Tuesday 27 December 2011

The Benefits of Infrared Grilling

Barbecuing is one of the most popular and healthy ways of cooking and an ideal method for preparing vegetables, while retaining their nutrients. Infrared grilling is the latest barbequing craze among homeowners, chefs and cooks.  Not only is it energy efficient and much cleaner, it takes less time for cooking than other grilling alternatives. While other grills use hot air directly or indirectly to cook food, infrared grills use infrared radiation to heat and cook the food directly.
The benefits of infrared grilling are as follows.
•They provide a uniform heating surface
•It takes less time for ignition
•They come with a high temperature option making then great for recipes that require high temperatures for cooking.
•They are energy efficient due to lower ignition time and faster cooking.
•They produce tasty and juicy food since the fast cooking time helps to retain the nutrients and fluid content of the food items.
Frank the Fireplace Guy recommends Saber Infrared Grills.  They use a proprietary IR cooking system that’s so advanced you can actually taste the difference. They keep meat naturally juicy and tender, even when cooked medium or well done allowing you to grill your steak to perfection. Mistakes like overcooking or charring a piece of meat will be a thing of the past! Some of the many benefits of a Saber Infrared Grill include:

1.      No Flare-ups - The unique, patented design of SABER® grill’s cooking grate and IR emitter prevents flare-ups that char meat and create dramatic temperature fluctuations. Instead, our exclusive system vaporizes any drippings and adds natural smoke flavor to grilled foods. Since liquids and debris are prevented from reaching the burner system, maintenance and clean-up are much easier.

2.      304 Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Burners, Emitters, and Grates - 304 commercial grade corrosion resistant stainless steel is used in the construction of SABER® burners, IR emitters, and cooking grates, guaranteeing years of worry-free and maintenance-free cooking enjoyment.

3.      Highly Fuel Efficient and Reduced Gas Usage - BTUs have nothing to do with cooking performance, but everything to do with how often you refill your propane tank or the size of your gas bill. SABER® grill’s Infrared cooking system is designed with fuel efficiency in mind. Our patented IR cooking system uses Infrared’s longer energy wave to more effectively and efficiently cook food, locking in moisture and reducing cooking times. You can now cook faster with fewer BTUs, reducing your gas consumption by 30%. That makes it good for both your wallet and the environment.
For more information on Saber Grills, visit our website at www.mtlmarketingcorp.com

Monday 12 September 2011

The Benefits of Wood Heat

Despite the fact that many people are turning to natural gas and electric fireplaces to heat their homes, there are many benefits to good old fashioned wood heat that should not be overlooked. The beauty and ambience created by a fire burning behind clear glass doors as well as the special kind of warmth given off by a woodstove located in the main living area are just two; wood heat offers cost savings, has a low environmental impact, provides free exercise and gives you a sense of security.

COST SAVINGS
Overtime there is definitely a cost savings in your utility budget by using wood particularity if you are able to source an inexpensive or free wood supply. If you live in a rural area where wood is plentiful you may want to consider this form of heat.

LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Wood is a renewable resource with low emissions when burnt correctly and can lower your environmental impact.

EXERCISE
Wood heat is not for armchair enthusiasts, this type of heat requires you to play an active role in loading, unloading, stacking, cutting & splitting. For those unafraid of physical labour, it can be a better workout than a paid gym membership saving you even more money in the long run.

SECURITY
The biggest benefit of wood heat, in my opinion, is the security of knowing that you will remain comfortable in your home during electrical-power interruptions. Parts of Canada are subject to some pretty harsh winters where ice storms, accidents and other occurrences can knock out power for an indefinite period of time. Even if wood is not your primary source of heat, it is smart to at least have a wood burning stove as a back up source of heat in case of an emergency.

Regency offers a large selection of wood burning stoves, fireplaces and inserts to suit your needs. To find a Regency dealer near you, visit us at www.mtlmarketing.com

Friday 2 September 2011

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fireplace for your Home

With so many outdoor fireplaces to choose from, the task of finding the right one for your home can be a little daunting. Here are three questions to answer which may make to your decision easier

Do you prefer wood, propane or natural gas?

     Since owning a wood fireplace requires buying or chopping firewood, storing it and then making a fire with it then cleaning up the soot and ashes, most people don’t have the patience for an old fashioned fireplace. Rather they prefer an outdoor natural gas fireplace. Not only so they make a wonderful backyard accessory with their modern and sleek designs, their warm, long lasting flame with less sparks and smoke offers a completely hassle-free outdoor fire experience. A natural gas fireplace isn’t that different from a propane gas fireplace other than the fact that natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel releasing less pollutant into the air and it doesn’t affect the taste of food cooked on it like propane sometimes does. But if you already have a wood burning fireplace, don’t fret; it can be converted into a natural gas fireplace with the help of an insert.

Would you like it to be multifunctional? 
     Many of the new outdoor fireplaces also serve as functional outdoor tables. Regency and Springline both offer a line of fashionable and functional table-style fire pits that will transform your backyard into the perfect sitting area or outdoor dining room.




Do you prefer a more traditional looking fire or something more modern?


     While some people like the look of a log-burning fire, others prefer the ultra modern look of glass or pebbles. Whatever your preferences, there are plenty of fireplaces to suit your tastes. Urban Fire builds a lovely line of stainless steel outdoor fire pits that come in your choice of colored glass while Grand Firepit manufactures amazingly realistic looking ceramic log fire pits.

     No matter what style you choose one thing is certain: an outdoor fireplace will enhance your backyard and create a relaxing ambiance for you to enjoy on those beautiful summer nights. For more information on outdoor fireplaces check out our website at www.mtlmarketingcorp.com


Monday 15 August 2011

The Benefits of an Electric Fireplace For Your Home

Electric fireplaces are an excellent alternative to wood burning or natural gas fireplaces because there is no open flame, no worries of stray logs falling out of the fireplace and no injuries from kids playing too close to the flame.  Not to mention there is no soot to clean out of the chimney, no expensive wood to buy and no ashes to dispose of.  They are also efficient, and relatively inexpensive to operate. Running both flame and heat only costs about $.08/hr on average, after 2-3 years the fireplace will have paid for itself with the savings from not having to buy wood.

Electric fireplaces are easy to install, fit virtually anywhere, draw little power, provide a sense of reality, and require very little maintenance.  People who live in an apartment building, a condo or even a basement apartment and want the ambiance of a real fireplace often choose this option as the new fireplaces on the market look very much like a real fire.

With no installation costs, no holes in the wall, no gas piping, and no expensive high cost wiring, you can pick up an electric fireplace, including the mantle of your choice, drive it home or have it delivered, have it set up against the wall, plug it in and it's functional. It’s really that easy.  And if you decide to rearrange your room one day, you can simply move it to another wall.

Since natural gas, propane, and oil are not available in an endless supply, our planet will eventually have to look to renewable resources like electricity to heat our homes so why not jump on board now and choose between the different types available including:

Wall Mount Electric Fireplaces
Wall mount electric fireplaces are very chic and modern.  The choices range from art deco looks and rustic motifs to urban ultra modern looks.  You can get a rock bed, white chips or realistic looking logs.  With flame only, or flame and heat operation, they come with remote controls for added convenience.

       If you have a gas or wood fireplace and would like to make it electric, electric fireplace inserts are the perfect solution. They are essentially the fireplace guts without the ornate housing. While you can get them with a trim kit to make them look more elaborate, most often it is just the electric insert to replace your existing wood grate.

Mantel Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplace mantels are nearly as popular as the free standing stoves with many of them actually freestanding themselves, though needing to be anchored to a wall. The mantels are more ornate and made to look like an actual piece of furniture. They usually have the heating capabilities to warm up to 400 sq. ft.

Free standing electric fireplaces are one of the most popular types of electric fireplaces and are made to look like traditional fireplace stoves.  Matching most any décor, they are convenient and easy to set up and do not need to be anchored to a wall. Just plug them in and bask in the beautiful warmth.

Frank the Fireplace guy recommends Dynasty electric fireplaces to add that wow factor to your home.  Check them out at www.mtlmarketingcorp.com

Wednesday 10 August 2011

The Benefits of Infrared Heat

Infrared technology has been used to improve circulation and treat Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.  It is also used for detoxification, illness recovery, pain relief, skin health, sleep problems, sports fitness, stress relief and weight loss.
If you have been wondering how best to heat your home, you may want to look at the benefits of infrared heat.   Infrared rays, like the sun, heat the earth, people and objects directly. The energy emitted is safely absorbed by cool surfaces, objects and people that warm up, which in turn, release heat into the atmosphere by convection to raise the ambient temperature of the room.  There are many benefits to using a portable infrared heater. 

They are:
·         Energy efficient
·         Quickly recover heat
·         Environmentally friendly
·         Easily installed
·         Reduced heating cost
·         Aesthetically pleasing
·         Quiet and draft-free
·         Minimal maintenance



Frank the Fireplace guy recommends the Heat Smart Heater.

The Heat Smart heater uses a super quite fan to draw air into the heater through a lifetime washable filter. Filtered air passes over, around and through the convection-style heat chamber that uses infrared light rays from the six quartz elements to gently and continually heat the air. The infrared heat is transferred to moisture molecules in the air and then passed from molecule to molecule, evenly heating the room, while maintaining the moisture in the air. This moist heat is healthier, as well as therapeutic.

For more information visit our website at www.mtlmarketingcorp.com




Wednesday 27 July 2011

Energy Efficient Natural Gas Fireplaces



When choosing a natural gas fireplace one important factor to consider is efficiency, not only will you save money on your monthly utility bill, you could also be eligible for a $300 rebate from Fortis BC.  Features and options that help a natural gas fireplace score higher on the EnerGuide rating system include:
·         Direct vent design.
·         An automatic electronic ignition system.
·         A ceramic glass front which transmits heat more efficiently.
·         A quiet, circulating fan that forces more heat to the room.
·         Temperature control with a wide turndown range.
·         Ducting capabilities to enable you to connect your fireplace to existing ductwork thus distributing heat to the remote areas of your home.
But the $300 question is how does a natural gas fireplace qualify for EnerChoice status and thus be eligible for the rebate?  The answer is simple; to qualify hearths must have minimum efficiency ratings of:
·         62.4 per cent or higher for fireplaces
·         61 per cent or higher for inserts
·         66 per cent or higher for free-standing stoves
You must also have the fireplace installed by a gas contractor registered with the BC Safety Authority and include copies of the invoice showing details of all work performed including the date of installation, make and model.  Be sure to have the fireplace installed between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012 and make sure the application is received by June 30, 2012 because this is a time-limited offer.  To apply visit Fortis BC’s website by clicking on the following link
 http://www.fortisbc.com/NaturalGas/Homes/Offers/Pages/EnerChoice-Fireplace-Program.aspx

The potential energy saving do not end there, for those of you interested in maximizing savings we also recommend turning your pilot light off in the summer months, turning your home’s main thermostat down when the fireplace is on, keep the thermostat on the fireplace at the lowest possible setting while still maintaining a comfortable room temperature and cleaning the fireplace glass to maximize the heat being transferred.
Regency Fireplaces offer a large selection of natural gas fireplaces and inserts that qualify for EnerChoice status.  For more information visit www.regency-fire.com and to find a dealer near you or to become a dealer visit us at www.mtlmarketingcorp.com.