2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘fireplace’

What Fireplace Do You Want For Your Home?

Monday, September 14th, 2020

gas-fireplace-insertYou finally got the house that you have been dreaming of and everything is settling down at last. The boxes are unpacked and the house is set up but there is something missing. A nice fireplace would be the perfect addition to your home! But installing a fireplace into a home that didn’t have one previously is no task for the untrained.

If you are looking to add a fireplace to your home, you’ll need to reach out to us for a fireplace installation in St. Paul, MN. We can work with you to determine the best possible placement for your new system and get it installed effectively and neatly. All you will need to do is decide what type of fireplace you are looking for.

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What Fireplace is Right for You?

Monday, March 18th, 2019

couple-fireplace-warmEspecially here in Minnesota, where winter is particularly cold, having a fireplace to keep you warm and toasty is definitely a luxury. Fireplaces have been around for centuries and are still widely used today — and for good reason! There is nothing quite like curling up in front of a fire with your loved ones during a cold, winter night. Plus, fireplaces offer a warm, glow that can truly add to the overall aesthetics of your home.

Fireplace installation in St. Paul, MN can definitely be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re getting quite sick of turning your heater way up in the winter. Of course, with so many options on the market today, it can be hard to select the right fireplace for your home. Fortunately, with the help of the right technicians, you’ll be able to install the fireplace that best meets your needs. But, in the meantime, we have provided a list highlighting some popular fireplace options. Keep reading below to learn more. 

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3 Chimney Problems That You’ll Want to Avoid!

Monday, November 12th, 2018

chimneyPeople think of fireplaces and chimneys as being simple. They may not feature some of the modern technology that today’s most advanced HVAC systems boast, but that doesn’t mean the fireplaces and chimneys are as straightforward as you think. It’s not just a hole in a wall with a pipe on top to let the smoke out, after all! There is a lot more to fireplace and chimney installation and design than may meet the eye—and a lot that escapes your eye.

Today we’ll look at 3 potential problems that you may encounter with your chimney. Are these meant to scare you off of using your fireplace, or having a new one installed? No, of course not. After all, any heating system has the potential for a dangerous situation to develop. We just want to remind you of how important it is to work with Minneapolis, MN chimney and fireplace professionals. In other words, we want you to work with us!

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Gas Fireplaces Are Clean and Green

Monday, August 6th, 2018

finished-chimneyThere’s a reason why so many homeowners still choose to use a fireplace in their homes. They throw off good heat, they look great, and they provide a level of comfort that goes beyond the physical. They are relaxing, they allow for contemplative moments, and the splitting and stacking of wood is something that a lot of people cannot imagine doing without when winter comes around. There are also valid concerns that come with fireplaces, though.

While a well-designed and properly maintained fireplace will really be able to optimize its performance, the fact remains that there can be problems with efficiency. Those homeowners not quite so enamored with the splitting and stacking of wood will also find themselves wishing for a simpler solution—ideally without having to give up on the other benefits that fireplaces have to offer. This is why we often recommend the installation and use of gas fireplace inserts in Minneapolis, MN.

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Signs That Your Chimney Is in Trouble!

Monday, July 23rd, 2018

thumbs-upIn the age of not only combustion boilers and furnaces but also modern technology like heat pumps and ductless mini splits, there are undoubtedly those individuals that look upon the old-fashioned fireplace/chimney combo as being a relic from the past. Those of us fortunate enough to have a well-designed and properly maintained fireplace/chimney setup, however, know different. Not only is the heat generated comforting, but the ambiance is incredibly relaxing.

Of course, that roaring fire is going to be a lot more difficult to enjoy if your chimney is not in great working condition. Even worse, you may not be able to use your fireplace safely if it is not functioning properly! The last thing that you want to do is to put your safety—and that of your family—at risk when simply trying to use the fireplace in your home. So read on, learn about some warning signs that may mean you need chimney repair in St. Paul, MN, and give us a call with any concerns that you may have.  

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Interior and Exterior Spark Arrestors—What’s the Difference?

Monday, July 9th, 2018

police-fireman-doctorWell, let me guess. One is inside, and one is outside, right? Haha, very funny. Sure, you may have a basic grasp of the difference between any components of any system when one is designated as “exterior” and the other “interior”. However, chances are that you may not even understand what a spark arrestor is, let alone how one functions (or should be installed, for that matter). Well, the answer is actually quite simple, so just read on.

As always, we want to remind you that any fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN must be completed by skilled, trained professionals. The last thing that you want to do is pull up an online video and suddenly mistake yourself for being some kind of expert! Work with the professional technicians on our staff, and you’ll be able to use your fireplace safely and reliably. And now, without further ado, let’s take a look at those different types of arrestors that you’re so curious about! 

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Here’s Why a Gas Fireplace Insert May Be Right for You!

Monday, April 30th, 2018

gas-fireplaceIt is impossible to ignore the way that technology has and continues to affect every aspect of our lives. Fans of hard copy books may be turned off by the popularity of E-readers, vinyl nuts may take issue with the cold sound of digital music files, and so on. While there are always going to be people that prefer the low-tech options, this obviously does not mean that others aren’t going to jump at modern convenience.

Remember, even household vacuum cleaners were a novel idea at one time, and you don’t see many people refusing their benefits because they’re loyal to their brooms and dustpans! Even something as simple in theory as building a fire in a fireplace is not immune to the creep of modern technology, as evidenced by the popularity of gas fireplace inserts. Are you curious about the benefits of using gas fireplace inserts in Minneapolis, MN?

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Do All Chimney Flues Need Cleaning?

Monday, April 9th, 2018

couple-at-fireplaceMost homeowners that use woodburning fireplaces in their residences understand just how important it is that they have their fireplace, flue, and chimney inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. The problem here is that, like everything else, fireplaces, flues, and chimneys have changed over time. When those changes happen, it is always possible that someone will fail to get the memo. If you are wondering if your chimney flue needs cleaning, then the simple answer is yes.

There are more options than ever when it comes to the type of fireplace that you use in your home, how you fuel it, and even how you vent potentially harmful gases out of your home. The one constant is the fact that you really need to know for certain that your fireplace is kept in great working condition. Scheduling your chimney sweeping in Minneapolis, MN with our team ensures that this is the case.

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Why a Cleaner Fireplace Isn’t Just for Looks

Monday, January 22nd, 2018

fire-book-openSome people simply don’t see a need to clean the fireplace very often. A screen in front of the fireplace or a set of doors may keep most of the surfaces hidden from view. And besides, most people expect a fireplace to be dirty. Your guests likely aren’t going to judge ash and soot at the bottom of the fireplace; it just means your family makes good use of it!

However, cleaning the fireplace isn’t just about maintaining the way it looks. Appearances are important to some, but proper fireplace cleaning is about your health and safety too. Find out why our chimney technicians think this is such an important task below, and call our team for chimney and fireplace cleaning in Minneapolis, MN.

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Stop Using Your Fireplace If These Things Happen

Monday, January 15th, 2018

chimney-needs-repairMost people assume that an older fireplace, one that has served a home well for years, doesn’t require much service. A fireplace is designed to be durable, after all, since it’s the one part of your home you frequently fill with fire!  However, that doesn’t mean your fireplace or chimney will be completely safe forever.

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