It’s that time of year again. Time to start thinking about turning on the heat again, and wondering if it’s time for an eco-upgrade to the whole heating system.

You can make your home heating more eco-friendly and more efficient by getting rid of an energy-wasting fireplace. Fireplace Inserts are designed to be vastly more efficient — 80 or 90 percent efficiency -- versus 10 percent for the old-fashioned hearth. And fireplace inserts are equally as cheerful.

Fireplace Inserts (basically a stove made to fit right inside an existing fireplace) come in a few varieties including natural gas, pellet, and wood.

Wood-burning fireplace inserts are nice because they run on a renewable resource, and one that’s often easy to source locally. Burning sustainably harvested wood is also considered carbon neutral because you’re only releasing the carbon that the tree sequestered in its lifetime; it’s part of the carbon cycle in a way that underground fossil fuels are not. Plus, an EPA-certified wood burning stove or insert is built to burn cleaner and more efficiently, dramatically reducing fine particle emissions and pollution over older models. And of course, wood fires have that ambiance going for them too.

Gas stove inserts are easier to deal with — just flip a switch, no careful fire-tending needed. But natural gas is a fossil fuel, nonrenewable, and increasingly obtained via environmentally dubious fracking.

Wood pellet inserts and stoves burn ultra-compressed wood that might otherwise have been landfilled. Pellets are super-dry, which makes them burn cleaner and more efficiently than wood. Pellet stoves and inserts do require some electricity to run, and they tend to be a bit more expensive up-front, but a pellet stove could be just the ticket for many.

And finally, there’s the electric fireplace insert — a bit like a space heater, really. These don’t produce any smoke or emissions on site, and while they’re not the most efficient way to heat a big home, one might work for a small space like your cabin. I bring this one up specifically because of your zip code: Most of the electricity in Washington comes from clean hydro-power, so you wouldn’t be committing pollution by proxy. The coziness factor of an electric fire is somewhat debatable, true, but its virtues may outweigh its vices in your case.

The best choice will depend on your budget, your house, fuel availability, and other factors. For more information and help deciding which fireplace insert will be the best for your home and lifestyle, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

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Heating your home by burning firewood in a wood stove is a very satisfying practice. Knowing that you are cutting heating bills and participating in the local economy, while using a renewable energy source are a few of the reasons why.

This winter is supposed to be very cold, with lots of snow. If you want a more efficient way to heat your home, look at wood burning fireplace insert. However there are some variables involved in choosing the right wood-burning appliance.

Wood Heat is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to increasing energy costs associated with other forms of heating. Heating with firewood is typically more suited to rural areas than urban ones, but firewood can be delivered or found anywhere. There are many advantages of heating with wood versus other energy sources like oil, electricity and propane in terms of cost and overall efficiency.

Another argument to heating with wood is that it is a green heat, wood is sustainable.   Wood stoves and wood burning fireplace inserts have improved in efficiency in the last few decades. There are other distinct advantages that wood-burning offers over other methods of home heating. First off, dollar-for-dollar it's much cheaper, plus it can be a complete off-grid option, and there is a hands-on allure with using wood for heat, appealing to our sense of self-reliance.

For more information on heating with wood, or on the right fireplace insert for your home, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

treehugger.com

Everyone loves relaxing in front of a wood burning fire when it is cold outside. It is hard to beat that feeling from an open burning wood fireplace. But, most of us are not that fond of the amount of fire wood that it consumes.

So, let’s talk about fireplace inserts. A fireplace insert is inserted directly into your open fireplace instantly making your hearth more attractive and most important, more efficient.

Wood burning fireplace inserts can take your fireplace from negative efficiency, (meaning it is even worse than not being efficient, you actually lose money when burning it) to over 75% efficient. Obviously, that means that you can save money when using a wood burning fireplace insert.

Of course, with an insert you will be viewing the fire behind the ceramic glass front; but the fire may last up to eight hours on a single charge of wood. And the frame around the fireplace insert is very attractive and often adds ambiance to a room even when the fire is not lit.

Fireplace Inserts are available in many styles and sizes. Want to learn more? Contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Fall is around the corner and winter is right behind. Have you considered a better way to heat your home this winter? What about holiday shopping, have you started?  You know that once school starts, time just begins to slip away. This Saturday, September 12th may be the perfect opportunity to get back some of that time.

West Sport in Sudbury is hosting a “Sidewalk Sale” with greatly reduced prices on:

• Gas and Charcoal Grills
• Table Top Grills
• Grilling Accessories
• Fireplace Accessories
• Chimney Liners and Venting Systems
• Comfort Furnace (Infrared Small Space Heater)
• Fire Pits
• and much more!

Along with the other September Specials on Hearthstone wood burning fireplace inserts as well as specials on glass fireplace doors and gas log sets, you could walk away with a better, more attractive heating solution for your home this winter, as well as holiday gifts!

For more information, contact West Sport, or come by on Saturday, September 13th all day.

A wood burning fireplace insert is an easy, convenient way to heat your home and the perfect way to make your open fireplace more beautiful. Wood burning fireplace inserts sit inside the open fireplace and are surrounded by steel or cast iron with an insulated glass window. This prevents the heat from going up the chimney and instead sends the heat into your home. Many wood burning fireplace inserts have a blower that helps circulate the hot air for more efficient heating.

One of the biggest benefits to adding wood burning fireplace inserts is that they’re much more energy efficient than an open fireplace. In fact, they average around 80% efficiency, that is far more efficient than your existing heating system. They are very attractive because it is a natural wood fire with an attractive surround. In smaller homes, wood burning fireplace inserts can be used as the only heat source. In every home, they become the focal point of your room.

Right now, at West Sport in Sudbury, Hearthstone wood burning fireplace inserts are on sale. Get $600 off when you purchase the chimney liner too.

Clydesdale Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts feature cost saving benefits. They are attractive, can supplement your home heating or  can be used to heat the room you use most; plus they have the benefit of replacing an old drafty masonry fireplace.

Clydesdale Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

• Heats up to: 2,000 sq. ft.
• Burns Up to 10 hours
• Heats for Up to 12 hours
• Size: 60,000 BTU's
• Efficiency: 79% (LHV)

For more information on this wood fireplace insert sale, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Winter home heating forecast: 'It's going to be a very expensive winter'

Enjoying the final stretch of summer, because unfortunately ‘they’ say we can look forward to a pricey winter for home heating costs.

"It's going to be a very expensive winter," predicted Secretary of Environment and Energy Affairs Maeve Vallely Bartlett. "We are projecting that due to our constrained natural gas supply, that prices in New England will go up for the winter."

High energy costs have been seen as one of the drags on the Massachusetts economy. Ratepayers in the state spend nearly double what people in Idaho pay for natural gas.

Bartlett said she would have a more precise idea of how much prices will increase by around November, and said part of the cost is a result of a prolonged period of frigid temperatures last winter that kept furnaces blasting.

"With the extreme winter last year, people will see those costs reflected this year, and then if we continue to have extreme winters and a constrained energy supply, those costs will continue to go up."

Meanwhile, as coal and nuclear power plants around the region have planned closures, there is a natural gas plant being developed in Salem, which would add further demand on the state's current system of pipes.

The state has alternative means to receive natural gas in the form of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, which arrives by tanker ships.

"We believe that we may get increased shipments of LNG, which is good for reliability, but will be costly."

If you are looking for a less expensive and more attractive way to heat your home this winter, come in to West Sport and take a look at our specials on wood burning fireplace inserts and wood burning stoves.

Wicked Local

Tax free weekend in Massachusetts is one week away. August 16-17 we can forget about paying 6.25% in sales taxes on almost all purchases. If you have started thinking about heating your home this winter, consider a fireplace insert. If you haven’t starting thinking about it, maybe now is the time! West Sport in Sudbury is giving you $600 off and NO TAX.  Total savings of $875 on all HearthStone Clydesdale Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts including the Chimney Liner System.

Do you have vacation plans or other purchases you need to make? No Problem. Come in this week, and we’ll process your order next week so you can take advantage of the savings.  Avoid the wait and start shopping for fireplace inserts now.

Come on in to West Sport in Sudbury and take a look. In fact, we are also offering  $300 off all HearthStone gas and wood burning stoves. With no tax that is a savings of at least $450. We are also offering a savings on Gas Logs and Custom Glass Fireplace Doors. We have whatever you need to heat your home with beauty this winter.

Have you wanted to make your home more attractive and more efficient?  Let us show you your options in new fireplace inserts and wood burning stoves for your existing fireplace. Fireplace inserts and stoves make heating with wood easy and beautiful.

Avoid the tax free holiday rush, and come on it to look at our spectacular inventory now. Take advantage of the Massachusetts tax free holiday. Contact West Sport for more information.

It has finally been decided! Tax Free Weekend in Massachusetts is being held on August 16 and 17. This means you can save hundreds of dollars on a new gas grill, a wood fireplace insert or a gas or wood burning stove.

If you have been thinking about a new gas grill, now is the time to buy. We grill out all year round in Massachusetts and you can save hundreds on a new 4-burnger gas grill for your backyard.

Buying a Hearthstone wood burning stove  or gas stove you can make a fuel smart investment, and add beauty to your home.  And, you can save $300 plus tax on your purchase. If it is a wood burning fireplace insert you have in mind, then HearthStone makes one of the most beautiful, top-selling inserts on the market. And on Tax Free Weekend, you can save $600 plus tax, too!

There is a huge selection of Hearthstone wood stoves, gas stoves and fireplace inserts in stock, set up and ready for you to see. Combat high heating bills this coming winter and add ambiance to your home by purchasing a Hearthstone wood burning, gas, or pellet fueled stove.

If you can’t make it in that weekend, shop now, pick out your purchase, and we’ll process it on tax free weekend so you can take advantage of the savings.

Interested in our TAX FREE WEEKEND SPECIALS?

• HearthStone Clydesdale Wood Fireplace Insert with Chimney Liner System - $600 off and NO TAX.  Total savings of $875.
• Broil King Baron 440 Gas Grill – was $899, NOW $749 and NO TAX.  Total savings of $195.
• All HearthStone gas and wood burning stoves - $300 off and NO TAX.  Savings of AT LEAST $450.
• Gas Logs and Custom Glass Fireplace Doors combination - $300 off and NO TAX.  Savings of AT LEAST $450.

For more information on our specials, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

It’s summer. And, while you may be  a great cook, grilling may be intimidating if you are not experienced. But here in Boston, we love to grill, so this is the year to master your grilling technique.

If you love to cook, and eat, you know that grilled food is delicious. Is there anything better than barbequed sausages, burgers, corn on the cob, or a great steak? The food that comes of a charcoal grill or a gas grill is delicious. Plus the smell of food grilling is absolutely addicting.

If you have not discovered the fun of mastering grill, go out and check out a new grill And then, here are some tips for the grilling amateur.

Gas or charcoal:

There are proponents for both, with those on the charcoal side saying you can’t beat the smoky flavor that comes from cooking over coals, and those on the gas side arguing the convenience factor (quick and easy to light, heats up fast) trumps everything else. It’s really your preference.

Direct vs. indirect cooking:

Direct cooking is ideal for food that doesn’t take too long to cook – think steaks, burgers, chicken breasts and veggies. On a gas grill, preheat it to high, place food on grill, and then turn to temperature recipe suggests. Close grill, and only lift to turn food. For a charcoal grill, charcoal should be evenly spread out. Preheat, and then put food on the grill. Keep lid closed, aside from turning food.

Indirect cooking is great for food that takes longer to cook – whole chickens, ribs, roasts, etc. The heat circulates around the inside, evenly cooking the food. On a gas grill, start by preheating on high. Place the food in the center and turn off the burner directly underneath it, and lower the burners on the side to the temperature specified in the recipe. Consider using a drip pan to catch meat juices. On a charcoal grill, move coals to either side. Place food in the center, and put a drip pan underneath.

How to light your grill:

For gas grills: Open the lid. Turn on the gas from the propane tank. Turn on one of the burners, then press the ignition button. If you don’t have one or it no longer works, use a long match or BBQ lighter to ignite the burner. Once it’s lit, turn on the other burners. Heat on high to help burn off any remaining food and/or grease. Then turn burners back down to desired temperature before cooking.

For charcoal grills: We’re keen on all-natural ways to start the charcoal grill – as opposed to lighter fluid, which tends to be filled with chemicals and can transfer that flavor to your food. Look for all-natural starters, or use a chimney starter. Put a few pieces of crumpled newspaper in the bottom, fill the chimney with charcoal, and then light the newspaper. Remove the grill grate and place the chimney in the grill. Be sure to clear out leftover ash, and any other material blocking airflow. The bottom vent should be open to allow oxygen in. Once the charcoal is good and hot, use oven mitts to pour the charcoal from the chimney into the grill.

Cleaning the grill:

Clean your grill each time you use it – heat the grill and use a wire brush to scrape the grates. Before cooking , mist your grill with a fine spray of cooking oil to help prevent your food from sticking. Make sure the grill is cold when you mist it – you don’t want flare-ups!

For more information on grills or for grilling tips, contact West Sport.

citynews.ca

If it is time to buy a new grill – There are some things to consider along with what type of fuel you want to use. Charcoal? Gas?

When selecting a grill, it is important to ask yourself a couple of questions. How many people are you cooking for; how much time do you typically have to cook; and what space will you be cooking in? These are important things that will help you select the best grill for your needs.

Looking at how many people you cook for is important to identify how big a grill you need. There is a wide variety of sizes available — especially in charcoal and gas grills. A family of four may be able to use a two- to three-burner gas grill, or an 18-inch charcoal kettle grill for normal cooking. If you entertain at your house during the summer, or if you plan to, you may want to look at multiple grills — gas for normal family cooking then charcoal for those all-day backyard cookouts.

Timing is everything when it comes to grilling. Prep time for gas grills is typically less than five minutes. On the other hand, charcoal grills have a prep time that can be as high as 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the grill and amount of charcoal.

It is important to keep in mind your fuel source when selecting the best grill for your needs. If you usually have to cook in a short window of time, a gas grill would be the best option. If you’re a slow and steady griller — charcoal is a great option.

The space you have to grill in is also important. A patio may give you more options than a deck. Though you may need a large grill for your family, you may lose function with a large grill in a small space.  If space is a concern, look at grills that have space-saving features, such as side shelves that fold down.

Putting some thought into these questions will help you make the most of your grilling adventures. For help choosing the best grill for your space and your lifestyle, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

stltoday.com