autumn 2016 | better ways to stay warm

September 09, 2016

better ways to

stay warm

by Rochelle Riservato photos provided by Fireside Warmth

Fall is in full-swing, and it’s time to make your Hudson Valley home warm and cozy. Throw some blankets on the couches, get out those comfy slippers, and make sure your home heating appliance is ready to go. John Mountford, owner of Fireside Warmth in Kingston, helped us compile a guide to choosing a home heating option best-suited to one’s needs and budget.

most important things to consider

John suggests that homeowners first consider which appliance and fuel would best fit their lifestyles. He says:

1. CONSIDER THE COST
OF THE FUEL SOURCE

Lowering annual heating costs is not as simple as comparing cost per gallon. There are various local fuels readily available throughout the Hudson Valley, and a professional can help you weigh your options. John uses a formula from travisindustries.com to determine the most economical choice.

2. APPLIANCES MUST WORK
WITH CONSUMERS’ LIFESTYLES

This is the most important thing buyers should consider when purchasing an alternative heating source. They should research the features and benefits of each appliance and consider the amount of time they are able to dedicate to home heating. Some appliances require only daily attention, while others need to be attended to three or four times a day.

how to make your choice

To obtain quality guidance, it is best to visit your local hearth expert. There are many businesses throughout the Hudson Valley that can provide answers to your questions and offer a diverse selection of products. John says that most dealers have displays

WOOD BURNING STOVES

• create radiant warmth
• are available in freestanding, fireplace, or insert styles
• provide a backup heat, cooking, and light source during power outages
• tax credits and energy loans are available for purchases of new appliances
• use a renewable fuel

where customers can try appliances first-hand. He stresses caution when dealing with internet sellers, though, because they cannot advise customers using code requirements, installation information, and service advice particular to a Hudson Valley homeowner.

PELLET BURNING STOVES

• create radiant warmth and convection heat
• are available in freestanding, fireplace, or insert styles
• enable minimal user interaction by combining self-feeding
with a large hopper capacity
• tax credits and energy loans are available for purchases of new appliances
• use a renewable fuel

GAS BURNING STOVES

that use liquefied petroleum or natural gas
• create radiant warmth and convection heat
• are available in freestanding, fireplace, insert, or wall-mounted styles
• include an optional thermostat to provide controlled heat
• provide a backup heat and light source during power outages
• may use Wi-Fi and smart phone technology
• offer several venting options to accommodate any home
• energy loans are available for purchases of new appliances

COAL BURNING STOVES

• create radiant warmth
• are available in freestanding or insert styles
• offer four distinct options of anthracite coal for
different styles of residential coal burning appliances
• provide a backup heat and cooking source during
power outages, depending on the type of anthracite used
• energy loans are available for purchases of new appliances, and
anthracite coal burns cleaner than bituminous and other soft coals
• most anthracite coal sold in the Hudson Valley is from
restoration projects in Pennsylvania that clean old mines

expert safety advice

For 38 years, Flynn O’Connor has been the owner of Mad Hatter Chimney Cleaning, located in Accord. An expert in both traditional and alternative heat source preparation, installation, repairs and safety, Flynn says that the optimal time to service your stove or fireplace is as soon as you stop using it for the season, allowing time for any needed repairs. It also cuts down on odors from soot when the weather is humid during the summer. Flynn stresses that it is vital for new stove owners to read their owners’ manuals and follow break-in procedures to allow stoves to cure properly.

the importance of seasoned wood

If you are using wood as an alternative fuel, make certain that it is well-seasoned and not freshly cut. Freshly chopped firewood has up to 50 percent water content and will not burn efficiently—or at all. Allowing the moisture to escape from the wood over a length of time is essential, as the drier the wood, the cleaner the burn. Firewood is ready when the water content is below 20 percent. Burning unseasoned or even partially-seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace will cause creosote buildup in your chimney. This can lead to a chimney fire at worst and a lack of fire or a roomful of smoke at best.

in general, softwoods require around six to 12 months to season;hardwoods, such as oak, require one to two years.

fireside warmth: 901 Route 28, Kingston; 845-331-5656; firesidewarmthonline.com the mad hatter chimney sweep: Accord; 845-687-4745; madhatterchimney.com

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