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How to Burn Responsibly – Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

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Summer weather means one thing and one thing only; time to break out the grill and make some s’mores! Enjoying a glowing fire outside can be fun! You can even learn how you can add a few ingredients found at the grocery store to make colored flames!

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s review safe outdoor grilling and bon fire procedures to keep you and your family safe. The CPSC recently recalled this outdoor fire pit so make sure you check if your model was affected if you shopped at Christmas Tree Shops.

Outdoor Grilling Statistics

The statistics below will raise an eye-brow about the dangers associated with outdoor grilling. No, I’m not suggesting we hide inside, only that we grill responsibly!

National Fire Protection Association Statistic:

  • 27% of house fires originated from outdoor grills in the courtyard, terrace, or patio.
  • 43% of fires caused by outdoor grills at home were a result of outdoor gas grills.
  • 29% of gas grill structure fires started when a flammable/combustible gas or liquid caught fire.

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The Dictionary of Home Heating Terminology

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Home heating terminology confusing you? Check out this glossary filled with key terms that will help you make the right decision when researching the best heating and/or cooling system for you home. Everything you need to know, all in one spot.

TV Stand Electric Fireplace

Editors of the Portable Fireplace Blog update this Glossary whenever new terms are discovered. If you have a question or have a term that you feel should be included on this list, please send us a message using our Contact Form.

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Electric Fireplace Repair: Replacing Your Flame Rod

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Overtime, you may have to replace the Flame Rod on your electric fireplace. Thankfully, this is can be done with a little know-how, everything will be back to normal before you know it.

Real Flame Churchill Electric Fireplace TV Stand

“Received everything works great thanks happy customer!” – Proud owner of our 50.75″ Churchill Espresso Entertainment Center Corner Electric Fireplace, Kenna S., Victortia, Texas.

Replacing your flame rod and flame rod motor does require some mechanical skill so make sure you read the entire instructional before opening things up.
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3 Steps to Converting from Wood to Electric Inserts

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Fireplaces have come a very, very long way. With modern technology, traditional wood burning fireplaces have become outdated. They’re messy, expensive to build, and require regular maintenance.

Converting to an electric insert is easier than you think! With the correct dimensions, an electric fireplace insert will slip into your existing firebox and plug in for instant heat.  This 3 Step Guide will show you how to convert a wood to electric insert. It’s very easy and requires no special tools, just a extra hand from a friend!

TV Stand Electric Fireplace

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Beijing Bans Outdoor Grills to Curb Pollution

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Take a walk through the downtown Beijing and you’ll find streets lined with popular eateries that serve skewered meats and cold dishes such as garlic cucumber salad and cold tofu skin. A new ban on outdoor grills is forcing many of these shops to close in an effort to combat dangerously high smog levels. Under new measures, even cold dishes, decorative, cakes, and raw seafood products are not allowed to be eaten outdoors.

Beginning May 1, 2014, a new law has been implemented to enforce the ban. Under the Interim Measures on Management of Summer Al Fresco Dining,” all outdoor grills must be moved indoors. The new law also restricts where outdoor dining can take place. Violating the outdoor grilling ban in will result in a fine of up to 20,000 yuan ($3,200).
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Leaving an Electric Fireplace on Overnight

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Although there isn’t a problem per say with leaving an electric fireplace on overnight, it can raise some concerns about safety. All of the dangers associated with everyday household electronics also exist with electric fireplaces. As such, the appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent accidents from happening.

Here’s the two most common questions:

  • Can you leave an electric fireplace on overnight?
  • Is it safe to leave an electric fireplace on all night?

The Short Answer

Yes, it is okay to leave an electric fireplace insert on overnight but it’s best if you turn it off when possible. While it’s not necessarily dangerous, it’s important to observe basic safety precautions when using an electric fireplace.
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US Outdoor Grill Industry Projected to Grow 4% Year by Year

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The US Outdoor Grill and Furniture Industry is a balking $6.2 Billion market. By 2017, the outdoor furniture and grill market will generate $7.5 Billion in revenue. After a rough economic downturn during the 2006 recession, the US economy has begun show signs of recovery.

Of these rebounding markets, the US Outdoor furniture Industry is expected to increase 4% per year through 2017. Patio heating products are projected to be the fastest growing market as a result of growing consumer demands in residential and commercial sectors.

Close up of patio heater

Data in this post stems from an industry report published by Freedonia Group, a leading international business research company based in Cleveland, Ohio. Each year, Freedonia publishes over 100 industry research studies to provide a detailed outlook on market forecasts an industry trends.
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Should You Clean a Chimney When Not in Use?

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Electric fireplace owners often ask this question. “Do I need to clean my chimney even though I don’t use it.” You need to have your chimney cleaned prior to installation of a new insert and annual inspections should still be scheduled.

Chimney Cleaning

Although you are not at risk of fire, critters, rodents, and birds have been known to build nests inside the flue. To solve this, you can install a chimney cap to prevent anything from your fireplace from the roof. Chimney caps are relatively inexpensive ($100) and can be found at local hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes.
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Understanding Electric Readings-Watts, Amps, Volts, & Ohms

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Watts, amps, volts, and ohms; what does it all mean? You don’t have to be an electrician to understand these terms. Electrical readings often mirror that of a simple comparison to your garden hose. How is that? Like a garden hose, electrical wiring has something running through it but instead, the substance is electricity instead of water.

Understanding basic electrical readings will help you comprehend how much heating capacity your electric fireplace will actually provide. Each of these readings is directly related to heating capacity.

Editors Note: You can skip down to the bottom if you want sift through the technical jargon for a simple answer.
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