Professional Chimney Sweep, Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning in Whitby, ON

From the warming rays of the sun to the embers of a hot open fire or glowing stove, people have enjoyed the soothing sensation of radiant heat since the beginning of time. Some fireplaces are designed to provide the maximum amount of forward focused radiant heat, up to 40% of total heater output. By comparison, a central warm air furnace delivers no radiant heat. Besides the superior feel of the heat, advantages of radiant heat include - faster heat, warmer floors, walls, and furniture. It is also quieter as there is no fan running. You will also feel more comfortable at lower room air temperature settings, providing further opportunity for energy savings.

Each system is calibrated by the manufacturer and may not match exactly. If the temperature readings are within 3 degrees this is within the specification.

Forced air central heating systems distribute heated air from a central furnace unit through ducts to various points in the home. The furnace burners cycle on and off as often as 3-4 times per hour depending on the thermostat's setting and sensitivity. Typical furnace gas inputs range from 80,000 to 120,000 BTU/hour and are sized to heat the home in the very coldest weather. During average heating weather, furnace "on cycle" times may be relatively short with the burners shutting down before peak efficiency is even reached. This results in reduced efficiencies through "cycling losses" (like a car's mileage in stop and go traffic). Also, room comfort levels fluctuate along with furnace heat cycles, sometimes warm one minute and cool the next. With central furnace systems, it's often necessary to overheat portions of the home just to get comfortable in the area you wish to spend time.

Each fireplace has a rating plate either inside the operating door or in the lower controls cavity. On that rating plate is your model number and serial number. Wood burning fireplaces have a metal serial/model plate in the upper left side or right side of the firebox, or riveted on the smoke shield behind the screen. Gas burning fireplaces and inserts have a serial/model/rating plate in the lower cavity controls area. Gas stoves have a serial/model/rating plate attached to the back of the stove or inside the pedestal base.

No. The louvres allow room air to move around the heat exchanger. Blocking this air flow can cause fires and will void your manufacturer's warranty and possibly your homeowner's warranty.