the exhaust air piped out. This gives you energy efficiency and good indoor air, and it allows you to leave the fire running as long as you want.

For more information about your options for gas, contact West Sport in Sudbury, MA.

Washington Post

Heating and cooling your home can usually make up nearly half of your utility bill. Unfortunately, in many cases, some of that money spent on heat is lost.

Homeowners know that insulating, patching and weatherizing can reduce heat loss, there is one major energy eater in your home you may not have considered – your fireplace.

Traditional open, wood-burning fireplaces are a leading source of indoor air loss and draft, even more than windows and doors.

Traditional wood fireplaces have a lot of charm but they can be inefficient both when they  are in use and when they aren’t.

But, you don’t have to give up burning a fire this winter, and you don’t have to board up your fireplace. You can lower your bills, add ambiance, and improve your home value—all while keeping your fireplace burning. How? By adding a fireplace insert. Convert your fireplace into an energy-efficient heat source with the following tips:

• When your fireplace is not in use, make sure your chimney damper is closed. You may also install a flue sealer, which is an affordable, inflatable stopper that fits below the damper to further seal off the chimney.
• Ensure your chimney and fireplace is inspected, maintained and cleaned annually. A contractor can ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly.
• Add fireplace doors to your fireplace to help reduce the draft and add a nice aesthetic appearance.
• Consider a fireplace insert. In addition to lowering your energy bills and generating more radiant heat, fireplace inserts are cleaner to maintain. Plus, a new insert looks great and uses energy-saving firebox technology to increase heating efficiency.

For those who love the smell, crackle and process of building a real fire, don't despair. EPA-certified wood burning fireplace inserts are an easy, clean and efficient alternative.

In the pursuit of energy-efficiency, don't say goodbye to tradition. Instead, give your fireplace a much-needed upgrade.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

www.wnypapers.com

Massachusetts will once again slash the taxes on purchases during tax-free weekend, which is this weekend, Aug. 15-16.

Plan to take advantage of that 6.25% percent discount in addition to the other sales that often coincide with tax free weekend. This is an event shoppers wait all year for around Boston.

This is a great time for shoppers to save on gas grills, wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts or gas stoves and inserts. You can also save on back-to-school supplies, clothing, electronics, and other in-demand items to be purchased.

The state’s 6.25% sales tax is suspended for shoppers on most purchases of less than $2,500. Basically, as a consumer you will save on purchases that range from $50 to $2,499.

Since there is no exemption on electronics or clothes (for the most part) come and shop and save on home heating.  August is almost gone and school along with cooler weather is right around the corner. Avoid the installation rush and buy now.

Contact West Sport in Sudbury for more information on our tax free weekend sales.

Next weekend, August 15th and 16th, is a tax free holiday in Massachusetts. This makes it the perfect time to visit West Sport in Sudbury to buy a wood burning fireplace insert or gas stove. During tax free weekend, you’ll save on taxes and you’ll save on our in-store deals.

Wood burning fireplace inserts are more efficient than a traditional wood burning. And, if you were cold last winter, now is the time to come in and save. You will save $600 on Hearthstone Clydesdale Wood Fireplace inserts and chimney lining systems. If you don’t want to shop next weekend, come in now and save.

If you have a wood fireplace and you want to stay warmer this winter and add beauty and value to your home, a wood burning insert is a perfect solution. Traditional fireplaces have very low efficiency ratings.  A fireplace insert is an easy and effective way to update the look of your home, and they are much more energy-efficient.  Fireplace inserts and stoves make heating easy, and make your home even more beautiful and relaxing.

So if you want to add beauty and functionality to your home, while making your home more efficient, visit us next weekend in Sudbury, MA for the MA Tax Free Holiday sale.

If you have been thinking about adding a new fireplace insert or gas stove to your existing fireplace, we can show you your options.

A Tax free weekend in Massachusetts has been approved. In just two weeks, August 15th and 16th you don’t need to pay sales taxes when you buy any in-stock outdoor grill, Hearthstone Clydesdale wood fireplace insert, or any Hearthstone or Napoleon gas burning stove. If you have been thinking about a buying new grill or a better way to heat your home this winter, tax free weekend is the time to buy around Boston.

Best of all, you don’t have to wait to shop. Come in anytime and pick your purchase, we can ring you up on August 15 and 16. Shop now and pay then. Avoid the wait and start your shopping for wood burning fireplace inserts or gas stoves for the upcoming winter, now.

West Sport in Sudbury is also offering even more savings. Save $600 on HearthStone Clydesdale Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts and save $400 off any Hearthstone or Napoleon gas stove.  You can also save up to $200 on any in-stock outdoor grill.

If you have been looking for a way to make your home more attractive and more efficient or for an easy way to increase your home value, a wood burning fireplace insert or gas stove is the answer.

If you have been thinking about adding a new fireplace insert or gas stove to your existing fireplace, let us show you your options. Fireplace inserts and stoves make heating easy, and make your home even more beautiful and relaxing.

Avoid the tax free holiday rush, but still take advantage of the tax free holiday. Contact West Sport in Sudbury for more information.

You may feel like summer is drawing to a close, but there is still lots of time to enjoy your backyard. And you deserve to have every weekend feel like a vacation after the long winter we had. Before the cool weather sneaks in, get outside as much as you can, and this means while you are cooking too.

New gas grills add a whole new dimension to enjoying your backyard. You deserve a new grill and you can treat yourself at our gas grill clearance sale. Save at least $200 on all in-stock MHP, Broil King, Beefeater and more.

Now is the time to buy yourself a gourmet gas grill. Enjoy the rest of the summer while relaxing with family and friends in your beautiful outdoor space and let every weekend feel like a vacation.

For a high-quality gas grill, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

If you like to entertain in the summer, spring and fall, remodel your patio barbecue area into an outdoor kitchen.

The outdoor kitchen is one of the hottest trends in outdoor lifestyle nationwide. Though recent interest in real estate has focused on the open floor plan, bringing the outside in, growing numbers of buyers and remodelers are taking the inside out with the gourmet kitchen outside.

HGTV says the outdoor kitchen brings the heart of home into the open air and extends the home’s living space. It’s time to move beyond the traditional barbecue grill. Key trends include accessorizing with beverage center style refrigerators, infrared grills and pizza ovens, warming drawers, wine coolers, custom cabinetry, multiple prep and double basin sinks, built-in gas grills with additional accessories, and even kegerators for serving beer. It’s now possible to create an outdoor kitchen that can serve all the needs of professional chefs, while remaining close to the pool area or fire pit for entertaining.

The fully appointed outdoor kitchen adds design appeal, entertainment sizzle, and instant resale value to your home. Outdoor kitchens are the height of convenience, as well. They allow the cook to store cooking items, even foods, outdoors where they are easily and quickly accessed for cooking.

West Sport in Sudbury offers a wide range of products, including built- in gas grills, refrigerators, outdoor sinks, countertops, stainless steel appliances, and everything else outdoor kitchen equipment related. You have the flexibility to create and design almost anything imaginable.

For more information on top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen components for your backyard, contact West Sport.And, right now you can get 25% off your entire outdoor kitchen project. Ask us for details.

PRWeb

Beefeater Gas Grills could most possibly be the best gas grill you will ever use. And they are back at West Sport in Sudbury, just in time for the 4th of July. West Sport is your New England dealer. Come on in and see why they are the best gas grill made.

For more information on Beefeater grills, contact us.

Are you in the market for a new gas grill? If so, the Broil King gas grill may be perfect for you. For the expert griller or the novice, this high-quality gas grill is the right choice for backyard entertaining. Right now at West Sport in Sudbury, all Broil King Grills are $200 off and have free assembly and delivery.

See what others are saying about these great gas grills:

Love the Broil King!
I wanted a 4 burner grill with two fold down side shelves...the 420 S was the answer. A great grill and my hat goes off to the Broil King engineer's...the assembly proved to me that it has solid construction and the design was well thought out with shipping and assembly in mind. So far It grills everything to perfection with no complaints...North America Strong!
How long have you owned this grill? A few months
Level of Expertise: Intermediate
Yes, I recommend this product.

BEST GRILL I HAVE EVER OWNED
Without question the BEST grill I have ever owned! Solid construction best built grill on the market. I was going back and forth between this grill and another big name brand (W) grill which was the grill I originally wanted to buy. I put them side by side in the store and there was no comparison and it was obvious the Broil King was the better built grill. A simple shake test will convince you which grill is more sturdy. Grilling is a pleasure with this grill! Fire it up and its at 500 degrees in no time. Cooks very evenly and cleanup is a breeze! Sorry W but Broil King won a spot on my deck! Built in north America was also a factor for me!!

How long have you owned this grill? New
Level of Expertise: Intermediate
Yes, I recommend this product.

Features-Value-Workmanship-Cast Iron & Stainless
Previous grill was rusted out with burner tubes in two inside 3 years. After much research, my Broil King Baron 440 S is the best cooking, best value grill I have owned. Easy assembly, great product and workmanship, even heat distribution, great cast iron surface, easy to maintain, and with a side burner. The only way to make any grill last is to clean the grease and salt. I have to do better at that, and make this one last. This grill was a great choice.

How long have you owned this grill? New
Level of Expertise: Advanced
Yes, I recommend this product.

Baron 440s
Bought this approx a month ago, and love it! Great bbq, great quality recommended to all. Was checking out other bbqs but were too low quality , can't imagine a bbq where the lid can twist will last long , this baron 440s no twist and heavy! Don't plan on buying another for a long time!

How long have you owned this grill? New
Level of Expertise: Intermediate
Yes, I recommend this product.

Broil King 440 s
I purchased my grill a little over a month. During the season I use it at least three time a week. I've grilled top sirloin at least twice. It's definitely some of the best steak I have grilled. The temperature the grill obtains helps with the searing and keeping the steak juicy. The grill looks great an cooks very well. I did a lot of research before choosing this grill. Only one small concern I have is that the stainless steal on the side shelves scratch easily. But other than that I would recommend it in a heart beat. Oh yeah I love the web site with all the recipes.

How long have you owned this grill? A few months
Level of Expertise: Intermediate
Yes, I recommend this product.

For more information, contact us.

Father's Day is in just a few weeks. Many people are searching for the perfect gift to show their father or husband just how special they are. But, what do you get the man who has it all? A new gas grill! Finding the perfect gift for dad can be challenging. West Sport in Sudbury is here to help, we know gas grills.

The dad in your life probably really likes to grill and entertain outdoors. A new gas grill for Father's Day is a gift that will truly be all his. If you are looking for a new grill in time for Father's Day, we at West Sport are experts, and we can help. No matter what your budget may be, there is a grill to meet your needs and match his lifestyle. We have all kinds of in-stock gas grills and charcoal grills that will make the perfect gift.

No one loves to grill and relax outdoors more than dad. So it seems the perfect Father’s Day gift would be a new gas grill. 

If Dad’s favorite weekend past time is grilling up some steaks, then a new accessorized gas grill will be exactly what he is looking for. He’s been using that same old grill for way too long. West Sport in Sudbury has a MHP gas grill for all occasions and uses.

Now through Father’s Day MHP grills are $200-$500 off, and you will receive a grilling gift basket along with it. Do you need some help picking out the perfect new grill for Father’s Day? Contact us and we can help you choose one, then we’ll assemble and deliver it in time for Father’s Day.