Winterizing Your Home

DIY Home Winterizing Projects

Polar vortex, be gone! With some of the coldest winter weather in the history of the world shattering temps and chilling us to the bone, one of the most productive weekend projects you can invest your time and money into will be winterizing your home. Not only does home winterization help you streamline your operating expenses, but it makes your home more energy efficient and better for the environment. So how do you do it?

Check Your Home for Air Leaks

To determine where you’re losing heat, simply light an incense stick and slowly walk around your home. Take note of anywhere the smoke is streaking, which is ultimately causing a draft. Pay particular attention to areas near doors, windows, attics and basements, as these are common culprits of cold air.

Take a Trip to the Hardware Store

Foam Weather Stripping – If you determine the leak to be coming from the gaps between the window and the frame or door and the frame, foam weather stripping is a great solution. Easy to install, just remove the sticky backing and cut it to the length you need.

Spray Insulation- Perfect for filling cracks around plumbing or electrical outlets, spray insulation can be purchased fairly inexpensively from your local hardware store.

Recaulk the Windows- Though a larger undertaking; recaulking the windows is one of the most impactful ways of insulating a home. Over time, wood can warp and rot and the older your home is, the more likely it is letting moisture in and helping heat escape.  You’ll need a caulking gun, sealer, putty knife, old rags, and a steady hand, but it is an easy DIY project.

Invest in an Electric Fireplace

A great source of supplemental heat, freestanding electric stoves or wall mounted electric fireplaces are a great way to save money on zone heating by allowing you to turn down the central thermostat and only heating the rooms you spend the most time in. Electric fireplaces cost only about 8-12 cents an hour to operate, ultimately reducing your monthly energy bill by up to 10%.

You should also consider replacing your existing gas or wood fireplace with an electric log set. It’s been estimated that up to 60% of heat is lost through the chimney, so you’d not only be saving money, but also the hassle and mess of cleaning up smoke and ashes.

You don’t need a lot of tools or expertise to make your home feel cozier this winter, but take some time this weekend to make home winterization a priority for the new year and new you.

Guest post provided by Lauren Monitz of ElectricFireplacesDirect.com, the #1 online source for electric fireplaces and a major distributor of Twin-Star brand products.

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Zone Heating Featured Guest Post

Considering Switching to An Electric Fireplace?

With temperatures nearing zero and significant snowstorms in the forecast, the days of putting off winter preparations are long gone. Home heating needs to be a top priority to keep your family safe and warm, free from frozen pipes and chilled toes.  Does your winterization plan includes an electric fireplace? If not, we strongly urge you to consider it as a viable form of home heating. Is switching to electric something you’ve been thinking about?

If you answered yes….

Woohoo! Let us reaffirm your beliefs that electric fireplaces can save you significant money. Gas bills are no one’s friends, but they don’t have to be necessarily an evil. Electric fireplaces are a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency by zone heating, turning down the central thermostat and only warming the rooms you use most. This action alone can save you up to 10% on your energy bill each month. Please consult your local energy company to see how much zone heating can save you.

In general, electric fireplaces cost much less to run. Gas fireplaces typically operate at 17 to 24¢ per hour (varies by location), but electric fireplaces provide warmth and LED technology that can save you up to 10% on your energy bill. With heating options that can warm rooms from 400 square feet to 1,000 square feet, electric fireplaces are a vibrant and affordable way to keep your family comfy and cozy this winter.

Worried they don’t look realistic enough? New technology including LED lights, glowing logs and ember beds ensure the effect is as convincing as possible. You have to see it to believe it.

If you answered no…

Isn’t it time to start? What are you waiting for?

Twin-Star manufactures a number of the leading brands of electric fireplaces including Duraflame, ClassicFlame and ChimneyFree. With many styles and designs to suit any décor, Twin-Star offers several options from mantels to media consoles and wall mounts. Let us find the perfect unit for your home.

 

For more information on electric fireplaces as an alternative to gas or wood, check out our resources center full of articles, videos and infographics from people who have made the switch.

Guest post provided by Lauren Monitz of ElectricFireplacesDirect.com, the #1 online source for electric fireplaces and a major distributor of Twin-Star products.

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Guest Post by ElectricFireplacesDirect.com

Twin-Star Best Sellers and Why They're So Popular

Twin-Star International has long been one of the biggest manufacturers of electric fireplaces that we sell. Parent company of ClassicFlame, Duraflame and Chimney Free brands, it’s no wonder why these are some of the most popular electric fireplace lines on the market today. With a focus on quality heirloom furniture and state of the art engineering, Twin-Star products seamlessly combine form and function to deliver stellar aesthetics and unmatched supplemental heating. Let’s take a look at some of their best selling electric fireplaces.

Duraflame 550 Black Electric Fireplace Stove with Remote Control - DFS-550-7

With over 600 reviews, this powerful, space-saving little heater packs quite the punch. Weighing only 25 lbs., it is portable enough to move anywhere your home is feeling drafty, yet can heat up to 400 sq.ft., as impactful as a much larger model. Controllable by remote, run the heat or flames independently for year-round comfort and ambiance.

See what our customers say:

“I am 84 years old and on blood thinners. It heats the living room wonderfully. Without it I am freezing all the time. It was very light and easy for me to set up. I like the remote to turn it on and off as it saves me from getting up.” -Charlie, Newville

“Our house is nearly 100 years old with high ceilings and is very hard to heat. This stove is doing a great job in area heating. I am about to order another one for the kitchen and possibly one for the bedroom.” -Donna, Ashland

“I was looking for something small for a property that I manage and we needed something with a fan that could circulate the heat. This is just the ticket. It creates a conversation when my friends enter the room to sit down like its a real fireside chat.” -Donna, Longmond

Brookfield Electric Fireplace Entertainment Center in Premium Oak - 26MM2209-O107

If you’re looking for a contemporary media console that will match just about any decor, 100s of people have found the Brookfield to be the perfect entertainment center option. Proudly display your TV and components while gazing at the roaring fire provided via a 26” built-in firebox. LED technology allows for greater energy efficiency and zone heating and there is even a sleep timer for “set it and forget it” mode.

Highlights:

“We had been looking for an electric fireplace with three main wishes -- 1) a well built piece of furniture, 2) able to house a 55" TV with surround sound equipment, and 3)have a realistic flame. We had been shopping for nearly 18 months because there wasn't one that satisfied all of our needs. I can assure you, this one did!!” -Dan, Rockford

“Purchased for comfort, relaxation and entertainment. I love the realistic flames and I was surprised by how well it heats the entire first floor. Thinking about purchasing a second one for the bedroom.” -Beckie, Philadelphia

“The unit is cosmetically flawless. The wood is beautiful and was meticulously packaged to avoid any damage during shipping. The fireplace itself is very nice--one of the best I've seen.” -Roger, Fenton

Duraflame 20-Inch Electric Fireplace Insert/Log Set - DFI020ARU

If you have an existing gas or wood fireplace you’re considering retrofitting with electric, but are worried about how real it will look, the Duraflame Insert will put your mind at.  Compact logs project LED lights and high efficiency flames off the back of your firebox to create an illusion that’s second to none. An ember bed rolls and pulsates to add to the visual effect, and the entire unit can be used with or without heat for year-round enjoyment.

735 people can’t be wrong:

“After moving to a warm climate from the cold north, I have been in my home for a year with a fireplace that wasn't being used. I needed something to give the living room some atmosphere. This log inserts are wonderful; adds just the touch I needed.” -Karleena, Altamonte Springs

“Best when reading, meditating and kicking back with spouse for a night of TV and movies. Helps to relax after a long day without the clean up that follows with the old traditional wood fires. Instant pleasure without all the necessary logistics of firewood and the knowledge of the trees saved. Time is now spent on more home and family projects.” -Woodman, Hattiesburg

“I purchased this product to have a fireplace in my bedroom...AND I LOVE IT. It heats my room just enough, is nice to look at and don't have to fool anyone with fuel gel cans which would bother my asthma.” -Anonymous, Los Angeles

Whatever style of fireplace you’re looking for, Twin-Star has a product to fit your needs. We can’t wait for you to see the difference for yourself.

Guest post provided by Lauren Monitz of ElectricFireplacesDirect.com, the #1 online source for electric fireplaces and a major distributor of Twin-Star brand products.

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Happy Birthday America!

Independence Day Mantel Decorating Tips

America’s birthday is July 4th and it’s time to get into the spirit of the holiday. Here are some decorating tips for your ClassicFlame mantel. All the items shown here were purchased at local stores such as Target and HomeGoods.

The American Flag is our inspiration for decorating these mantels. When we think about the American Flag, the first thing that comes to mind is the bold colors red, white & blue and shapes like stars and stripes.

Here are a few tips to help make the process quick and easy.

* Shopping tip: Before you go shopping, search online for decorating ideas on websites like Pinterest, this will help you generate your shopping list.

We took stars of mixed materials, shapes, and sizes then spread them out on the wall in a random pattern.

* Tip: We used command strips to create this look without damaging our walls.

To mimic the patterns of the stars and stripes, we took a red tray and put some clear, rectangular glass vases and partially filled them with white sand then topped them off with red and blue candles. A white wood star completes the stars and stripes design while the candles enhance the color scheme.

We continued to build on the theme by adding a distressed signs that display the message of the holiday.

The build on the color scheme, we placed some red, white, and blue candles in varying heights and textures on a white candleholder.

* Tip: If you plan on lighting the candles avoid getting candles that have varying scents. By keeping all the candles unscented or only have one scented candle, you don’t have to worry about having the scent overpower the room.

Decorating doesn’t just have to be on the mantel, try bringing the attention down to the hearth. We stuck with the theme and filled a bucket with some more of the decorative white sand and placed some mini flags.

  

* Shopping Tip: You can find decorative sand at your local craft or fabric store.

Then we added this stars and stripes birdhouse to complete the look.

 

For a more Classic Countryside look, we added some patriotic bears.

Here is a close up of the changed mantel.

* Tip: If you want to get the whole family involved in the decorating, find holiday related art projects to do with the kids then proudly display their art on the mantel. Websites like Pinterest are good for finding these types of activities for the kids.

 

Here we have taken a different mantel and added a few new pieces to create a similar look. We used the same stars from before, but replaced the center star with an all-American bottle cap sign. We then removed the red tray to give this mantel a more contemporary look.

By using old glass soda bottles as vases to display red gerbera daisies, we were able to carry the theme of the bottle cap throughout the design. White carnations in a cobalt blue glass vase complete the look.

* Shopping Tip: Fresh flowers are best, but if you don’t want to use them you can find a variety of silk flowers at your local dollar store or craft store.

Start designing your mantel decorations today! 

Share photos of your decorated mantel with us on Pinterest with @TwinStarIntl then follow us to see your photo on our “Fan Photos” board. We will also be putting these on our Facebook page.

Did you know that all Twin-Star products are designed and engineered in the USA?

Twin-Star International manufactures world-class brands such as ClassicFlame, ClassicFlame PRO, Tresanti, LUXE Bath Works, Duraflame heaters, Black & Decker heaters, Antiqua, Chimney Free and now Twin-Star Home.

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