If you have a fireplace in your home, you probably don’t realize how much energy you’re actually wasting. There are more than 100 million homes in North America that use either a wood or gas burning fireplace. While fireplaces have many benefits including keeping you warm, they are also a sneaky source of energy loss.

Unsealed or open fireplace dampers are the main culprit contributing to energy loss. It’s been estimated that 80 to 90% of the heat produced by wood burning in an open fireplace ends up being lost up the chimney.

The average fireplace can raise your home’s energy consumption by 30%, or about $200 per year. That certainly adds up over time, so looking into more energy-efficient versions of fireplaces is a noble and worthy cause.

The solution you need may in fact be the Enviro Berkeley Glass Freestanding Stove. This bad boy can heat up to 2,000 square feet with an amazing 70% efficiency. This energy-efficient fireplace is designed to heat and built to last.

Not only will the Berkley Glass Freestanding Stove heat your home efficiently, it also looks great and adds a nice touch to any room. In addition, Blue Water Kitchens & More also offers the following:

Fireplaces

• Gas fireplaces and inserts
• Wood fireplaces and inserts
• Wood and pellet stoves
• Fireplace doors and hearth accessories

Cabinetry

• Custom
• Semi-custom
• Ready to assemble

Countertops

• Granite
• Laminate
• Solid surface
• Quartz

Find out why we are #1 in the thumb for kitchen design and remodeling. Give us a call today at 810-958-3193.

If you’re looking to warm up and enjoy the company of family and friends this winter, there’s no better way to do so than by having a bonfire. At first, it might seem like all you need is people and a fire, but there are actually quite a few things you’ll want to have on hand to make the experience as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Food and Drinks

Of course you’ll want to make S’mores, especially if there are children at the bonfire. You can also serve dinner by roasting hot dogs. Don’t forget the drinks as well.

• Graham crackers
• Chocolate
• Marshmallows
• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Condiments (mustard, relish, ketchup)
• Soda
• Juice
• Water
• Alcoholic beverages

Bonfire Essentials

You’ll need equipment to start the fire as well as places for people to sit and relax and avoid stumbling around in the dark.

• Kindling
• Firewood
• Chairs
• Blankets
• Flashlights

Bonfire Cleanup

After the bonfire, you’ll need to clean up. You can wait until the next morning, but everyone will be gone. Having everyone pitch in only takes a couple minutes.

• Garbage bags
• Paper towels
• Water bucket for hot ashes
• Cleaning wipes

Extras

Even if you don’t use everything on this list, it doesn’t hurt to have it on hand. Make sure everyone is happy and nobody goes home disappointed.

• Plates, cups, napkins, and utensils
• Fire extinguisher
• Bottle opener or corkscrew
• Skewers
• Insect repellent
• Serving tray
• Music player

If you feel like bringing the fire inside, Blue Water Kitchens & More has a great selection of fireplaces including electrics, inserts, log sets, stoves, and even outdoor fireplaces. Give us a call today at 810-958-3193 or stop by our Lakeport location to learn more.