How do I use a fireplace?

Question

Well, it turns out that for some reason the heater broke, and now the house is in the... (checks galileo's thermometer) ... less than 64 degrees!

Even in a large bundle of like 3 big blankets a sleeping ba and 2 fleeces isnt helping, along with sweaters and 2 pants!

So my question is...

How do I convince me parents to try to use the fireplace? weve NEVER EVER used a fireplace ever! The TV is blocking it, but we could move it. but its too freaking cold in here, and I bet its around 40-60 IN HOUSE temp!

Answer 1

As a general rule with a fireplace you lose more heat than you gain.

Sure you get a lot of heat right in front of the fireplace.
But the fire draws air from other areas of the house as it burns.
Also as the fire is going out the flue has to be open & lots of air goes up the chimny then.

So unless you have fireplace with glass doors & vents for the heat you will have a net lose of heat.

Plus there is all of the other things to worry about: is the chimny clear, Is the flue ok, does the damper work, how is the brick work.

Haveing a fire place is just some thing nice to talk about.

I have slept in rooms where the water has frozen. I didn't have near as much clothes or beding that you have.

Now I sleep in a room that gets down in to the fifties on colder nights (One blanket & a quilt)

Answer 2

The fireplace should be checked before using it. Many things can be wrong with it. Just a dirty chimney flue--which does not sound like a big thing, is actually a serious hazard and catch fire easily. You much also check the mortar on the bricks for the chimney, make sure birds nests are not blocking the chimney, etc. All of these problems can be very serious.

If you house is still in the 40-60 degree range, you live in an area that you are not going to freeze to death tonight. Maybe mom and dad could run out to Wal Mart an buy one of those radiator style electric heaters until they get the furnace fixed.
But please leave the fireplace alone until it can be checked out.

Answer 3

You have to be careful if the fireplace hasnt been used for a long time. It may need to be cleaned out so it won't have any fires in the chimney.

Answer 4

fire places are so nice it is fortunate that you guys have one and a shame that you dont use it. i have central heat and i use mine just because it is nice. first make sure it is clean then put crumbled newspaper on the bottom then you put your DRY small bark or kindling and light when it is burnning the wood then add on larger pieces. good luck