At The Village Fireplace and Stove Center and The Village Chimney Sweeps, things have been underway to freshen up our showroom to provide an up-to-date showroom featuring the latest products from brands that you know and love. We have updated some Valor and Mendota gas and electric fireplace displays to bring you the latest they have to offer. From the new “FireIn” log choices to new HD backgrounds, updated LCD electric fireplaces and showing off our finish options on whole renovation projects…there is sure to be something everyone will fall in love with. Mendota FireIn FV42 With the new FireIn logs, the burner is wrapped inside the logs, so the flame pattern provides a more realistic fire. HD black glass background reflects the flames back to make a standout fireplace. The FV42 unit is a landscape design from Mendota and has a mid-century modern shape. See our gas fireplace offerings here. Valor PE2 A vibrant LCD backdrop add depth and motion to ember-lit logs on this electric fireplace. With the remote you can control flame effects, lighting, heat, and other features. See our electric fireplace offerings here. Mendota 360 FireIn Mendota’s only current offering in a freestanding stove. Featuring ultra-realistic gas flames and three-sided glass that gives an unobstructed view. See our gas stove offerings here. Showroom in progress. An open wall to make room for both the Mendota FV36 and FV42 FireIn gas fireplaces. Soon these fireplaces will be framed up and feature finish work by our team. Mantels will be hung to give you the feeling of being in your own home with a Mendota gas fireplace and feature wall. The FV36 features white oak logs and a herringbone brick and a modern front in a vintage iron finish. A framed wall that will soon be our featured fireplace when you first walk into our showroom. The Mendota FV46 FireIn with oak logs and a slim antique copper front. Not just our main building Changes are underway all over our property and we can’t wait to share them with you. Be sure to follow the progress on our facebook page where we will be posting updates as we balance bringing amazing installations to your home as well as being able to showcase all we have to offer here in the showroom. In our Fireplace Room located in the building next to our main showroom, you will also find 2 new Valor products going in. The H6 large gas fireplace with a herringbone brick and traditional logs will also be framed and feature El Dorado stone. The Valor LT2 is done being framed and just waiting on the finish...
Read MoreBiomass Stove Tax Credit
The industry received word in late December 2019, that the biomass stove tax credit was extended for qualifying purchases made before December 31,2020. That’s great news for you as a homeowner. You can claim $300 on a qualifying purchase of a wood or pellet stove from us, as well as up to $200 on another product before maxing out on the lifetime limit of $500. What is the Biomass Stove Tax Credit? The U.S. federal government offers a tax credit to tax-paying homeowners who purchase a wood or pellet stove that is at least 75% efficient. How to claim it? You must complete an eligible purchase by December 31, 2020. Make sure to save your receipts and the manufacturer’s certificate. When you file your taxes, make sure to claim the credit. What products qualify? Any biomass appliance (wood fueled) that meets or exceeds an energy efficiency of 75% qualifies. Find out more on HPBA’s website. This organization has worked in Washington, D.C to maintain this tax...
Read MoreFirewood and Best Practices – Seasoned Wood and Operating Procedures
Using the Best Firewood Best practices for ensuring that your firewood is properly cured and ready to burn effectively and efficiently. NEVER assume that cord wood delivered to your residence has been properly seasoned simply because it was advertised as being so Procure your cordwood at least 12 months in advance of when you expect to start operating your appliance Stack and split wood on pallets or by some other means to elevate it above the ground. Wood stored in log form can hold moisture for years Cover the top of it using a tarp or some other means and leave the sides open for air movement The moisture level can be checked by splitting a piece of wood in half lengthwise and taking readings with a moisture meter at 2 or 3 different places within the fresh split. 15-20% is ideal. Store the wood pile as far away from the house as practical and only bring in enough wood for 1-2 days’ worth of burning to help mitigate insects from entering your home Catalytic Combustor Appliances and More Appliances equipped with a catalytic combustor (and some tips for those that do not have one!) Care should be taken not to burn anything but firewood Fire starters are acceptable and white paper with black print to start a fire. Never use cardboard, paper with colored in or waxy coatings Never use any type of accelerant including gasoline, kerosene, etc Be certain the catalyst has reached operating temperature prior to engaging the bypass damper (if equipped). Once the catalyst is operational always burn the appliance with the bypass damper engaged. DO NOT make it a practice to consistently burn with the bypass door open. This will lead to inefficient burning, significantly shorter burn times, and much dirtier than normal connector pipes and flues. This can also lead to creosote buildup within the system, which is a potential fire hazard Never leave the door open other than when you are first starting a fire. This could lead to over-firing your stove; leading to damage, warping, and possible whole stove replacement much sooner than the appliance’s lifetime should be. Most wood stove are meant to be operated with the door close. Also DO NOT leave the ash pan door...
Read More30% Wood and Pellet Heater Investment Tax Credit
***UPDATE*** Beginning in 2023, the biomass tax credit has been increased to a 30% tax credit and capped at $2,000 annually, based on the full cost (purchase and installation) of the new unit meeting a 75% (or higher) HHV rating as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. See the updated information from the HBPA’s website. What is Biomass Fuel? These fuels are a sustainable heating option that converts wood byproducts into a usable energy. This creates heat when burned (thermal biomass), which is used to heat homes across the United States and other countries. How do I claim the tax credit? Be sure to keep any paperwork related to the purchase and installation of the stove, plus the manufacturer’s federal tax credit certificate. The tax credit is applied by the year the stove was installed into your home. If you have any further questions about claiming it when you file taxes, please reach out to a tax professional. As part of a pandemic relief package that was signed into law at the very end of December 2020, included a tax credit for wood and pellet heaters. Wood and Pellet stoves now qualify for a renewable energy investment credit. You can see the units we offer by visiting our products page. Consumers who purchase highly efficient wood or pellet stoves will be able to claim a 26% tax credit that is uncapped and based on the full cost (purchase and installation) of the unit. This credit is 26% through 2021 and 2022. It will be 22% in 2023. For more information, visit HPBA’s website regarding this tax credit. See the EPA’s website for a list of qualifying wood and pellet heaters (It must be listed at least 75% efficient per the higher heating value of the fuel.) Or, contact us at 717-846-9417 brandy@villagechimneysweeps.com for more information or...
Read MoreFraudulent Chimney Sweep Companies
The Village Chimney Sweeps wants to pass along some great information from the NCSG about contractors, companies, and/or individuals claiming they are part of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, when they are not. Contractor scams are on the rise again, and it’s a good reminder to be aware of these individuals trying to take advantage of you. Fire safety is not one to take lightly when it comes to your home, business, and lives. Some tips to ensure you are working with companies that are part of the NCSG: Verify that they are members by checking the online directory of certified chimney sweeps (or anyone claiming they are a member of any organization) Beware of red flags, such as bids that come in far below others in the area for the same scope of work, only accepting cash, going door-to-door, or cannot provide any references for work completed. You can report any suspected fraud of those claiming to be part of the National Chimney Sweep Guild by calling 317-837-1500 Don’t be afraid to reach out and make some calls before agreeing to anything you don’t feel comfortable with. If they really want your business, they can wait until you check their references or with someone else (like us!) who may be able to...
Read MoreWhat are Gas Logs?
What are Gas Logs? Gas logs are a stack of ceramic logs that sit inside your existing fireplace. They are used mainly for aesthetics as they don’t emit as much heat as a traditional wood fire. Gas logs come vented or vent-free. Vented gas logs vent up your existing chimney and site inside your existing fireplace. What Gas Logs do you carry? We do not carry any ventless gas logs. We carry a variety of vented gas logs in our showroom located at 1439 South George Street in York, PA. We currently carry brands such as Eiklor Flames. Why should I get Gas Logs? Gas logs are a great addition to your fireplace. Whether you have a fireplace you often use or one you seldom use, gas logs can be a beneficial addition to your fireplace. Vents gas logs are aesthetically realistic and take the place of a traditional fire. They create a homey feel without the mess and hassle of building your own fire. Gas logs bring to life your vision of a...
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