Choosing a B-vent gas fireplace insert means understanding exactly what you’re installing in your home. A B-vent system, also called natural vent, draws combustion air from inside your living space and exhausts gases through a double-walled metal pipe that runs vertically through your roof. Unlike direct-vent systems that pull air from outdoors, B-vents rely on ... Read more
Choose fireplace fuels that regenerate naturally within a human lifetime rather than depleting finite resources. Wood from responsibly managed forests, bioethanol derived from plant materials, and wood pellets made from compressed sawdust all qualify as renewable options that can replenish themselves when sourced properly. Prioritize fuels that minimize air pollution and carbon emissions during burning. ... Read more
Master your multi-fuel stove by understanding your fuel options first. Wood burns hot and creates that authentic crackling ambiance, but requires more frequent refueling and cleaning. Coal delivers longer burn times and intense heat output, making it ideal for overnight heating, though it needs proper ventilation and a deeper fire bed. Smokeless fuels offer the ... Read more
Schedule professional pest inspections every three months to create an invisible shield around your home’s most vulnerable entry points—including those cozy spaces where warmth gathers, like around your fireplace, chimney base, and heating vents. These quarterly visits catch infestations before they start, targeting seasonal pests as they emerge: termites in spring, ants and spiders in ... Read more
Unplug your popcorn popper and let it cool completely before cleaning to prevent burns and electrical hazards. Remove loose kernels and hulls by turning the unit upside down over a trash bin, then wipe interior surfaces with a damp cloth dipped in warm, soapy water, avoiding any electrical components or heating elements. For stubborn oil ... Read more
Clean your Z Grill after every 2-3 cooks by vacuuming ash from the firepot and wiping down grates while they’re still warm—this 10-minute habit prevents the buildup that causes temperature swings and flare-ups most owners blame on faulty parts. Remove and empty the grease bucket weekly, scraping hardened residue before it becomes a fire hazard, ... Read more
Understand that EPA wood burning standards aren’t bureaucratic hurdles—they’re your pathway to a cleaner, more enjoyable outdoor fire experience. Choose EPA-certified fire pits or retrofitting options that reduce particulate emissions by up to 90%, transforming those frustrating smoky fire pit problems into evenings filled with warmth and clear air. Burn only properly seasoned hardwood with ... Read more
Master heat control by understanding your fireplace’s temperature zones—position cast iron cookware directly over the hottest coals for searing proteins, move dishes to cooler edges for gentle simmering, and use the radiant heat above flames for slow roasting. This fundamental skill transforms your fireplace from a simple heating source into a versatile cooking station that ... Read more
Check the manufacturer’s label before loading your ceramic cookware into the dishwasher—most brands explicitly state whether their pieces can withstand automated cleaning cycles. While ceramic cookware offers a naturally non-stick surface that makes cleanup easier than traditional options, the dishwasher’s harsh detergents and high heat can gradually deteriorate the ceramic coating, leading to discoloration, reduced ... Read more
Your GE electric stove’s Sensi-Temp technology is constantly monitoring your cooktop temperature to prevent dangerous grease fires before they start. This federally-mandated safety feature automatically limits burner temperatures to 400°F, cutting power when cookware reaches unsafe levels and preventing the 158,000 cooking fires that occur in American homes each year. Think of Sensi-Temp as a ... Read more
