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Es LH - NIT Cr {| Fireplaces take us back to our pioneer past. For over two cen- tureis wood has been the main home heating fuel. Up to the 1950's, rural Ontario homes were heated with wood, then replaced with oil and electricity for their automatic convenience. The people of Ontario have never completely given-up their passion for the warmth of the hearth; a fireplace continues to be a desirable feature in a new home. Fireplaces provide roman- tic, decorative and aromatic appeal. Regrettably, the traditional home fireplace is not an energy- efficient heating source. In fact, most fireplaces are extremely in- efficient because they draw warm air out of a room and up the chimney. Fortunately there are a number of ways you can improve your fireplace's efficiency. First, reduce heat loss when the' fireplace is not in use, then max- imize the efficiency of your fireplace when it's operating. When an open fireplace is not in use, a removable fireplace plug can be used to block heated air from escaping. These plugs can range from a well-insulated piece of wood to a simple metal sheet covering. A modified version in- volves installation of an acrylic or plastic sheet which provides a una TW PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, December 6, 1988 -- 37 That cosy fireplace is a real heat thief view of the hearth without the loss of indoor heat. You can reduce the amount of heated room air escaping by in- stalling tempered glass doors on your fireplace. The glass doors will radiate heat into the room, provided they fit tightly on the hearth opening. Glass doors are also useful in keeping sparks from landing on your floor or carpets. To maximize efficiency install a cast iron fireback. It can be Wendy Gray has been doing pretty well at her typ- ing course at Port Perry High School's night school. N'508 BEVERIDGE 985-0319 TERRY COYNE 985-9363 TASTE FOR YOURSELF _ -- WINE AT $123 PER BOTTLE ---- BEER AT $6.00 PER CASE OF 24 CANADA'S FASTEST GROWING HOBBY ---- AN ALL NATURAL PRODUCT WITH NO CHEMICALS ADDED FOR SAMPLE TESTING CALL: 30B BEVERIDGE 963-0319 CHRISTMAS GIFT AREA DISTRIBUTERS: =" % eer ano Wine Systems. -- L- VERN GONSALVES 985-0421 BLANCHARDS SUPPLY 985-9746 , Conny Enjoying classes at PPHS Night School Garnet Gunn, Instructor of the night school's ever A popular Decorative Decoy carving, puts the finishing touches on a carving last Tuesday night at Port Perry High School. Crop Improvement Association Farm conservation discussed at meeting Don Hart, a well-known cash crop farmer from Woodstock, On- tario, will address the annual meeting of the Durham West, Rama and Mara Soil and Crop Improvement Association on Tuesday, December 13. Hart, a pioneer in reduced tillage practices, will explore the different methods of conservation he has tried. He will explain what has worked and what has not on his 1000-acre farm. A member of Oxford County Soil and Crop Improvement Association for over 30 years, Hart is widely recognized for his honesty and informed opinions. The 1989 annual meeting will mark the conclusion of 50 years for the Durham West (Ontario County) Association. It is the goal of this association to promote the use of better soil and crop management, placing continued emphasis on soil con- servation, field management, farm management and economics. Next Tuesday's meeting will in- clude reports from several coun- ty farmers who have tried dif- ferent practices on their farms, and are prepared to discuss the results. The program will begin sharply at 10:00 a.m. in the Ux- bridge Legion. mounted or leaned against the back wall, but should be tilted toward the fire for maximum heat deflection. Firescreens serve as a safety precaution against flying sparks, but they absorb heat and can reduce the heating potential of a fireplace by as much as 30 per- cent. The fire screen should be placed slightly away from the front of the fire pit to provide ade- quate flow of air up over the top. Tube grates allow cooler air to enter the fireplace then pass warm air back into the room. They are made by bending metal tubes into a "C" shape. The fire is housed between the upper and lower parts of the grate. Cooler room air is drawn into the lower section of the grate, is warmed as it passes around the fire and then passes back into the room. To en- sure maximum performance, make sure that the top grate ex- tends beyond the face of the fireplace opening or use a fan- assisted circulating system. A roaring fireplace can exhaust as much as 24,000 cubic ft. of air in an hour. A tightly sealed house might not be able to supply enough air for proper combustion. In some instances, a roaring fire can actually create a negative pressure that is power- ful enough to suck air down the chimney. To prevent this poten- tially dangerous situation, install a special air supply vent. This will allow the fireplace to use outdoor air for combustion rather than us- ing air inside the house. If this is not feasible, a window should be left slightly opened near the fireplace when it is in use. If you're going to use your fireplace maintain the chimney properly. Check it during the winter season to spot excessive creosote deposits which are usual- ly caused by burning damp, or green wood or by incomplete combustion. The creosote deposits form when flue gases cool and condense while escaping up the chimney. Creosote built-up can lead to dangerous chimney fires. Using well-seasoned hardwood gives off more heat than softwood and can reduce creosote formation. Everyone can light a fire, but it's important to do it properly. The goal in starting a wood fire is to establish a hot, clean-burning fire as quickly as possible. Start with plenty of crumpled newspaper. Then place plenty of finely-split dry kindling on and behind newspaper. Light the newspaper close to where com- bustion air enters the fire box. As the chimney is warmed by heat of the kindling fire, it will begin to produce a stronger draft. This will help create the desired tur- bulent combustion. Now, you are ready to add larger pieces, but be careful not to smother the fire with too many pieces at once. By improving your fireplace's efficiency you'll not only benefit from your fireplace's beauty and warmth, but you'll be comforted to know that you're saving energy dollars. This article is provided by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market. Clarification The Star wishes to clarify infor- mation in a story that appeared November 22 in the Port Perry Star. CHOO radio station is not hosting a chili cook-off this year, nor has it organized a talent con- test.