Rich's for the Home

You can prevent chimey fires

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 24,500 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances in 2005. These fires resulted in 20 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage.

"Virtually all of these fires were preventable," accounts the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Along with the National Fire Protection Association, they recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent those hazards.

Recommendations are that you have your chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis. In addition to not having your chimney cleaned on a regular basis, you should check for fire hazards in your home. These include:

1. Potential Electrical Fire Hazards- Do not let trash, dust or spiderwebs build up. Unprotected light-bulbs can be another hazard as they can break.
2. Power Delivery- Wiring can age and/or become overloaded. At that point, it is a fire waiting to happen. Don't turn one plug into multiple plugs either.
3. Motor and Power Tools- These can overheat and also cause fire. If they become uncomfortably warm to the touch, stop using them.
4. Physical Blocking of Registers, etc- Keep heat registers clear of items. And don't set anything on top of your wood/pellet stove. Keep items several feet away from open flame.
5. Protect your Burners- Keep dishtowels and additional flammable items away from your cooking stove top.
6. Unattended Flame- Do not leave candles unattended. Blow them out when going to another room or check on them often. Make sure that fabric, curtains, etc are not in reach of the flame.

For more information about chimney safety, or for a list of CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, please visit CSIA. The CSIA is located at 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Resources from the Web

A Clean Sweep- This Chimney Sweeper not only knows what he is doing professionally, but he accomplishes it in a Top Hat & Tails. Read more.

Ever wonder the difference between wood, gas and electric stoves? Here's a basic tutorial. 

Here is a great list on what to accomplish in your garden in these early days of October. Yes, your garden can still highlight your outdoor room-even here in the Northwest.

RV'ing within Kansas? Some campgrounds and RV parks have hot-tubs as well as other great amenities. You can sort a list of those here.

When hot-tub shopping, don't forget to consider the weight of the hot tub when filled with water. 

Here is a way to both spice up your fireplace and make it a comfortable spot to sit.

Here are the EPA guidelines for stoves. 

Don't forget to keep your family safe! Here are some safety gates for woodstoves and fireplaces.

Having one last grill party? Don't forget to review the appropriate grilling temperatures for meats.

Preparing for Upcoming Northwest Weather

We definitely have some rain and gray skies in the Northwest today. It is a good reminder (don't shoot me) or what is to come. I am sorry, I don't like to think about it either. But it is reality and you really can prepare ahead so that the transition is as painless as possible. See getting ready for storms.

Rich's for the Home has the largest selection of stoves in the United States. You can bet that when you go to look for new stoves here, you have the best selection of stoves as well as bang for your buck. There are great options for every budget and with the government offering a tax credit on stoves, you can't go wrong purchasing one this year.

In addition, Rich's has a wonderful and unique selection of fireplaces-even ones that are powered via an electrical outlet already in your home. Those fireplaces in particular can be installed with very little interruption to the flow of your decor and are super easy. You really should come by and see their fantastic selection of gas fireplaces as well. They can be ordered to match any decor and also qualify for the tax credit.

Whatever your preference, being prepared is half the battle. There is no better time to purchase a stove or fireplace-before the winter rush begins.

$1,500 Tax Credit on Purchase of All Rich's Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, and Fireplaces

Homeowners who purchase an energy-efficient wood or pellet stove, fireplace, or fireplace insert can claim a tax credit of up to $1500 on their 2009 or 2010 federal income taxes.

The tax credit, part of the US government’s Recovery Act, applies to 75 percent-efficient biomass burning stoves and can be used for the purchase and installation of the stove, venting, and hearthpads.

“This new tax credit is a great way for consumers to save up to 30 percent on a wood stove or pellet stove purchase,” says Jon Chapman, marketing manager for Rich’s for the Home.

A homeowner who spends $3,000 on a stove, for instance, can claim a 30 percent tax credit – or $900 – on his or her federal income tax return, Chapman explains. The credit either increases the tax refund or decreases the tax bill, dollar-for-dollar.

The tax credit is good on all stove and fireplace brands Rich’s for the Home carries, including Lopi, Hearthstone, Avalon, Morso, and Harman. People who purchase stoves will receive certification that the product qualifies for the tax credit.

“This tax credit is an outstanding achievement for the biomass stove industry,” says Chapman. “We’re cautiously optimistic that it will increase demand for the products.”

The benefits of heating with biomass

• Reduced heating costs – Wood and pellet prices fluctuate less than propane, oil, and natural gas.
• Green heating – Wood and pellet fuel is a carbon-neutral, renewable resource. Today’s stoves  produce more heat with less wood and are clean-burning, with less ash and minimal outside air emissions. They eliminate 75 percent of the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel burning.

For complete details about the tax credit:

• IRS Notice 2009-53, Non-business Energy Property
• Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA)

Tax Stove Credit Information

The Stove Tax Credit put into place by the Obama administration has been finalized and although there are some stipulations, it means that you can get up to 30% of your qualifying stove/fireplace purchase as a tax credit, up to $1,500.00.

What are you waiting for? It's an ideal time.

All the products from Lopi meet the qualifications. Here is a handy-dandy list of models just for you:

Lopi Wood Stoves:

Leyden

Answer

Republic 1250

Republic 1750

Endeavor

Liberty

Lopi Wood Stove Inserts:

Answer

Declaration

Revere

Freedom

Freedom Bay

Walden

Lopi Pellet Stoves:

Leyden

Pioneer

Yankee

Lopi Pellet Stove Inserts:

Pioneer Bay

Yankee Bay

Five Day or Less Installation with Stoves and Fireplaces

I am the ultimate procrastinator. My daughter told me twice in the last hour to stop checking email and to get on my blog posts! LOL. No worries-I actually told her to help me out like that tonight because I am very busy catching up.

It’s been a day and I even had some computer issues earlier when I spilled some water on my new laptop. Yikes. After borrowing a screwdriver (we didn’t have the right size), we very carefully removed some panels and also used a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry it out. It took hours but now the mouse is moving again and the speakers aren’t squealing so I hope that we are good to go. We better be, anyway.

That’s where my procrastination got me. Where has your procrastination taken you?

Has it left you without a stove or fireplace in this cold and wet weather? If so, I have a deal for you. Rich’s for the Home has issued a special coupon for a deal on stoves and fireplaces. Use the coupon and you can get installation within 5 days or less of your purchase (a few restrictions apply).

So here is your chance! If you are in need of last minute warming during this cold season, please take advantage of this. Print out the coupon and take it to your nearest Rich’s for the Home.

You’ll be glad you did!

Winter Fuel Check

How is your stash of fuel this winter? Here’s a thought: Write it on the calendar this year when you are running low, calculate out what you used and plan next year to stock extra to make it through the winter before having to replenish.

We ran into an issue this year with wood. The guy we buy wood from is no longer selling it. We live in a small town and are having a hard time finding anyone else who delivers. So plan for that as well. If you have more than one supplier in the area, keep a list.

It almost made me miss the days when I was a kid when my dad took our whole family out to gather truckloads of wood.

If you use propane, you likely only have a few suppliers in your area but it would be good to check them out and price shop.

With electricity, you are probably stuck as far as your utility provider but you are not stuck if you have a particular complaint that your utility provider is not responding to. Beyond your power company is a Public Utility Commission within your state who regulates the utility companies. Most have a process on their website for registering issues.

Best bet? Prepare for the worst! Stockpile your fuel and have more than one heat source available. And if you need another heat source, check with Rich’s for the Home. The clearance sale on last year’s stock is in full swing and YOU will benefit.

See you soon!

Winter Safety

Keeping your family safe this winter is of up-most importance. Have you taken care of purchasing a gate for your fireplace or woodstove yet? If not, please consider this as soon as possible.

Dangers can also exist in chopped wood. Slivers are the main one of course so have everyone who carries wood in wear heavy gloves that will prevent splinters of wood from going through.

Another danger with chopped wood is bees that like to hibernate within in. Tell your kids to look for the sleepy insects and shake them off of the wood before bringing it into the house.

With our winter weather, you may need to buy a show shovel to keep your walks safe. The addition of sand may be helpful as well. When the snow hits, injuries happen and you can prevent back, hip, knee, and shoulder injuries by taking precautions.

If your hot-tub is not powered up, power it up a couple of times this winter and follow the manufacturer's directions to prevent damage from the cold. Precaution now is cheaper than fixing it later.

Your patio furniture should be stored at this point, but if not, you can protect it the best by covering it. Your patio can also get slippery so be aware of this in the ice and snow.

Take care of your water pipes as well. But most of all, stay warm and when the newscasters recommend staying off the roads, do it if at all possible. There is a reason for their caution.

Happy Winter!

Storm Preparation and Holidays

Happy holidays! The staff at Rich’s for the Home is ready to celebrate and spend some great time with family and friends. How about you? Have you made your lists, checked them a couple of times, gone shopping and planned a menu? Or maybe you are making it simple this year and not doing all of that. Whatever your plan, we hope that the holidays bring you and yours peace and a ton of joy. 

 

Are you prepared this year for our NW storms?

I hope so. Next week temperatures are supposed to drop into the 20-30’s as you know. We might even get some snow that would hang out with us for awhile. Tomorrow a windstorm (of course) is set to hit my area.

Why do we tend to get both windstorms and freezing temperatures all at once? Last year when the power was out for six days, we also had freezing temperatures. I don’t know why but I do know that we have no excuse this year to not be prepared.

My fireplace is ready. I keep refusing to stock up on perishables (we lost a lot last year). I could use a few more batteries. We have flashlights. And, most importantly, I do have wood stocked for the fireplace. I even dug some cardboard out of the recycling bin today so it won’t go out on the recycling trucks tomorrow—just in case.

Please stay warm and safe this holiday season.

A Vent-Free Fireplace for your Dream Home

 

Do you have your "Dream Home" in mind? We all do. We want specific elements of that home to be just right. We may want a fireplace, pool, hot-tub or large deck to entertain. Or, our dream may be to simply have a home office, large kitchen or library.

Our dreams often change a little bit as we go along. Sometimes, we realize that we really can’t afford all the desired amenities and as we grow older, perhaps we don’t want to have to deal with the maintenance of those amenities too. Other times, priorities such as sending the kids to a good college might take precedence.

Many of us end up buying a home already built and don’t have the resources to adapt it to all our dreams.

But if your dream is a fireplace, Monessen Vent-Free fireplaces might be an answer for you. Because even if you don’t have a chimney or other venting system, you can have a fireplace with their unique offerings. Their vent-free gas fireplaces use precision burners and are design-certified by national testing laboratories to meet the latest health and safety standards. Some even have three see-through walls which offer a unique twist to any design.

Call or visit Rich’s for the Home to learn more about Monessen Vent-Free Fireplaces.

Avalon Electric Fireplaces

Want the beauty of a flame without intense heat? Then an electric fireplace from Avalon might be the option for you. It plugs into a wall outlet and does give some warmth off. It stays very clean, because you aren’t using fuel so it is perfect for elegant décor. They even have small lights built into the log sets which provide a lively appearance that looks like a burning coal bed.

They also work well for an area such as a dining room where you might want some flames for romance without the mess of wood or pellets. And, there is no need for a chimney or vent. It’s a great way to dress up a room instantly and if I was an interior decorator, I would use them for dressing up homes for sale.

Avalon electric fireplaces come with a variety of options for faces, doors and grills and you can find those accessories for most any décor. In addition the “cabinet” (the wood part you see around the face) come in a variety of wood finishes.

The Avalon Seattle E has The Purefire Clean Air System as an upgrade option. It purifies the air in an average room four times and hour and re-circulates the filtered air back out! This System, along with the power, sleep timer, room temperature, flame speed and interior accent light can be operated from a hand held remote control.

Check out Avalon from Rich’s for the Home.

A Chill in the Air...A Fire for Me

The coast got a few drops of rain today. I am not happy. The season is starting I suppose. Don’t you feel fall in the air? I do at night and in the mornings and of course I run cold-blooded, so I have to start having to wear my gloves and wool socks anytime the thermometer dips under fifty degrees. And no matter how much outside sun-time I get, I always know it won’t feel like enough when the clouds move in.

My son is wonderful. Without me even asking, he makes me a fire in the fireplace when a bit of chill moves in. Isn’t that totally sweet? Of course, he is my little pyromaniac—in a good way. He enjoys building fires and has finally perfected his method for both fireplace and beach fires so they start and burn almost perfectly each time. The only thing I have to remind him of is to save some of the wood for later in the season. Alas, firewood has become a bit expensive too and of course, I am always concerned that we might get another six-day power, land line and cell phone outage like last year. (I sincerely hope not. I wasn’t the only person in town to feel like I was going insane by day 4.)

So on that note, are you ready for the winter, the wind, the storms and the rain? I hope that you have your stove or fireplace ready with fuel stocked. I hope that you have considered the potential of possibly having to cook with that additional heat source and I really, really hope that you have considered the effects of your heating source on the environment. Rich’s for the Home cares about the environment when they arrange to carry heat sources and we should too.

Conserving Your Generator

When I was a teenager, I sang in the church choir and we had prepared a program that was well-attended. It was a stormy Northwest day and I kid you not-with our voices raised in a resounding crescendo, singing "He is the light..."-all the lights went out in the church, and stayed out. The choir director frowned, but continued directing adamantly. After a short pause while we listened to the tittering from the now-dark pews, we continued singing.

My brothers and I loved it when the power went out. It meant popcorn and hot chocolate (and maybe more) cooked on top of our woodstove. And as I look back, I think it also held meaning that everyone would come out of their bedrooms and gather near the stove-together. I re-create the family time with my kids now when the same happens. With no (or limited if we are hooked into a generator) TV or electronic distractions, it’s an ideal time to play board games all together by the light of a lamp.

If your Rich’s stove has a surface that can be cooked on and heats enough to do so (check with Rich’s or the manufacturer about that first as some surfaces do not get hot enough to cook on), here are some things to remember:

• Cast iron works the best at distributing heat evenly and taking the wear and tear.
• Recipes requiring temperature adjustments are more difficult, unless it is a gas stove with various heat settings.
• Food should be watched carefully while cooking as it may heat (and burn) faster.
• Multiple dishes are harder. Try for the one-skillet combination meals.
• Keeping a pot on the stove with hot water is handy and acts as a humidifier-just make sure the water doesn’t all evaporate.
• Supplies you would normally buy for a camping trip-such as a long-handled butane lighter or camp stove toaster (see pic)-will make your cooking easier.
• If your refrigerator is not being used to store food, it comes in handy to stack dirty dishes in until you can clean them (also keeps smell to a minimum).

What's your favorite power outage story? Please comment and let us know.

Emergency!

"I’ve had it! I’m moving!" I insisted this winter-for the fifth time. The endless rain, power outages, hurricanes (hello?) and tornadoes (hello, hello?) threaten my beloved home (and psyche) more often than I care to admit. And in my corner of the woods, we had a four-day outage last year and a six-day outage this year, when even the land lines and cell phones were down.

Talk about a return to the past! Suddenly communication had to be passed door-to-door and often didn't happen at all. With 911 service down, neighbors had to count on each other more. Fortunately, we had already as a community determined where emergency centers were and while conserving gas and limiting trips out, we could still convey emergencies through local Ham radio operators who were set up at those centers. The local radio station (who bought a generator after last year's 4-day outage) became our only source of official information-including when to expect services to return. Although we also had to conserve batteries (highways into our area were closed due to tree blockage so supplies were limited), it became a high priority to listen to the news only until an update was given.

If you love the Northwest like I do, it is much harder to actually follow through with moving when the disasters are over. Because when the sun does peek out-and I get a chance to walk some trails, see some beautiful northwest scenery, find a beach, tilt my face to the blue sky and warm sun-I SO love my Northwest.

There is a lesson, however, in preparation. And part of living here (or anywhere for that matter), should include preparations for emergencies. We have it on good authority that our natural disasters will someday get worse. And, trust me, a stove or fireplace from Rich’s will greatly decrease the anxiety and stress in an emergent situation when there is no power and suddenly all your time is spent trying to stay warm, preparing food and concentrating on the once-simple art of keeping the dishes clean. Not only will the gas-powered options provide heat (that can spread even further with the use of a small generator for the fan) but it can provide a surface as well-necessary for cooking and boiling water.

I recently read the Restoration Series by Terri Blackstock. It's a fictional account of what might occur if there was a long-term, worldwide outage. I was impressed with the details and the accuracy. I found out, at the end of the second book, that the author has also lived through it short-term, thanks to Hurricane Katrina.

Don’t be left out in the cold this year. Remember that our storms often continue into March and April. Get your stove or fireplace installed and keep an emergency stash of supplies nearby.