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5 common myths you’ve heard about fireplaces

4th April 2018 No Comments Blog, Fire Expert

Fireplaces:

This week’s topic is the alternative solid-fuel heating method for those without space for a log-burner – fireplaces! Fireplace always provide warmth and ambience to any room they’re in whether it’s your lounge, bedroom, or even the garden. They provide a great source of heat, a focal point in any room and with a range of styles both classic and modern to choose from, there’s a hearth out there for everyone. Fireplaces can actually add value to a property as they have become a highly sought feature for first-time buyers. Fireplaces can utilise various different types of solid fuels, ranging from pellets, coal, gas, propane and various types of wood.

The history of the fireplace dates back to prehistoric fire-pits and smoke-canopies in the middle ages. First introduced to Europe in the 11th century, the likes of Benjamin Franklin and Prince Rupert of the Rhine have contributed in shaping the hearth into its current state.

As such a popular home installation, there are many claims and figures out there about fireplace performance. Here are 5 commons myths you might encounter when purchasing or servicing a fireplace.

5 common myths you’ve heard:

  1. Chimneys do not need regular inspections and sweeping. Chimneys must be serviced every year as build-ups of soot and creosote are often the origin of chimney fires. Firemizer reduces the creosote levels by 57%, meaning that chimney inspections will be far less difficult and pricey. However, creosote isn’t the only reason for inspections; debris and nesting animals also affect the structural integrity of your chimney.
  2. Fireplaces are poor sources of heat. Fireplaces can be poor sources if the fire is not maintained properly. Some believe that fireplaces send their heat up the chimney, and wood fires need oxygen to burn. Use a cast-iron fireback to radiate heat back into the room, and opening the flue will dispose of dangerous toxins. Firemizer reduces harmful air pollutants emitted by solid fuels by up to 72%.
  3. Lighter fluid and kerosene will produce a better fire quickly. Though it’s true that it will produce a fire quickly, this will be using harmful and potentially dangerous chemicals. Instead of putting your home at risk, use balls of newspaper or an entirely kerosene-free Firebuilder.
  4. I don’t need to clean my fireplace or chimney more than once a year. How frequently you use your fireplace dictates how often it should be cleaned (ranging from yearly to fortnightly). Always clear ash from the fireplace before starting a new fire (keeping a small bed of ash on the bottom). Firemizer reduces clumps of fuel in your wood, turning your ash into fine powder making clean-up much easier.
  5. It’s ok to leave the fire burning while I’m out or asleep. Absolutely not, fires are unpredictable and there are a number of factors that could contribute to a larger incident. To make sure it’s safely exterminated, throw a cup of water, sand or baking soda on top.

Conclusion:

When properly serviced and maintained, a fireplace makes the perfect addition to any room in the house. Pair your hearth with Firemizer and Firebuilder and get the most out of your solid fuel source saving you time, effort and money.

Earth Hour

23rd March 2018 No Comments Blog, News

Earth Hour

Following on from last week’s commemorative International Day of Forests, this week we celebrate Earth Hour! Hosted by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the event encourages everyone to show his or her commitment to the planet. It has not fixed date other than it takes place at the end of March – this year it’s March 24th. Between the hours of 8:30 – 9:30pm, from individuals to communities to business, everyone is encouraged to turn off non-essential lights. This is to display a unified message of solidarity, a symbol of commitment in protecting preserving our beautiful planet. It is not an exercise is reducing energy however, but rather a simply gesture that highlights the fight against pollution.

Earth Hour’s History:

The event originated in 2007 when Sydney turned off all the lights of their major landmarks. The following year saw 35 countries join in, and larger companies like Google shut down their websites. Over the succeeding ten years, various TV and Radio stations have joined the cause in going ‘dark’ for the hour. Last year, 187 countries and territories took part, from New York to New Zealand; over 3,100 landmarks turned their lights off, nearly 16,000 Facebook pages donated their feed, and #EarthHour trended in 30 countries.

Do Your Part:

Doing your part is as effortless as turning off lights at home, or as involved as hosting a candlelit dinner! Get your workplace involved and go ‘dark’ for the hour, or turn off your phone, grab a bunch of friends and go enjoy a walk in the park – it’s that easy to take part and spread awareness of the cause.

It is all in the name of showing solidarity and support for the protection of our planet. Firemizer and Firebuilder are both emission-reducing, recyclable products – Firemizer helps reduce your solid fuel consumption and amount of particulates produced by your fire, and Firebuilder is completely kerosene and chemical-free, meaning your fires stay clean and green.

Keep updated over at the Earth Hour blog and post your contributions using the hashtags #EarthHour and #togetherpossible.

International Day of Forests 2018

21st March 2018 No Comments Blog, News

International Day of Forests 2018

The United Nations proclaim that the International Day of Forests will take place on 21st of March 2018. The purpose of this day is to highlight all the wonderful things that trees and forests provide for our planet, and raise awareness of what we can do to help protect and preserve them. Whether it’s on a local, national or international level, the aim is to participate in projects benefitting our fantastic greenery. This could be a small photo competition, art exhibition showcasing natural imagery, or mass tree-planting across communities; everything helps.

Each year, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests designates a particular theme or area to focus on with regards to sustainability. This year, the theme is Sustainable Cities, placing emphasis on the unprecedented urbanisation of the 21st century and subsequent pollution. With the implementation of inner-city parks and forests, we can reduce the vast levels of carbon emissions and pollution for the some 6 billion people living there.

 

The key messages for the International Day of Forests are simple. They are:

  • Trees store carbon, which helps with the reduction of climate change (particularly in areas of high-pollution like cities).
  • Trees and forests improve the local climate, reducing energy needed for heating by between 20%-50%.
  • The placement of trees within cities reduces air temperature by up to 8°C, further reducing energy used on air-conditioning. Trees also act as air filters, removing harmful particulates and pollutants.
  • They produce fruits, nuts, leaves and insects which are used in food and medicines, providing a source of income. Trees and forests also make for perfect animal habitats, keeping the ecosystem stable and helping to maintain biodiversity.
  • Wood from these urban landscapes can be later purposed as fuel, providing a source of renewable energy. This is important as it takes reliance off the burning and consumption of harmful fossil fuels.
  • Also, forests help to filter and regulate water systems and, by storing water in branches and soil, can prevent flooding.
  • The planting and maintaining of forests generates jobs and tourism within green economies, and encourages active and healthy lifestyles that results in better mental health, more sociability and stronger immunity to disease.

Furthermore, the benefits of increased greenery are continuous, and there are lots of parts we can play in the protection of our trees and forests. Do you bit for the planet – plant a tree in your garden, donate to your local park, or perhaps use sustainable, locally-sourced wood as your main heat source, helping it last up to 38% longer (and reducing harmful particulates by 72%) by purchasing a Firemizer today.

Follow the latest news and information over at the International Day of Forests 2018.

Still to come in 2018

15th March 2018 No Comments Blog, News

Still to come in 2018! 

Now that it’s 2018, Microtex have lots of exciting things on the horizon for Firemizer and Firebuilder this year. From new offers and campaigns, to new partnerships and products, to more exhibitions and shows – there’s so much going on! 2018 is going to be Firemizer and Firebuilder’s biggest year yet.

New Website:

We saw a completely redesigned Firemizer website (courtesy of M360), so everything is optimised and revamped for the New Year. The new design includes a simpler layout, sleek design and much more content! This means that picking up a Firemizer or Firebuilder for your home has never been as straightforward or enjoyable. Try out the website and leave us your thoughts or your experiences using our products at https://www.firemizer.com/product/firemizer/. By doing this, you’ll automatically be entered in a competition that could win you a free Firemizer and Firebuilder combo!

Exhibitions and Shows:

2018 will be a bigger year for us in shows and exhibitions after such a great success at Grand Designs. We’ll be attending the Dispatch Home & Garden Show in Columbus, OH introducing Firebuilder to the U.S. this month! With the help of our partners over at Ribtec, we’re certain this show will be both educational and exciting. Back in the UK, the Firemizer team will be attending the Countryfile Live! show in August. Hosted at the beautiful Blenheim Castle, we’ll be amongst the best and most innovative products the countryside has to offer. If you’re attending either of the shows and have questions about the products (or just want to see why Firemizer and Firebuilder could be the perfect products for you), swing by and come say hi!

Finally, our partners at OPR have invited us up to Newcastle for some training in social media and website upkeep. These guys are professionals and will really help us get the most out of our online mediums to make sure you get the best content wherever you are and whatever platform you follow us on.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments and news as the year unfolds – this is only the beginning for us!

The History of Mother’s Day

2nd March 2018 No Comments Blog

Mother’s Day

We do love our Mums – it seems a bit lazy to shower them in gifts just once a year. We should be doing this every day of the year, just twice as much on Mother’s day! It doesn’t take much to put a smile on her face; make her breakfast in bed, buy some nice chocolates and flowers, let her put her feet up and relax while you do the jobs and take the load off. Maybe even put on her favourite film and get the fire on (a difficult job made much easier by Firebuilder)? Or run a nice hot bath with some lovely new salts and scrubs? Or give her something personal and hand-made, here are 36 DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to get you started.

 

History of Mother’s Day

Did you know that the reason America and Britain celebrate Mother’s Day on different dates is because they’re different holidays? America celebrates ‘Mother’s Day’ on the second Sunday in May, founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908. She became the campaign to get her holiday observed by U.S. states in 1905 after he mother had died. It wasn’t until 1914 that President Woodrow Wilson officially signed a proclamation that made ‘Mother’s Day’ a national holiday. Despite being the founder of the holiday, Anna grew to the resent it due to its growing commercialisation. Hallmark began selling gifts in the 1920s and she believed gifts should be personal, handwritten instead of pre-made cards.

The U.K. technically celebrates ‘Mothering Sunday’, a Catholic and Protestant holiday held on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In the 16th Century, people would return to their mother church (usually where they were baptised) during Lent. The phrase to do this was ‘to go a-mothering’, but the day gradually evolved into a day in which domestic servants were free to visit church with their mothers – usually the only time they were free to do so. After Jarvis’s campaign in the US, Constance Penwick-Smith sought in 1914 for the holiday to be celebrated in the UK. Like Hallmark, UK vendors saw the commercial appeal and by the 1950s, the two holidays eventually merged into one.

 

Though the histories of these two holidays is different, they are celebrated quite the same – in honour of Mums everywhere.

Green Olive’s Kiln-Dried Hardwood and Olive Wood

27th February 2018 No Comments Blog, Fire Expert

We tried and tested Green Olive’s Kiln-Dried Hardwood and Olive Wood!  

The people over at Green Olive were lovely enough to send us some of Kiln-Dried Hardwood and Olive Wood. Paired with Firemizer and Firebuilder, we cleaned our stove, patted the ash off and got to work burning these logs!

Olive Wood Logs

After getting our stove-fire started with a Firebuilder, we threw on a few of the Olive Wood logs. As a natural, low-moisture wood untreated by chemicals, these logs were lightweight and attractive (if not slightly too big). These logs did take a while to get going, but once they were, they lasted far longer than standard logs. This may have reduced the amount of heat given off however, as our thermometer gave consistently lower readings. The flame produced by the Olive Wood was a noticeably more regal-golden colour and the smell – oh the smell! The entire house was filled with a lovely olive scent that was closer to an Italian restaurant than a wood-fire. There was no smoke or steam coming off the fire, just bright yellow flames and that delicious smell. Despite the slow start and reduced heat output, the logs burned for much longer than normal logs and (with the help of Firemizer) burned evenly and continuously.

Kiln-Dried Hardwood

The Kiln-Dried Hardwood came in much thicker, denser logs that instantly smothered the Firebuilder’s flame before it could become established. Instead, we attempt to use the top-down method of starting a fire so we could get to use the Hardwood. The top-down method is simple –

  1. Place your logs in a neat pile at the bottom, on top of the Firemizer.
  2. Put kindling on top of them, with scrunched up balls of newspaper if needed.
  3. Position your firelighter (or our Firebuilder) at the very top. The wood and kindling should resemble a tepee shape.
  4. Light the Firebuilder and let the fire establish downwards, catching on the newspaper, the kindling and then the wood.
  5. Once the fire is going, add more logs if/when necessary.

The Hardwood was far more effective for us using the top-down method, and within 30 minutes the fire was roaring. It needed minimal interference too, just the occasional handful of newspaper to prevent the flames being smothered under the logs. The flame understandably wasn’t as golden as the Olive wood, but it gave off was that familiar smell of good-wood-burning. It also didn’t give off much steam or smoke either, keeping the stove’s glass doors clean and free of soot.

Both types of wood presented their individual challenges; the Olive Wood needed that extra bit of time to become established, and the Hardwood was often too dense and heavy for standard lighting methods that just used a firelighter. However, both types certainly had their rewards for persevering – the smell of the Hardwood was wonderful, whilst the Olive Wood lasted much longer and presented a dazzling golden flame. Pick up a bag for yourself and see which best suits your stove or hearth at https://www.greenolivefirewood.co.uk/.

 

5 reasons why you should invest in a wood-burner

27th February 2018 No Comments Blog, Fire Expert

5 reasons why you should invest in a wood-burner:

Wood-burning is a popular trend that has escalated both in the UK and U.S. over the last decade or so. 1.5 million stoves are already fitted in Britain whilst 2.5 million American homes use wood as their primary heat source. The state of California in particular contributes 218,185 wood-burners to the 116 million total homes in the U.S. The reason for this rise in this popularity can be related to the environment, saving money or simply interior design preferences. Here are 5 reasons why you should invest in a wood-burning fire.

1. Wood is essentially carbon neutral. –

Though wood does release carbon dioxide when combusted, it can still be environmentally conscious. Unlike other fossil fuels, wood can be sustainable if bought from somewhere that ensures the replacement of every tree felled. This means that for every tree chopped down, another is planted, meaning the source can become entirely renewable. Wood-burning fires can however still release harmful pollutants and smoke if the wood hasn’t been dried or seasoned properly. Reduce harmful air pollutants by up to 72% if paired with a Firemizer.

2. They’re more efficient than hearths. –

Modern wood-burning stoves now come with efficiency ratings of somewhere between 80-85% whereas hearth will typically have around 20-25%. This means a wood-burning stove is about three times more efficient. Firemizer helps your fuel burn more slower and evenly, helping maintain this efficiency.

3. They can save you money. –

As the price of gas and electricity continues to rise, many houses are swapping to wood-powered heaters and boilers as a cheaper alternative. Again, locally-sourced wood is not only renewable but can also work out cheaper than your current energy provider. Also, gas or electricity services are often prone to power outages, whereas a well-maintained fire can burn all night. With Firemizer saving you 38% on solid fuel, you can reduce a third of the wood you burn too.

4. Wood-stoves are so versatile. –

Modern advancements haven’t just helped the efficiency of wood-stoves; they’ve also created a huge range to choose from. As long as there’s room to run a vent pipe to the outside, they can be fitted in any room of the house – from lounge to bedroom to kitchen. A Firemizer grid can easily be cut down to fit smaller stoves too.

5. They create a lovely scene. –

There’s no denying that wood-burning stoves have a certain romantic aesthetic to them. The sounds of crackling embers, the smell of firewood, the sight of roaring flames and the warmth they give off. A wood-burning stove or fire makes any room a domestic heaven we so often swoon over in the movies. With Firebuilder, the firelighter-kindling combo tool, starting your dream fire couldn’t be any easier – turning your home into a movie-set!

Contact your local Flue specialist or chimney sweep to get an expert opinion on what type and size of stove would best suit your home, and start reaping the benefits of the wood-burning fire (with a Firemizer and Firebuilder) as soon as possible!

Valentine’s Day

12th February 2018 No Comments Blog

Valentine’s Day!

It’s almost Valentine’s Day – by now most of you have already organised romantic surprises and bought ridiculous amounts of chocolate. If you haven’t, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to organise something special for the love in your life. Flowers, chocolates and cuddly toys are always a sure-fire success, but why not try something a little different this year? What about a book of poetry, a lover’s scavenger hunt, a scrapbook of old photos or even a homemade dinner? There are lots of ways to show affection that don’t involve spending much at all. And if you’re setting the mood with a romantic fire, add a Firemizer to help your fuel last 38% longer. This means instead of constantly interfering with the fire, you can give your significant other your undivided, unconditional attention.

Did you know?

Did you know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day originates from various stories about the saint? Some stories suggest he defied Roman Emperor Claudius II and married soldiers to their lovers in private – Claudius believed single men made better soldiers. Other stories suggest that St. Valentine helped Christians escape torture from the Romans, and that he himself sent the first ever Valentine’s greeting to his jailor’s daughter.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the world, from Europe the U.S. to Asia and South America. Latin American countries refer to the day as ‘el día de los enamorados or the ‘day of lovers’. The Chinese celebrate the ‘lover’s festival’ on the seventh day of the seventh month. In Japan, Valentine’s Day was first introduced in 1936 and, because of a translation error made by a chocolate company, only women buy Valentine chocolates for their spouses, boyfriends, or friends. In fact, it is the only day of the year many single women will reveal their crush on a man by giving him chocolate. The men don’t return the favour until ‘White Day’, which is a response to Valentine’s on March 14.

Pollution

2nd February 2018 No Comments Blog, News

The Dangers of Pollution:

As of the 21st century, growing levels of pollution have contributed to 6.5 million deaths per year. Air pollution in particular (the release of pollutants into the air) causes skin and lung irritation and lasting blood disorders. Dioxins, lead and mercury pollutants can also cause significant damage to the immune, reproductive and central nervous systems.

The origin of these pollutants ranges from wildfires to the release of industrial chemicals to burning fossil fuels resulting in harmful smog, radiation, increased pollen production and the extreme weather. However, the most destructive consequence of pollution is the rising of global surface temperatures – this causes sea levels to rise and the transmission of infectious diseases far more probable. Cities of dangerously high pollution levels are no longer limited to industrial powerhouses like New Delhi and Beijing; London and Los Angeles are rapidly catching up. As the ‘State of the Air’ Association reported in 2017, 125 million Americans lived in counties of elevated particle pollution. Escalated surface temperatures could be one of the prime contributors of the devastating natural disasters that hit America in 2017.

Combating pollution doesn’t have to start on a global scale – we can start it ourselves at home. It can be as simple as cycling to work, or recycling waste goods and generating electricity via solar panels. Buying locally-sourced food and products also reduces the levels of fossil fuels needed in transportation, so it also pays to shop with small businesses too.

Wood-Burning Pollution:

The process of burning wood and coal also contributes to higher levels of air pollutants within our homes. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Environmental Secretary Michael Gove have both expressed disdain towards the 1.5 million wood stoves already fitted in Britain (with a further 200,000 sold every year). Gove shows an interest in the banning of house coal and unseasoned wood, despite smokeless alternatives being considerably more expensive.

In 2015, 40% of the UK’s particulates originated from domestic stoves and fireplaces, double what was produced by diesel cars. Khan has outlined his ideas for awarding local governments the authority to fine those in high pollution areas who continue to use wood or coal as their primary heating source. Firemizer has backing from Nottingham and Cambridge Universities who have independently tested and confirmed the product’s claims of conserving solid fuel resources whilst improving heat output.

Omni-Test Laboratories in Oregon also concluded that it reduces pollutants (produced by burning wood and coal) by up to 72%. This means that Firemizer can not only help you save up to a third of your wood or coal costs (meaning less solid fuel used overall and less fossil fuel used on transportation if sourced locally), but also it can significantly reduce the harmful pollutants released into your home and potentially prevent those in high-emission areas from receiving fines.

More reading on the dangers of pollution:

 

Natural Resources Defence Council

USA Today

The Times

How to build a Log-Store

25th January 2018 No Comments Blog
Why is a Log-Store important?

With the winter nearly over, we should take advice from those animals waking up from hibernation – it’s never too early to start preparing for next year! So while they’re out collecting their food, why not think about getting a log-store to collect and keep more wood in to burn next winter?

Correct storing is essential to getting the most out of your wood as this allows the necessary seasoning, ideally for 6-12 months. Otherwise it is likely burn for less time and produce less heat, potentially emitting dangerous and environmentally-damaging smoke. Planning ahead for winter is incredibly important, so a log-store will help get the most out of your fuel when the fire is needed.

There are a few requirements your wood will need when getting a log-store – firstly, shelter. In order to keep your wood dry and let it season properly, protection from the elements is vital. Be sure to position the log-store in a place that isn’t constantly harassed by inclement weather and that it has a sturdy frame with a sloped roof to keep the rain out!

The other necessity of your store is space. Not only must the depth align with log size, but the wood also needs air circulating around it to help it dry out, so slatted side panels are a must. Also, don’t just put the larger logs at the bottom and smaller on top, mix up shapes and sizes or chop them down to provide enough breathing room between each piece.

 

How to build a Log-Store:

In the interest of saving money, building your own log-store couldn’t be easier or cheaper! All it takes is a few pallets (which local businesses can provide for free), four wooden posts, general tools (such as a hammer and galvanised nails) and a few hours of time and labour.

  1. First, use the pallets as the store base – either one or two pallets wide, depending on how many logs you intend on storing.
  2. Secure your four wooden posts into the ground at each corner of the pallet base – if you want to go all out, use sand and cement mix to keep them in place. Make sure the front or back two posts are slightly taller to allow for your sloped-roof!
  3. Break down a few pallets or use wooden planks to use as slatted side and back panels, spaced evenly and secured in place with nails.
  4. Do the same for the roof but without allowing space between-panels – keep that rain out!
  5. When storing, space out your wood shapes and sizes to allow maximum air circulation so it can season.

It’s that easy to craft your own log-store and start getting the most out of your firewood in winter, and with the addition of a Firemizer, your fuel can last up to 38% longer – meaning less trips back outside to grab some more!

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