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Dulley's Money-Saving Tip #1097

Open window when using fireplace

(related column topic links - (424, 927, 960)

You may have noticed that when you have a fire burning in the fireplace, the rest of your house gets very chilly or the furnace continues to run. This is because the fireplace is drawing the heated air out of the rest of your house. The room with the fireplace is the only arm room in your house. Overall, using your fireplace is increasing your monthly utility bills.

You should crack open a window, nearest the fireplace, just a little. This allows the chimney draft to draw the excess air from the window and not from the rest of your house. You do not have to open it very far. This is also a safety measure to make sure that your furnace or water heater due not backdraft into an airtight house.