Tag Archives: heating

Hottest Fireplace Trends For Fall And Winter Chill

A fireplace that doubles as a modern art piece? Yes! image: theverybesttop10.com
A fireplace that doubles as art. image: theverybesttop10.com

Over the years, fireplaces have been a familiar feature in many homes, however until very recently, they have undergone very little change from the traditional hearth.

Fireplaces are becoming the design focus for many rooms in the house and with new technological advances it’s now possible to do more with the fireplace than ever before.

“We’re seeing some very interesting home designs that incorporate fireplaces in many creative new ways,” said David Coulson, of Napoleon Fireplaces. “While the traditional hearth will be a mainstay for many homes, modern fireplaces with crisp lines and glass frames will continue to rise in popularity with new homes and redesigned rooms. That being said we’re seeing several new trends emerge this season that are really changing the way people are thinking about fireplaces.”

Coulson suggests keeping the following hot trends in mind when looking for a new fireplace this season.

Napoleon outdoor fireplace
Napoleon outdoor fireplace

.         Modern: The upcoming season will continue the trend of sleek and modern fireplaces. Look for clean, linear lines with less metal and more
glass. People want the full flame and don’t want black or chrome metal frames blocking the view or interfering with the lighting.

.         Gas: Gas fireplaces will continue to rise in popularity this season. The convenience of flicking a switch compared to collecting, piling and lighting firewood is quickly winning out. The younger generation of fireplace buyers want a quick lighting fireplace that is cleaner and easier to maintain.

.         Outdoors: 2014 will be a big year for the outdoor fireplace as people create or expand on their backyard oasis. The idea of turning a backyard into another room of your house is fueling the outdoor fireplace trend and Napoleon has developed several new models to accommodate this demand.

.         Heat rises: Much like HD televisions, consumers are placing their fireplace inserts higher up on the wall. New technology allows for home
owners to insert enclosed gas fireplaces almost anywhere in the house and many people are taking inspiration from designers who are playing with the traditional ideas of where you find a fireplace.

.         Unlikely locations: Much like the migration of fireplaces up the wall, more fireplaces are being installed in unlikely rooms. For example,
Napoleon makes several models which are ideally suited for the kitchen or bathroom. These fireplaces however are typically used to decorate the room, not to provide a main source for heating.

In the end, every room is different so it’s important to find the right fireplace that fits.

About Wolf Steel Ltd.:

It all began in 1976 when a small steel fabrication business launched by Wolfgang Schroeter started manufacturing steel railings in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. At that time, no one could imagine the incredible future that lay ahead for Wolf Steel Ltd. and eventually NapoleonR Fireplaces and NapoleonR Gourmet Grills.

Since the first wood stove rolled off the production line over 35 years ago, Wolf Steel’s commitment was to be distinctive and successful in everything they do. Napoleon’s commitment to producing quality products combined with honest, reliable service has proven to be successful framework to ensuring the continued rapid growth of the company. NapoleonR is an ISO9001 – 2008 registered company and now operates with 750,000+ square feet of manufacturing space and employs over 700 associates.

NapoleonR is North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of quality wood and gas fireplaces (inserts and stoves), gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products, waterfalls and a complete line of Heating & Cooling equipment.

Supplementalhttp://theverybesttop10.com/2013/05/27/incredible-fireplaces/

What is ISO9001- http://www.iso9001.com/

With Summer Winding Down Now Is Time For Air Conditioner Servicing

The summer may be winding down, but there are still a few weeks left to keep that air conditioner pumping fresh, cool air throughout your home and before you receive a professional furnace check-up for the winter months ahead.

Just like a furnace, with regular upkeep and maintenance, your air conditioner will enjoy a long and healthy lifespan. Your HVAC system is an integral component to your home because it not only provides comfort, but it also supplies high-quality and clean air for you and your family to enjoy.

It takes a lot to keep an entire high rise cool during a heatwave. Your home a/c unit requires regular attention too.

Without proper care, the system can become dirty and clogged which prevents clean air from flowing through your house, and even worse, a neglected system can become dangerous because of old wiring and electrical circuits.

You should get your AC unit fixed right away if you notice the following:

  • Unusual sounds coming from the unit
  • Your digital thermostat has gone blank or it has lost power
  • Water is leaking from your indoor unit (please note: attic units can leak and cause water stains on the ceiling)

Always work with a trusted and professional heating and cooling service provider who offers 24-hour emergency repair. Commercial or residence, it’s important to work with experienced technicians who can advise you with integrity and sincerity on the right solutions for your needs.

There are also a few things you can double-check before you jump to any serious conclusions.

Check the Temperature

Does it feel abnormally hot or humid in your house? Always be sure to set the thermostat to Air Conditioning Mode. If you notice that it is set to that, and it’s still muggy and hot in the house, it might be time to give your maintenance technician a call.

Often air conditioners can have trouble maintaining service if it’s hotter than 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit). However, most units should be able to maintain your home’s cool air within a couple of degrees of your setting. If it’s not working when it’s above 33 degrees, there might be a problem.

Check with your maintenance and installation provider if you think the temperature is hotter than it should be just in case something is broken so that you can go back to feeling comfortable and content.

Change the Filters

Dirty air filters can cause great damage to your AC unit. You’d be surprised at how much dust and debris air filters catch, and when they’re not cleaned or changed, the collected debris can clog things up and cause wear and tear on the system’s parts.

This prevents clean, cool air from flowing through. It also means that the AC unit will not live a long, healthy life because the extreme wear and tear of the dirty parts will cause it to breakdown faster than it should.

Take a look at your filters and investigate how clean they look. If you’re unsure how to locate the filters or how to do this, consult your trusted heating and cooling service provider to know exactly what to do. The best companies offer DIY tips so that you’ll be able to tackle any small problems yourself in the future.

Keep in mind to always switch off the unit’s power entirely before you attempt any maintenance or repair work.

Feel the Air in Your Home

If you’ve already checked the temperature and taken a look at your filters, check the air coming out of the supply vents.

If you have an outdoor unit, make sure it’s running and that the thermostat is in Air Conditioner Mode. You should feel cold air.

If you find that there is considerably less air than usual coming out of the vents, or if you find the air to be warm, it’s possible that there is an issue. If there is no air coming out of the outdoor unit’s vents at all, this could also be a problem.

In these cases, your evaporator coils may be iced over. Be sure to cut off the unit so that it can thaw before a technician arrives.

Pay Attention to any Noises

If you notice any squeaks, grinding, or grating sounds coming from your AC unit, chances are there are problems to be attended to.

These types of noises usually occur when a belt has slipped out of place, parts need lubrication, or the motor bearings have broken.

It’s critical that this is maintained right away because prolonged avoidance can result in additional and costly damage. It’s possible that you need a replacement unit or simply have repairs made.

Air conditioner repair is important because it keeps the quality of air in your home clean and safe.

Always remember to work with a trusted maintenance and installation company who offers round-the-clock emergency support, and one who you can trust! For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.