NDL Hearth Blog

A wood fire in your home is beautiful to behold, and there are certainly many homes out there that burn fires in their open fireplace. At NDL, we would like to educate you on the essential tools of a wood fireplace, or what we call, the fireplace tool box.

There are a few items that are essential to the safe and efficient function of a wood burning fire. But we would like to first talk about fireplace tool sets. Fireplace tools can be purchased for both decorative and utility purposes. You need well made fireplace tools in order to maintain and use your fireplace safely.

The type of tools you want in your tool set are up to you, but put some thought into how you will use them, and be sure to “roll play” with them before you buy them.

A beautiful wrought iron set may look great, but it may be too heavy for you to use. Luckily, Pilgrim makes tools sets that are both functional and beautiful. With different combination and styles, you can find a set that meets all of your needs and fits in with your home style.

The fireplace grate is another essential part of your fireplace tool box. It is designed to keep the firewood off the floor of your fireplace allowing the ashes to fall below and air to flow in. The fireplace grate is an essential factor to the burning process. By keeping the wood away from the floor, it allows the fire to draw fresh oxygen to the hottest part of the flame. This allows for more efficient wood burning.

Lastly, but certainly not the least important item in your fireplace tool box is the fireplace screen or fireplace doors. Although many people prefer burning a fire without a screen, this is not a good idea. Besides being able to catch sparks which are inevitable, the logs can become displaced as they burn down and change size. A screen or fireplace doors helps stop the disturbed logs from rolling out of the fire and into your living space. Screens and doors also make fires safer for young children and pets. However, screens and doors can be both functional and beautiful as well, and they are made to fit any style home.

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Spruce up your hearth with fireplace screens and glass doors. If you have small children or pets you may be looking for a fireplace screen for safety. Or perhaps you want a screen to protect your home from shifting logs and embers. However, fireplace screens can be decorative as well.

Are you looking for a way for your hearth to be a focal point rather than a hole in the wall? Minuteman fireplace screens are a decorative, safe and cost effective solution that will add personality and style to your fireplace.

If you have a working traditional fireplace, take a look at decorative fireplace screens. With decorative flat or three-fold screens you can turn your old fireplace into a conversation piece. Made from wrought iron, brass or brushed aluminum fireplace screens can change the entire look and effect of your fireplace in any season.

If you want to use your fireplace safely, increase the ambience of your room, and heighten the attractiveness of your hearth. Let NDL help you find the fireplace screens and doors of your choice.

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Arlington, VA – (December 21, 2010) On Friday, December 17, President Obama signed into law the $858 billion tax package that keeps current tax rates in place and extends a series of tax credits geared toward boosting the sluggish economy. Included in this package was the extension of a tax credit for biomass heating appliances that was set to expire on December 31st. The extension of the tax credit – which was never certain – is good news for the hearth industry. However, Congress did decrease the benefit to consumers that was in place from 2009-2010 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and added further restrictions. The new tax credit as outlined provides:

• 10% credit for the purchase of biomass heating appliance in 2011, capped at $300
• Removal of the lower heating value level (LHV) efficiency measurement
• Credit applies to purchase price only and is not extended to installation In the weeks leading up to Congress' vote on the tax package, HPBA reached out to congressional leaders to remind them of the importance of this tax credit not only to the hearth industry but to consumers interested in purchasing biomass heating systems. HPBA has been working closely with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to ensure that a tax credit was contained in the bill, and we are appreciative of the efforts she put forth in achieving its inclusion. Of particular note, Sen. Collins has included language in the Congressional Record (the official transcript of the United States Congress) that directs the IRS to continue to use the lower heating value as the operative efficiency methodology in determining which appliance qualifies for the tax credit. A portion of her remarks stated:

"The IRS has issued guidance directing that the 'lower heating value' methodology should be used, which is consistent with industry practices and with our intent to ensure that the credit is available for efficient and clean-burning wood and wood-pellet stoves. Removing the reference to the 'lower heating value' from the Code serves little purpose. Certainly, however, it does not mean that this common-sense methodology is precluded, nor does it require the IRS to revisit its methodology. I hope that my comments today will help avoid confusion about the use of the 'lower heating value' methodology with respect to this tax credit." (Congressional Record, December 15, 2010; Statement by Senator Susan M. Collins; H.R. 4853, Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010) By extending this tax credit, Congress signals its support of the renewable fuel industry. We will continue to work with Congress to achieve recognition for the hearth industry and benefits for Americans who seek to heat with biomass fuel. Finally, we would like to thank you for responding to our call to contact your Representatives and Senators in Congress emphasizing the importance and need of a tax credit for the hearth industry.

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More and more Americans are buying vent free gas fireplaces. In fact, there are over eight million who prefer vent free gas fireplaces to any other supplemental gas-heating device. This is because of the ease and convenience provided by a vent free gas fireplace. At the touch of a button, you can be relaxing in front of a roaring fire with friends and family.

When it comes to convenience in hearth products, vent free gas fireplaces are at the top of the list. With remote controls, no venting, and thermostat controlled heating, vent free gas fireplaces are easy to use and install. These gas fireplaces are very efficient, and are mess and stress free, with no wood to cut or haul. There are many models, styles and brands to choose from. But many agree, the most excellent feature of the vent free gas fireplace here in the Northeast is the warmth they continue to provide even during a nor’easter power outage.

Vent free gas fireplaces are easy to install and have low operating costs. Because they do not need a chimney, there is no heat loss so the efficiency of the vent free gas fireplace is almost 100 percent. With winter upon us, why not choose a vent free gas fireplace

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As the days get colder and the heating bills get higher it is time to think about adding a wood burning stove to your home. With wood heat you can cut your energy bills, increase your heating efficiency and add atmosphere to your home. Wood burning stoves increase the efficiency of your existing wood fireplace, and they come in all different sizes, and styles. Do you have a modern home? No problem. There are many sleek, modern designs and colors that can add to the décor of your home. If you have a traditional colonial home, there are wood burning stoves to fit your home style as well. From Vermont Castings, to Pacific Energy, there are many styles to choose from. Let the room you gather in this winter keep you warm and provide an ambience to come home to.

With energy prices rising, why not heat your home with a renewable energy source? Wood is an eco friendly, renewable energy source, and the technology in wood burning stoves today has made them much more energy efficient than in years past. Along with the energy tax credit that is available until December 31, 2010, now is the time to buy.

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At NDL we would like you to know that along with our retailers we support our communities. With the help of our retailers, last year we provided $1600 dollars worth of toys for Toys for Tots in and around the Northeast. That is hundreds of toys!  And this year, again with the help of our retailers, we are providing hams to the local food banks in our communities. Our goal is 130 hams! The hearth shops of the Northeast will order the hams through NDL when they place their orders. 

NDL will match the amount of hams bought by the distributors. These holiday hams will then be distributed by the local food bank in your neighborhoods to families in need this holiday season. So if you are in the market for a fireplace, insert, or wood stove or any hearth accessories, let us connect you with the retailer in your area. By supporting  your local hearth retailer you are supporting you community. No one supports your neighborhood more during the holiday season than local, small businesses.

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Northeast Distribution is the leading distributor of hearth accessories and products in New England, NY, NJ, and PA. We know stocking stuffers; after all we have been specializing in winter warmth for over ten years. Keep the family warm this holiday season, and let us connect you with the finest hearth retailers in your area.

If you are looking for stocking stuffers for men, look no further. Zippo lighters, fire starters, stove fans, grill utensils, and log totes all make great gifts. Are you looking for unique stocking stuffers? We have them in beautifully handcrafted stove top steamers and kettles, wrought iron fireplace screens and firewood storage racks.

Contact us today for stocking stuffer ideas and the locations of the hearth retailer nearest you.

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This winter, if you are having trouble keeping the cold at bay, consider adding a fireplace or fireplace insert to your home. Not only will you add comfort and atmosphere, you will add value to your home as well. A working hearth is considered a plus to home buyers, thus increasing the value of your home. Fireplaces and inserts can be fueled by natural gas, electricity, pellets, or wood and all these fuel sources have their advantages. Pellets and wood are considered renewable energy sources and are economical. But that is not all. Many fireplace inserts have a tax credit as well!

Gas and electric fireplaces and fireplace inserts are generally easier to use with less mess and effort. They are also very efficient and can be hooked up to a thermostat and remote. This way, you have constant heat which you can enjoy with the touch of a button. Whichever fuel source you choose to run your fireplace or insert, one thing is certain; working fireplaces add atmosphere and ambiance to any home. New home buyers love the idea of a working hearth and they make your home more enticing. If you are remodeling for your own enjoyment, a room with a burning fire adds a whole new dimension to entertaining.

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Are you having thanksgiving dinner at your home this year?  Add a special touch of style and décor to your hearth with fireplace accessories.  As the temperature drops around New England many of us have begun to light our living room fires. But fireplaces are not just for warmth, they create ambience and atmosphere as well.  Fireplace accessories today are designed for functionality as well as elegance and style. With the addition of a beautiful iron fireplace screen or hearth tools, you can add a touch of class to your hearth.

Some questions come up when you a considering what wood burning fireplace accessories you need to enjoy your fireplace and allow the process be as easy and safe as possible? So you are looking for three things: what accessories are functional, decor oriented and safety conscience? For functionality, tools are a necessity. Most fireplace tool sets come in sets of three; a shovel, a broom of sorts and something with which to move the logs around. These are usually made of cast iron and can be as rustic or decorative as your tastes require.

For safety, a fireplace screen and a hearth rug are both worthwhile endeavors. Hearth rugs are designed to melt or smolder ash or embers which may fall out of your fireplace, stove or insert when you open the door. Screens are good for protecting kids and pets from getting too close to the fireplace. Both screens and rugs can add decorative accents to any room. As far as the decorative aspects of your heath, the hearth is the center of your home. Therefore, it can be the focal point of your decorative tastes in any season. Tool sets and screens come in many finishes, brass, copper and black. All fireplace accessories come in styles from pragmatic to elaborate. Choose the ones that fit your taste and add a conversation piece to your Thanksgiving dinner.

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