Heating and cooling your home makes up nearly half your utility bill. And it is very cold this winter, so you may be spending even more. Unfortunately, a portion of that expenditure is lost.

While most homeowners know that insulating, patching and weatherizing can reduce heat loss, there is one major energy eater in your home that you may not have considered -- that charming staple of dens, family rooms and anywhere people gather: the fireplace. Add a fireplace insert and make you home more efficient and more beautiful.

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

Traditional wood fireplaces have a lot of charm, but unfortunately, they can be inefficient even when they aren’t in use.

However, you don’t need to sacrifice your fire this winter to lower your bill -- in fact, it’s possible to convert your fireplace into an energy efficient heat source with the following tips:

• Don’t send your hard earned money up and out the chimney. 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 glass fireplace doors or a cover to the front of your fireplace to help reduce the draft and add a nice aesthetic.
• Consider a gas fireplace insert. In addition to lowering your energy bills and generating more radiant heat, they’re cleaner to maintain -- no ash, soot, or smoke -- and are low maintenance, turning on and off with the flip of a switch. Plus, a new insert looks great and uses energy-saving firebox technology to increase efficiency. Learn more about the benefits of a gas fireplace insert by visiting West Sport in Sudbury.
• For those who love the smell, crackle and process of building a real fire, don’t despair. Pellet and EPA-certified wood inserts can be an easy, clean and efficient alternative as well.

In the pursuit of energy-efficiency, don’t say goodbye to the tradition of a burning fire. Instead, give your fireplace a much needed upgrade with fireplace inserts.

For more information on fireplace inserts, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

KMA Land

Many homeowners in the Sudbury, Lexington and Concord area want an easy way to use the fireplace. They have beautiful homes with beautiful open hearths and expansive chimneys that are a real focal point in their living room or great room. But, they don’t want to fuss with logs or lighting a fire. They just want to enjoy their fireplace. Gas logs and glass fireplace doors are the easiest way to do this.

If you are a homeowner that loves your fireplace and hearth for ambiance with heat being an extra advantage, consider switching from wood to gas and adding gas logs and beautiful custom glass fireplace doors.

Gas logs and glass fireplace doors are an easy and beautiful way to use your fireplace. With the flick of a switch you can enjoy a beautiful fire after work or during the next snow storm. Beautifully made custom fireplace doors can enhance the beauty of your hearth and chimney too. Another added advantage is you have so many options when you choose glass doors. You can easily match your décor, making your hearth whatever you want it to be.

Gas logs are hand made from ceramic and very closely resemble real wood burning logs. There are styles of gas logs to meet every style décor and let you experience the beauty and warmth of a wood fire without the hassle of wood.

With custom-made glass fireplace doors you can also dramatically increase the efficiency of your hearth and transform your fire into a work of art while adding efficiency.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

The weather is cold and it just keeps snowing. During this type of weather, it is nice to be able to come home and relax in front of a fire. But, who wants to lug firewood, and struggle with lighting a fire. With gas logs and glass fireplace doors, you can have a beautiful fire burning in the fireplace in seconds.

Gas logs burn like a real wood fire. But you don’t have to stack, split and transport firewood. All you have to do to start the fire is push a button on the remote control.  When you are done, turn the fire off with the same flick of a switch.  Gas logs and glass fireplace doors are incredibly convenient.

You may have a traditional open hearth and maybe you are trying to decide how to revamp it and make it more attractive and more efficient. Well, there are many advantages of gas logs in Sudbury.

If you are switching from wood to gas logs,  be sure that you buy the right size log set for your fireplace. If it is too small, the display is not as attractive, if it is too large, the logs don’t sit right within the fireplace and it won’t vent correctly.

Gas logs are hand-made and hand-painted to beautifully replicate real wood. You can decide what style logs you would like and adding custom glass fireplace doors creates a beautiful focal point in your home all year round.  Glass fireplace doors make the fire more efficient, helping the fire to vent correctly, keeping the warm air in your home from going up the chimney and keeping cold air out of your home when the fire is not lit.

When you install gas logs and glass fireplace doors, you will have endless hours of cozy relaxation and ambiance added to your home. And, no more dealing with firewood.

For more information on gas logs and glass fireplace doors, contact West Sport in Sudbury where they are on special all month long!

There is a lot of snow outside, and it is still falling. PLEASE be sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and that they are equipped with back-up batteries.

When the snowfall begins, weather forecasters and emergency management officials talk about the increasingly common threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Weather that causes power outages also often results in reports of carbon monoxide poisoning from gasoline-powered generators and other heating equipment. But mammoth snowfalls also cover and block vehicle exhaust pipes, which can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside the passenger area. And snow buildup on rooftops can block flues and vents, restricting the flow of oxygen to furnaces and water heaters and causing the deadly gas to accumulate inside the home.

Unfortunately, this happens whenever there's a big snowstorm.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced by burning fuel without enough oxygen for combustion. It is deadly in large doses.

During heavy snow, be sure to clear snow away from outdoor vents, as well as from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe before starting the engine.  Also, never use outdoor grills and patio heaters indoors. Portable generators should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually states to use them in open areas that are at least 50 feet away from your home.

Call 911 if you think there is any chance you or a family member has been exposed to carbon monoxide.

The National Weather Service released a list of warnings for snow storms, and guarding against exposure to carbon monoxide from portable generators and heaters is No. 1.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Excerpts - baltimoresun.com

There are many advantages of gas fireplace inserts over burning wood. Here a just a few: they are cleaner, safer, and easier, not to mention beautifully made. If you have an open hearth or a wood burning fireplace insert, you may want to convert to gas for any number of reasons. There is an easy solution to converting your wood fireplace to gas, gas fireplace inserts.

Gas fireplace inserts are fireboxes that are inserted into your existing open fireplace. Fireplace inserts often come with a thermostat and/or a remote control. This means they can be turned on with the flick of a switch from the comfort of your couch. This also means that you can set them to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.  These features alone make gas inserts advantageous.

Gas fireplace inserts are also very energy efficient. In fact, new gas fireplace inserts may be even more efficient than your old furnace. Open hearth fireplaces draw the warm air out of your home. Inserts recirculate the warm air back into your home. This makes gas fireplaces very energy and cost efficient.

Another great benefit of gas fireplace inserts is that they are beautifully made and there are many different designs, styles, and colors, to fit any style décor. This makes it easy to add ambiance and a focal point to your living space.  Some inserts have different surround options you can choose from as well.  This makes it easy to change the entire look of your home by adding a fireplace insert to match any style décor.

If you have a wood burning fireplace it is easy to change to the ease, efficiency and safety of gas.  Contact West Sport in Sudbury for more information.

If you are considering adding a fireplace insert to your home, consider the multiple advantages and benefits of wood burning fireplace inserts. Here are just a few of them: efficiency, cleaner burning, and warmer.

A fireplace insert is a specially designed steel firebox that is made to fit into your existing open fireplace. Air from inside your home is drawn into the firebox. The warm air from the fire is then blown back into your home. This is called radiant heat and this is actually one of the advantages of a wood insert. Open fireplaces lose hot air up the chimney, fireplace inserts dramatically improve the efficiency of your hearth. This means that with an insert you will get more heat into your home from an identical fire.

Because fireplace inserts are so much more energy efficient, they improve the efficiency of your entire home. Fires burn hotter in inserts which means you will keep your thermostats lower. Because they burn so efficiently, this means they lessen wood-smoke pollution as well. Because the heat is “radiant heat” wood burning fireplace inserts increase the output of heat into your living area.

If someone in your home has allergies or if you are concerned about indoor air quality, a fireplace insert has the advantage over an open fireplace because it is enclosed. However, inserts are beautifully designed with a full sized glass door, so your view of the roaring fire won’t be comprised.

Wood burning fireplace inserts are also more efficient because they “burn cleaner”. They burn hotter than an open fireplace, which means they get more heat out of every piece of firewood. This means you will save money all around, on firewood and on heating bills.

Besides all of these practical advantages, you have the advantage of design as well. Fireplace inserts often offer design options, so you can coordinate it’s style with your home décor. Surrounds can be beautifully blended with your home to create a focal point in your home all year round adding to your home's personality and comfort.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Many homeowners want to either improve the efficiency of their open fireplace or make that fireplace more attractive. Beyond that, they aren’t sure what they want; gas or wood, stove or insert, maybe gas logs or simply add glass fireplace doors.

Wood burning inserts offer convenience, ease of cleaning and style all in one. While wood burning fireplace inserts will add both beauty and heating efficiency to your old, open fireplace, they aren’t for everyone. Gas fireplace inserts are attractive and easy to use, involve less work than wood inserts and can be used as a supplemental heat source if that is what you are looking for.

And, while inserts are beautiful, you don’t have the full ability to reflect your home style and to put your creative juices to good work. Fireplace inserts consist of a firebox and its surround. They are beautifully made, but your only design options are in the color and finish of the door and the surround.

If gas is what your are after for ease and convenience, and if you want to use your fireplace more for ambiance and supplemental heat, you may want to consider gas logs and custom designed glass fireplace doors. Why choose gas logs? Because you can have a realistic fire burning with the touch of a button, no mess, and you can reflect your home through the custom design.

There are many advantages to gas logs and custom fireplace doors over wood. Gas fireplaces are easy to maintain, clean, and use. However, they still give the appearance of a real wood-burning fire. Gas logs and fireplace doors are an accessory that add an artistic appearance to your home while heating your living space.

There is nothing more cheerful than a warm fire burning in the fireplace, and with beautiful glass doors custom designed to enhance your home décor, your home will have a beautiful focal point all year round.

You best bet is to visit West Sport in Sudbury, your local fireplace showroom, to see what best fits your home, your needs and your lifestyle. For more information, contact us.

The New Year is here, and now is the time to address those home updating projects you have been talking about. Wood burning fireplace inserts are an easy and inexpensive way to update and invigorate your home.

Hearthstone Clydesdale wood inserts help change the look and feel of your living space without a massive, expensive remodeling project. A wood burning fire is a great way to draw coziness and a new focal point into any room. And in the summer, these wood fireplace inserts are so attractive they look beautiful even when they are not burning.

They are made to complement any indoor décor. With a door and surround in multiple finishes and a gorgeous wooden handle, they are attractive all year long.

But the best part of a wood burning insert means that they will help supplement your heating expenses too, making your fireplace more efficient and helping to effectively heat your home on those freezing cold days to come.

Right now at West Sport in Sudbury, Clydesdale wood burning fireplace inserts come with a free chimney liner system. This is an $800 value. Now is the time to redecorate and invigorate your gorgeous home. Happy New Year from the Fireplace and Grill Shop at West Sport in Sudbury. Serving the entire Boston Area.

If you have yet to decide on a Christmas entrée, or If you have decided on a beautiful pork crown roast, here is an excellent and different, but easy recipe.

This is a fantastic way to prepare a pork crown roast. The roast is marinated, placed onto the grill, basted with a sweetened glaze, sliced, and then served with a delectable sauce.  Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.

Grilled Pork Crown Roast

• 1 pork crown roast (10-12 bone)

for marinade:

• 1/3 cup/80 mL olive oil
• 1/4 cup/60 mL gin
• 1/4 cup/60 mL fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons/10 mL Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons/7.5 mL sea salt
• 1 teaspoon/5 mL fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5 mL mild chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5 mL black pepper
• for glaze:
• 1 cup/240 mL fig preserves
• 2 tablespoons/30 mL water
• 1 tablespoon/15 mL gin
• for sauce:
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons/30 mL olive oil
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 cups/260 mL chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons/30 mL Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon/15 mL white wine (optional)
• 6-8 whole peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon/2.5 mL sea salt
• cornstarch and water

Combine all marinade ingredients in medium plastic or glass bowl. Place roast into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade ingredients into bag making sure only the meat portion is covered. Seal and place into refrigerator in a standing position, meat side on the bottom, bones on top. Marinate for 4-6 hours.

While roast is marinating, prepare the glaze. Simply add all glaze ingredients to a saucepan and simmer until fig preserves is melted through. Once all ingredients are well combined, remove pan from heat and let glaze cool to room temperature before using.

Preheat gas, charcoal or pellet grill for medium-high heat. Remove crown roast from bag and discard marinade. Wrap each bone with aluminum foil, so they do not burn during cooking process. Place roast onto grill and cook over indirect heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, depending on size and thickness of roast. Toward the last 40 minutes of cooking, baste with fig glaze continuously. Once meat reaches 165 degrees in multiple locations, it is time to take off the grill. Place onto a large cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

To prepare serving sauce, heat olive oil in a large pan. Add shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes constantly stirring, add chicken broth and bring to a light bubble for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. To thicken sauce, simply combine 1/4 cup/60 mL of cold water with 1 heaping teaspoon of cornstarch in a small dish. Increase heat to medium high on stove, letting the sauce come to a bubble. Slowly pour in cornstarch mixture, making sure to stir so lumps do not form. The sauce should thicken quickly. Once this happens, remove pan from heat.

To serve, cut away the twine used to secure the the roast. Remove foil from bones, and cut each portion between the bone, exposing a nice thick bone-in chop. Top meat with sauce and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year from West Sport in Sudbury.

Image and recipe - bbq.about.com

The holidays are here. After the entertaining and after the decorations get put away, winter draws on. You may be looking to freshen up the look of the living room or great room. And a great way to do this is with a wood burning fireplace insert.

After the holidays, we just want to relax. There is no better way to do that than in front of a wood burning fire. Wood burning fireplace inserts are the perfect solution for rooms with an open fireplace. Fireplace inserts turn an inefficient, boring hearth and fireplace into an efficient and gorgeous heat source for your entire home. Wood inserts are installed within your existing fireplace, so little work is needed.

If you want to update the look of your home or create a room with more atmosphere and ambiance but without an entire remodel, fireplace inserts are a great option. In fact, they will make your home heating more efficient, less expensive and more attractive. They are great additions for older homes, for homes where the fireplace is not used, for homeowners who want to decrease their heating bills or for those who want to increase the value of their home.

Wood burning fireplace inserts are beautifully made with large glass doors and surrounds that can match any style décor. Most fireplace inserts are incredibly efficient and can burn all day Many have a blower so the heat will be circulated throughout your living space.

If you want to create a relaxing space and a new look in your great room or living room after the holidays, consider wood fireplace inserts. Contact West Sport in Sudbury.