How to improve the energy efficiency of your fireplace

FOCUS 3600Bi high efficiency wood fireplace Insert

Nothing beats the warmth and ambiance of a traditional fireplace. However, as pleasant as it may be, your masonry fireplace has a rather poor reputation: it pollutes, and it's even worse if it's in bad condition! Here are a few tips to improve its energy efficiency. 1- Chimney Sweeping Your chimney should be swept annually, and the chimney sweep should also be able to alert you to any problems and, if necessary, offer a more thorough visual inspection. This inspection, of course, should be carried out after a good cleaning, to ensure a clear view. If a design flaw is detected or if chimney components are in poor condition, the situation must be corrected quickly. Don't rely on a verbal assessment. A good chimney sweep should provide you with a written report, ideally illustrated with photos or a video to confirm their findings. When else is a complete chimney inspection recommended? The last chimney sweep was a long time ago; you've noticed a problem with combustion or draft, or even damage to the chimney; you've just bought or are planning to sell the house; the regulations have changed in your area; changes have been made to the installation or you'd like to make some, for example, installing a built-in appliance.

2- Repairing Damaged Masonry A faulty chimney crown, missing, cracked, or dislodged bricks, an unstable or inadequate chimney cap, insufficient extension above the roof… these are all factors that hinder good energy efficiency and, sometimes, pose a significant fire hazard. Fortunately, a qualified specialist can correct these problems, ensuring that everything complies with the National Building Code. 3- Adding an Insert to a Traditional Fireplace and Inserting an Insulating Liner (Chimney Lining) A wood or gas insert fireplace is a box that is inserted into a masonry fireplace to transform the existing, inefficient wood-burning fireplace. More specifically, a gas insert, like a wood insert, is a metal box that is installed in the existing fireplace cavity. This operation transforms your old, uncertified fireplace into a high-performance one. As for the look, the built-in fireplace looks just like any other fireplace, and you'll be spoiled for choice, as the industry has evolved considerably and now offers beautiful appliances that complement your personalized décor. Among the built-in wood-burning fireplaces on the market, there are models that emit no more than 2.5 grams of fine particulate matter per hour (a rate certified by the EPA), which meets the strictest standard imposed in North America. Montreal homeowners with masonry chimneys can therefore use their existing fireplaces regularly for wood heating by installing such a unit and a flue liner. It's worth noting that this emission rate is even lower than the current Quebec limit of 4.5 g/h, certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the purchase of any new residential wood-burning heating appliance. Finally, if the upgrade to your fireplace changes how you use it (for example, if you burn four cords of wood instead of one), notify your home insurance company. They will note it in your file and adjust your policy accordingly.

FAQ

-What environmental standard applies to wood-burning fireplace inserts?

The most eco-friendly models emit less than 2.5 g of fine particles per hour (EPA standard), which is stricter than Quebec’s general limit (4.5 g/h).

-Can I use a wood-burning fireplace insert in Montreal?

Yes; installing an EPA-certified unit (≤ 2.5 g/h) with an insulated liner allows Montreal residents to use their fireplaces regularly.

-Do I need to report modifications to my insurer?

Yes, you must notify your home insurance provider if the upgrades change your wood consumption (for example, if you go from using 1 cord per year to 4).

-How often should the chimney be swept?

Chimney sweeping must be done annually.