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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...

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Let us introduce you to….Hemi and Lilith, the official shop dogs of The Village Fireplace and Stove Center. Hemi, a brown and white pit bull, is about 3 years old. He will greet just about everyone at the door when they walk in, with very loud barking- just his way of saying hello! He is typically behind the counter so don’t be afraid to walk in even if you hear him.  He enjoys laying in front of any fireplace or stove we have on (wood, gas, pellet…does not matter to him) and falling asleep. Toys don’t stand a chance with him, he might be a world class winner of a super chewer. Once he settles down a bit, he enjoys all the attention you can give him. Lilith, a white and tan pit bull, possibly whippet mix, is just coming up on a year old. She will greet you with all sorts of tippy taps up on her hind legs and kisses. She enjoys chewing….wood from the wood pile, computer mice, pens, dog toys, and anything else you leave out that she can get to. She is quite the sneaky pup! Shower her with attention and you will get that back times 10....

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Temperatures here in central Pennsylvania have been getting cooler, especially at night. Is your fireplace or stove ready for the heating season? Below is a quick start guide we have put together. Wood-burning fireplaces, stove, and inserts: We recommend every 1 to 2 cords of wood that you burn to have your fireplace swept. Never had your wood burning product swept before? Our first visit to your house would include a sweep and level 2 inspection via video camera – we want to make sure your wood burning product is in good working condition and ready to burn for the season. The level 2 inspection will let you know if there are any issues that need to be addressed. Check the firebrick and gaskets for wear and tear in your wood stoves and inserts. Peak performance is key! Gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts: Turn on the appliance and make sure it is functioning properly. Check the batteries in both remote AND receiver (if this applies to your product). Go through each function and make sure each is functioning as it should. We offer a gas maintenance service on the products you have purchased from us. We want to ensure that the gas products is functioning and looking as beautiful as the day you bought it. Pellet stoves and inserts: Turn on the appliance and make sure it is functioning properly. Problems? Be sure to note any lights that are on/off and if they are flashing or if fans are running. This information helps us better diagnose the issue before a technician arrives. We suggest every 2 tons of pellets used to have us perform a “2 ton service.” This will identify any gaskets inside the stove that need to be replaced to help keep your pellet stove in the best working condition. Keep in mind now is the busiest time of year for most chimney sweeps. Don’t delay checking these over and making a call to us if you need to! Still have questions? Contact us now!....

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Do you ever see that distinct “flying cigar” silhouette? Or small birds that could be mistaken for bats during the day? Chances are you are looking at a chimney swift. These birds used to dwell in caves, cliff faces, and hollow trees, but with the design of chimneys in North America by European settlers, these little birds found the perfect home in chimneys. Their long claws make it suited to cling to the walls of chimneys or other vertical surfaces. The nests they build inside your chimney look like a half-saucer of loosely woven twigs stuck together and cemented to the walls of the chimney with the bird’s glue-like saliva.   What can be done to stop chimney swifts from nesting in your chimney?     The key to keeping these birds out of the chimney is prevention. A chimney without a chimney cap is the perfect opportunity for the birds to use it as a place to build a nest. We suggest adding a chimney cap to your chimney to not only help with deterring these birds from causing problems with venting your appliances, but they also help keep other birds and animals from making nests in your chimneys as well. Chimney caps also help with rain and debris.   What if you hear chirping or rustling sounds inside your chimney? What if you know you have something nesting inside?     If there are live animals/birds inside your chimney, be sure to first call an animal control specialist. They will be the most knowledgeable person to be able to safely remove any live animal(s) inside the chimney and talk with you about prevention. Next, you will want to get your chimney swept/inspected by a professional to make sure any debris has been cleared. If it is not cleared away, you could be left with a smoke spillage back into your house or that debris catching on fire. Lastly, you will want to prevent these birds and animals from taking up residence again. Be sure to get a chimney cap installed during or right after the first two steps. Because chimney swifts are a federally protected migratory bird, nothing can be done to remove them from your chimney once they are there (including their nests and/or eggs). Chimney sweeps, animal control, or yourself cannot relocate them under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, unless a federal permit is granted. The best thing to do is if you find swifts already in your chimney, is to wait them out. In Pennsylvania, the swifts start to migrate to our state in about April and nest until about October. Contact us at 717-846-9417 for more information or...