the natural capitalist

Tents are a funny thing.  You never think about them until you absolutely have to have one - like when you're caught outside in a rainstorm or when the sun could fry an egg on your forehead.  But if you do a little planning and think about tents before you can't live without one, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and maybe save a day outdoors.

The United States Department of Energy has shown that only 5% of heat from the typical fireplace is made available for use in the room. This may be somewhat improved by:

    1. Adding fireplace accessories such as a convective tube, grate, glass door, or blower.

    2. Using the fireplace when the outdoor temperature is between 40° F and 50° F. Efficiency goes down at lower temperatures.

    3. Providing the fire with adequate oxygen and good air circulation from an outside source.

    4. Closing off the room where the fire is located.

    5. Using only well seasoned, dry wood.

    6. Locating the fireplace on an inside wall.

    7. Turn other heating systems down or off while the fireplace is in use.

    8. A woodstove or fireplace insert is one of the most effective ways of increasing efficiency.

    9. Use gas logs.