by Lisa M LaVergne

Created on: October 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 09, 2011

With the cost of fuel rising, more and more people are making the switch to heating their homes the old-fashioned way...with wood. If you have a fireplace in your home and are considering using it to heat your home this winter, here are a few tips to help make your fireplace more energy-efficient, and help keep you warm.

Replacing the damper. Over time the damper in your chimney will become loose and allow air to leak past it. Ideally, you should replace the damper in your fireplace at least every 3-5 years to help keep your fireplace energy-efficient. If you have a simple damper that goes inside the chimney, consider switching to a chimney cap model which, though more expensive, is much more energy-efficient.

Install a fireback. If your fireplace does not already have one, consider installing a fireback in your fireplace. A fireback is a heavy duty sheet of metal, such as cast iron, which helps to reflect heat out of the fireplace and into the room. It also helps to prevent the masonry in the back of the fireplace from absorbing heat, which is not only fuel-efficient, but helps protect your bricks as well.

Install new doors. Having quality doors on your fireplace works two-fold. Not only does it help prevent warm air in the house from being siphoned up the chimney, but they also help prevent cold air from getting into the house from the chimney when the fireplace is not in use.

Install an insert. A fireplace insert is an extremely effective way to make your fireplace more energy-efficient. These inserts are basically a wood burning stove that fits into your home's fireplace. They help to reduce the amount of heat that would be otherwise lost. Though they are rather expensive initially, they make up for the cost in the long run by being so energy-efficient.

Keep the fireplace sealed when not in use. Closing the damper is not always the most efficient way to keep your fireplace sealed off when it is not in use. And if your fireplace is not sealed properly, cold air can get in from the outside and warm air can leech out. Using an inflatable plug and making sure that any cracks around the fireplace are sealed with flame-resistant caulk will help keep your fireplace properly sealed when it is not being used.

By following these few simple tips, you can greatly help to improve the efficiency of your fireplace, and ensure that it is as effective as possible for heating your home. You will not only save money in the long run, but help extend the life of your fireplace as well.

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