Tag: firemizer

Log Storage Basics

Log storage is a must if you own a wood burner. As soon as the winter chill hits, the demand for logs increases, along with the prices! So it is a good idea to begin stock piling well in advance.

There are lots of wood store designs that are both practical and pleasing on the eye. Outdoor stores are a great way of keeping wood dry in wet weather whilst steering clear of wood piles cluttering your home.

First, you need to decide where you’d like to put your wood store. You preferably want it to be easily accessible, closer to your house the better! You don’t want to be scrambling up the garden on cold, dark nights. If this isn’t an option, a good sturdy basket to carry your logs inside beforehand is an easy solution.

You want it to be sitting on level ground, and raised enough so that your bottom row of logs are not exposed to the damp. For the same reason, if you are positioning near a wall or fence, be sure to leave a gap in between.

For easy access, choose an open fronted store. Air needs to be able to circulate around your wood, therefore gaps in the sides is a must. The roof needs to overhang all sides and slope away from the front to allow rain to run off.

Once your log storage is in place, it is time to load it up. When stacking, try to keep it as neat and tidy as you can to avoid the logs tumbling out. Plus, the neater they are, the more you will be able to fit in!

 

 

 

 

Reasons To Love Spring

It’s official, we have made it through the winter months and Spring is here!  We can now welcome longer days and warmer, sunnier weather. There are many reasons to love Spring, but here is what we are most looking forward to…

It makes you happier

It’s a fact! Sunlight increases the brain’s release of serotonin which regulates feelings of well-being and happiness.

It makes you healthier

Sunlight also provides us with more Vitamin D. This important vitamin helps with growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance to certain diseases.

Fruit and Veg is at its best

Springtime sees the return of bright and colourful fruits and vegetables like strawberries, kiwi’s, radishes and asparagus. Spring is a firm favourite with chefs as flavour and freshness is at it’s peak!

Flowers are in bloom and trees are turning green

You will already be reaping the benefits, and enjoying the daffodils and tulips popping up. Did you know, colourful plants and flowers increase positive energy? Plants and flowers oxygenate the air, boosting brain cells, which also improves memory and concentration.

We see more animals

When the weather becomes warmer, animals will make an appearance again. Many give birth in spring, and let’s be honest, we all can’t help but smile when we see baby lambs and calves running around the fields.

Evening walks

Now the days are longer we can enjoy the fresh air and take an evening stroll. A perfect way to unwind after a busy or stressful day.

Barbeques

With the extra warmth and light in the evenings, spring is the perfect time to get outside and have a barbeque! There is nothing more pleasing than the smell of food cooking on the BBQ drifting through the air. Did you know, you can use your Firemizer on barbeques and firepits? So you can continue to save money throughout the year!

 

Happy Spring 🙂

Is It Time To Re-Think How You Heat Your Home?

Are you worried about how much your heating bills will cost this Winter? Is it time to re-think how you heat your home?

Increasing energy bills are a worry for us all. Experts have suggested log burners could be a viable option for homes in the UK amid the ongoing energy crisis. It can cut your heating bill by up to 10%!

By using Firemizer on your log burner, you will save even more £££’s and reduce emissions at the same time!

How Firemizer works

Firemizer is not catalytic and does not contain any chemicals, the beauty is its simplicity! It slows the air flow to reduce the burn rate of fuel and conducts heat evenly across the fire to ensure all fuel is fully combusted and prevents small fuel fragments falling through the grate or being left unburnt in the ash bed.

How to use Firemizer

Simply remove from the pack and place it on the base or grate of your fire or stove. Then build your fire with dry wood or coal as usual on top. It should cover most of the base of your fire/stove but does not have to be an exact fit. You can cut it down to size with household scissors if it is too big for your fire, and for really big fires you can place two side by side.

 

How long will my Firemizer last?

Your Firemizer will last 500 burn hours which is equivalent to approximately 6 weeks at 12 hours per day. All you need to do is lightly brush off the ashes in between fires. Once it starts to deteriorate simply remove and recycle with your normal household metal waste.

We recommend wearing gloves when handling Firemizer to protect your hands from the metal fibres and sharp points. Also keep the product away from children and pets.

How much will you save?

Firemizer will save you up to 38% of your fuel costs, see for yourself with our fuel saving calculator!

For more information or to order, visit www.firemizer.co.uk.

 

Charcoal BBQ vs. Gas

We are well into BBQ season and the glorious smell of outdoor cooking is frequently wafting through the air, but which is best, Charcoal or Gas?

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference but here we go through the pro’s and con’s of both options.

A gas BBQ does offer convenience, although there are some things it just cannot replicate when compared to a charcoal BBQ. It is impossible to achieve that distinct flavour you get when cooking meat over real charcoal coals when using gas.

Gas barbeques will give you the benefit of firing up at the push of a button, making it instantaneously ready to grill your food. But doesn’t that take away the pride of attaining the perfect heat to cook upon?

Generally, barbequing with coal is cheaper than with gas and it is also an easier fuel to buy. However, it is a little messier as the ash left behind can be a hassle to clean up.

When it comes to temperature control and management, a gas grill is much simpler to use. A charcoal BBQ can take 15-30 minutes to get going, however it will reach higher temperatures which gives your meat that perfect brown, crispy exterior.

So which is better for the environment? Charcoal can produce a lot more carbon dioxide than a propane grill. However, there are a number of eco-friendly charcoal brands that you can buy made from 100% naturally occurring products.

Is the mess, difficulty of temperature control and emissions of coal swaying you more towards using gas for your outdoor cooking? Don’t make your mind up yet, Firemizer is a game changer! Simply place in your BBQ before adding your coals. It will get them hotter much faster, help them to burn more efficiently and last up to a third longer.

Not only that, it will reduce any harmful pollutants emitted by 72%. The benefits of Firemizer doesn’t end there! Maximizing the length and efficiency of the burn means less ash to dispose of after your BBQ.

The only way to BBQ is with Firemizer!

GET £5 OFF USING CODE: FIRE5

Fireplace Makeover Made Easy

You may not be lighting your fire as often now that we are in to the warmer months of the year. All the more reason to dress your mantel and maintain it’s visual warmth. A lot of us like to rethink and refresh our living room’s overall look from season to season. Whether you want to go all out or just add some subtle seasonal touches, we have found some simple yet beautiful décor examples for your fireplace.

Plants are one of the more versatile decorative elements of a home. They can go just about anywhere with the right lighting, including your fireplace. Choosing a variety in different shapes and sizes will ensure lots of visual interest. Plants enhance the overall appearance of any space. But not only that, studies have found that they boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants.

Hanging a mirror above will bring out the positive features. As well as this, it is also favourable Feng Shui practice to place a mirror over a fireplace. The water element of the mirror balances the fire element, bringing in good energy to the room. Ideally you want the mirror 2/3 the width of the mantel. Avoid positioning the mirror too high so it can be used functionally.

Candles are the next best thing after a real fire, and there are many ways to incorporate them into your décor. When your fire isn’t lit, candles will create a cosy mood and ambience.

Add greenery, a mirror and candles and you will achieve a look of pure elegance.

You can also go for a theme by displaying accessories like ornaments, pictures and books. Don’t be afraid to mix the size and style of the decorative objects, as this will add to the confident, eclectic feel. If you have wallpaper pick out a bright colour and choose similar coloured items to create a striking feature.

 

Get Spring Clean Ready!

February has been and gone, and Spring is now on the horizon. As we welcome longer, milder days, that Spring clean might be creeping to the top of your ‘to do’ list.

Now is the perfect time to plan and prepare!

Make A List

Never under estimate the effectiveness of a list. There is nothing like the feeling of ticking off those little jobs that have been hanging over you. A typical list might look something like this…

  • Hoover/Sweep/Mop Floors
  • Empty bins
  • Dust – high & low!
  • Wipe door handles & light fixtures
  • Wipe window sills & ledges
  • Change bed linen & towels
  • Clean kitchen appliances – inside & out!
  • Wipe countertops & cabinets
  • Wash the dishes
  • Clean & disinfect toilets
  • Bathroom clean – sink/bath/shower
  • Wipe skirting boards
  • Clean windows – in & out

Purchase Necessary Cleaning Products

Take a look down your to do list and jot down what you will need for each job. But, keep your items to a minimum. Too many cleaning supplies can create unnecessary clutter. Choose a good all purpose cleaner and some cloths that will cover the majority of surfaces in your home. Then, you can purchase other specialty cleaning products, such as window cleaner, furniture polish and disinfectant.

Declutter

Leading up to your deep spring clean, start tackling area’s one at a time. Throw out, out of date food from your fridge and cupboards. Clean out your junk drawers, take clothes and items you no longer need or use to your local charity shop, and so on. You’ll feel so much better afterwards!

Get In The Mood

Prepare yourself mentally, think about how great it will feel when your home is fresh, clean and organised ready for the new season. Make it fun, get your favourite feel good playlist ready to blast out! Finally, set a date. Mark it on the calendar and commit to it.

 

How to use Firemizer

Firemizer could not be easier to use! This award-winning fuel saving device optimizes the performance of fuel in solid fuel fires and stoves.

How it works

Firemizer is not catalytic and does not contain any chemicals, the beauty is its simplicity! It slows the air flow to reduce the burn rate of fuel and conducts heat evenly across the fire to ensure all fuel is fully combusted and prevents small fuel fragments falling through the grate or being left unburnt in the ash bed.

How to use

Simply remove from the pack and place it on the base or grate of your fire or stove. Then build your fire with dry wood or coal as usual on top. It should cover most of the base of your fire/stove but does not have to be an exact fit. You can cut it down to size with household scissors if it is too big for your fire, and for really big fires you can place two side by side.

 

How long will it last?

Your Firemizer will last 500 burn hours which is equivalent to approximately 6 weeks at 12 hours per day. All you need to do is lightly brush off the ashes in between fires. Once it starts to deteriorate simply remove and recycle with your normal household metal waste.

We recommend wearing gloves when handling Firemizer to protect your hands from the metal fibres and sharp points. Also keep the product away from children and pets.

How much will you save?

Firemizer will save you up to 38% of your fuel costs, see for yourself with our fuel saving calculator!

For more information or to order, visit www.firemizer.co.uk.

 

How to clean your wood burning stove – a useful guide!

How to clean your wood burning stove, now is as good a time as any with the warmer summer months upon us.

Although wood burning is brilliant for generating heat efficiently, it can become messy if you don’t keep on top of maintaining it. Keeping it clean will also increase the lifetime of your stove.

Here are some tips to get your stove looking and performing it’s best

 

Firstly there are a few things you’ll need to check

  1. Examine the firebrick lining and see if it needs replacing  – the lining will keep the stove from overheating
  2. Make sure the chimney is cleaned. This will prevent chimney fires and help your stove burn more efficiently.
  3. Check the sealed door. You want a tight seal to make sure smoke doesn’t enter your house. The cord that’s around the door may need replacing on occasion.

Before you start make sure your stove has fully cooled.

Equipment you’ll need:

  • gloves
  • newspaper
  • a small ash shovel
  • a small brush
  • a metal ash bucket
  • household glass cleaner
  • cloth

It’s a good idea to wear protective gloves whilst cleaning your stove. Place newspaper on the floor around your stove then use a small shovel to remove all the ash into your metal bucket or container, you can use a hand brush to gently sweep any remaining debris.

You will find that if you have been using Firemizer there will be a significant reduction in the amount of ash produced, therefore making it easier to clean!

When your used Firemizer starts to deteriorate, ensure it is cold before removal. Firemizer can be recycled with your normal household metal waste.

Click here to order your replacement Firemizer.

Take the ash to a safe place outdoors away from any bushes or other materials that might catch fire. Leave for at least 24 hours before you dispose of it.

Apply glass cleaner to the glass and wipe using a cloth until the window is clean. If parts of the window don’t clean straight away, let the solution react for a few minutes before wiping. You can then use a dry cloth and hoover to clean the exterior of your burner.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions which came with you stove. The information provided is guidance only, and should be followed only in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer.

So now you know how to clean your wood burning stove, there is no excuse not to keep it looking spick and span!

 

Four Common Mistakes When Using Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are a great way to reduce your heating bill as well as providing aesthetic value to our homes.

However, burning wood takes some preparation and you have to make sure it is ready to burn safely through the winter months.

Below are 4 major mistakes people make with their wood stoves!

Not inspecting & cleaning your stove

You need to make sure your stove and chimney are ready for the season. There are a few things you’ll need to check

  1. Examine the firebrick lining and see if it needs replacing  – the lining will keep the stove from overheating
  2. Make sure the chimney is cleaned. This will prevent chimney fires and help your stove burn more efficiently.
  3. Check the sealed door. You want a tight seal to make sure smoke doesn’t enter your house. The cord that’s around the door may need replacing on occasion.

Don’t neglect these steps as you could be at risk of a chimney or house fire.

Not having enough fuel

Running out of fuel in the middle of winter is not ideal. It is best practice to have too much wood than too little. How much you’ll need will depend on several things;

  • How large your house is
  • The efficiency of your stove
  • They type of wood you’ll burn
  • How often your light your stove
  • Not storing your wood properly

Once you have your wood you need to make sure it is stored in the correct place it could affect the performance of your stove.

You don’t want your wood to get too wet as burning wet wood reduces the efficiency of your stove.

The best practice is to keep the wood out of the way in a dry shed and on a pallet so the air can circulate. Check out another blog about storing your wood!

Not having a backup plan

If something happens to your wood supply then you need alternatives. Some will burn quickly while others with smoulder for a while.

  1. Rolled old jeans
  2. Rolled paper logs
  3. Coffee logs
Bonus mistake

Not using the Firemizer winter pack! This will help you light your fire with an odourless firelighter and firemizer will increase your fire efficiency and reduce harmful particulates. 

Are you prepared for the winter season?

Why we love Halloween (and you should too)!

Why we love Halloween (and you should too)!

Can you hear that creepy organ playing in the background? The distant rumble of thunder coming from the distance? The shadow of a black cat from outside the window? Shrieks of terror and squeals of joy as the streets are packed with tiny ghosts and ghouls? It must be Halloween again! While you’re preparing for the scariest evening of the year (whether you’re trick-or-treating, or having a movie-marathon), this week’s blog post is all about why we love the 31st!

Food and Desserts

Of course, when most of us think of Halloween, our first instinct is to think of the massive amount of candy we’ll consume. Halloween and candy go hand-in-hand. It’s really the one time of year that amassing a huge haul and eating it in one night is encouraged! However, it’s not just candy that gets our taste buds going, but all the cool and creepy desserts too. From candy apples, to skeleton cookies, to a big bowl of spooky punch, there’s an endless list of ideas. To get you started, there are 11 ideas for you here.

Costumes

In true holiday spirit, Halloween is certainly one of those holidays that has a tendency to… creep up on you. The days are getting shorter, and we’re all still suffering from the post-summer blues. Before you know it, you’re drowning in invitations to haunted houses and Halloween parties, so it’s no surprise a lot of people struggle to get a costume sorted in time. If you’re among them, here’s 22 cheap and cheerful costume ideas that require little-to-no time at all.

Arts and Crafts

One of everyone’s favourite ways to celebrate Halloween is carving the pumpkin! It’s a way to really unleash you’re inner-creative demon with something spooky, funny, or just totally imaginative. Obviously we’re not all carving-experts, and often the worse the carving the funnier and scary it is! Here’s a fantastic collection of the best and brightest pumpkins from last year.

Traditions

It wouldn’t be Halloween without Halloween traditions! If haunted houses and big parties aren’t quite your speed, there’s nothing better than a spooky movie-marathon. There’s always the black-and-white Hitchcock classics, but they’re definitely a bit too scary for those with kids. If the trick-or-treating is done and the fire is still roaring (up to 38% longer with a Firemizer), then there’s plenty of child-friendly Halloween-themed films the whole family can enjoy. Find a list of them here.

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