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Fireplaces are popular for heating homes and providing a beautiful look for living rooms. When a homeowner decides to install a fireplace, they have to choose between gas or wood for their fuel source.

While both options have their benefits, they can also have their drawbacks. It’s important to understand what you’re getting before you choose between a gas and wood fireplace.

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of gas and wood fireplaces and how to choose the right system for you and your family.

Wood Fireplaces: Pros and Cons

Wood fireplaces offer a range of benefits that many homeowners can appreciate. A few benefits of wood fireplaces include:

• Aesthetic appeal: Wood fireplaces offer a beautiful look to any room and a traditional aesthetic that many enjoy.
• Low fuel cost: Fireplace wood is very easy to come by, making it inexpensive to heat your home with these systems.
• Emergency heating source: When you own a wood fireplace, you can have peace of mind that you’ll always have a reliable heat source.
• Sustainability: Wood fireplaces use a very ample fuel source that can be sustainably sourced.

While wood fireplaces can be a great addition to a home, they don’t come without their potential drawbacks. Just a few disadvantages of wood fireplaces include:

• Maintenance needs: Wood fireplaces must be cleaned regularly, such as removing ashes and cleaning the chimney.
• Indoor air quality concerns: If poorly ventilated, a wood fireplace could add smoke to your home, reducing your air quality.
• Lower efficiency: Wood fireplaces take more wood than a gas fireplace requires to warm your home.

There are pros and cons to wood-burning fireplaces for Tennessee homes. If you’re considering a wood fireplace, a fireplace installation contractor can discuss this option in further detail.

Gas Fireplaces: Pros and Cons

Gas fireplaces are another great option for homeowners. Like wood fireplaces, gas fireplaces have many pros and cons. A few benefits of gas fireplaces include:

• Convenience: These systems are easy to use and keep clean.
• Low maintenance: Gas fireplaces are easier to maintain overall.
• Energy efficiency: The amount of gas used to heat your home is often less than the amount of wood needed for a wood fireplace.
• Clean-burning fuel: Natural gas is a clean fuel that won’t result in smoke.

Gas fireplaces also come with their fair share of disadvantages, such as:

• Higher initial costs: These units can cost more to install than wood fireplaces.
• Rely on gas supply: Gas fireplaces require a fuel line or an on-site fuel tank, which can lead to an interruption of service.

It’s important to know the pros and cons of wood and gas fireplaces before deciding on installation.

How Fireplaces Affect Home Heating and Insulation

Home fireplace installation can be a great way to warm areas of your home, but neither system will fully heat your entire place. Proper insulation throughout your home can help make your fireplace more effective.

When you have insulation throughout your walls, ceilings and attic, you can easily keep the heat of your fireplace inside the home, reducing the need to run the system constantly. Fireplace and home insulation experts can ensure that you get both a quality fireplace and energy-efficient insulation.

Which Fireplace Is Right for You?

Before hiring a fireplace installation contractor, consider the above pros and cons of each type of system. Wood fireplaces may be better for those looking for a traditional aesthetic and with access to inexpensive wood. A gas fireplace may be best for those who want a low-maintenance system.

Whatever your preference, count on home fireplace installation experts in Tennessee to handle the project.

Schedule Fireplace Services Now

Whichever type of fireplace seems more valuable for you, trust Therm-Con for installation. We can ensure you get the right system and the best insulation to maintain a warm home.

Contact Therm-Con today to discuss fireplace and insulation services in Tennessee.

Why Won’t My Garage Door Close? Common Causes & Solutions

A garage door that refuses to close is more than just a minor annoyance — it’s a security risk and an inconvenience. There’s no single reason why your garage door might not be closing properly.

It could be something simple, like a sensor misalignment, or a more complicated mechanical issue that requires professional repair. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine whether a quick fix is possible or if it’s time to call in the experts.

7 Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Close & How to Fix Them

When your garage door refuses to close, it can feel like an unsolvable mystery. The good news? Most issues stem from a handful of common problems. Here’s a look at the most frequent culprits and what you can do to resolve them.

1. Blocked Or Misaligned Safety Sensors

Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors near the bottom of the tracks. These sensors prevent the door from closing if they detect an obstruction — whether it’s a misplaced trash can, a child’s bike or even a buildup of dirt.

Fix: Check for any objects blocking the sensors, clean the lenses and make sure they’re properly aligned. A blinking sensor light often indicates misalignment.

2. Broken Or Worn-Out Garage Door Springs

Torsion and extension springs are responsible for lifting and lowering your garage door. When these wear out or break, the door may struggle to move or refuse to close.

Fix: Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to replace yourself. Call our service professionals at Therm-Con for safe and proper replacement.

3. Track Misalignment Or Damage

If the garage door tracks are bent, loose or out of alignment, the door may get stuck or refuse to close properly.

Fix: Inspect the tracks for damage, tighten loose bolts and ensure the door moves smoothly along the rails. If the tracks are severely damaged, they may need replacement.

4. Remote Control Or Keypad Malfunctions

If your garage door remote or keypad isn’t working, battery failure, signal interference or programming errors could be the culprit.

Fix: Replace the batteries, reprogram the remote or keypad and check for interference from nearby electronics.

5. Issues With the Garage Door Limit Settings

Your garage door opener has limit settings that tell the motor how far the door should travel. If these settings are incorrect, the door may stop short or reverse before fully closing.

Fix: Adjust the limit settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the door reaches the correct position.

6. Worn or Broken Garage Door Cables

Garage door cables work alongside the springs to move the door. Over time, they can fray or snap, making it impossible for the door to function properly.

Fix: Because cables hold a lot of tension, replacing them is best left to a professional like our top-notch garage door service experts at Therm-Con.

7. Power Supply Issues Or Opener Failure

If your garage door opener isn’t receiving power or has mechanical failure, the door won’t close.

Fix: Check the power supply, including the breaker and outlet. If the opener is old or malfunctioning, we’ll help you with replacement solutions.

When To Call A Professional For Garage Door Repairs

Some garage door problems have quick fixes — like swapping out remote batteries or clearing debris from the sensors. However, other issues are best left to the pros.

Here are a few situations where calling a professional is the safest and smartest choice:

• Broken springs or cables
• Severely damaged tracks
• Garage door motor failure

If your garage door won’t close and you need fast, reliable repairs, contact Therm-Con today for expert service in Chattanooga!

Get Your Garage Door Fixed With Therm-Con

A garage door that won’t close isn’t just frustrating — it’s a security risk. Whether it’s a misaligned sensor, a broken spring or a failing opener, ignoring the problem can leave your home vulnerable and lead to more costly repairs down the road.

At Therm-Con, we provide expert garage door repair services in Chattanooga to get your door working again quickly and safely. We’ll diagnose the issue and offer a reliable solution.

Don’t struggle with a faulty garage door — schedule your service with Therm-Con today!

Nothing beats the cozy glow of a fireplace on a chilly evening, but choosing between a gas log fireplace and a wood-burning fireplace involves more than just aesthetics. While both options create a warm and inviting atmosphere, the costs, maintenance and efficiency of each can vary significantly.

Before making a decision, it’s a good idea to understand the hidden costs associated with each type of fireplace — beyond the initial installation.

Which Fireplace Costs More?

Upfront Costs

The installation costs of a wood-burning fireplace tend to be higher than those of a gas fireplace, primarily because they require a chimney, which is a significant structural investment. If a home doesn’t already have a chimney, adding one can be expensive and time-consuming.

Gas log fireplaces, on the other hand, require a gas line for operation. If your home already has a gas connection, installation is relatively straightforward. However, if a new gas line needs to be installed, this can add to the initial expense. Despite this cost, gas fireplaces don’t require a chimney, making them a more affordable option overall for homeowners without an existing wood-burning setup.

Operating Costs

Once installed, the long-term costs of operating a fireplace become an important factor. Wood-burning fireplaces require firewood, which is relatively affordable, especially for homeowners with access to free or low-cost wood. However, firewood requires storage space and time to properly season before burning efficiently.

Gas fireplaces run on natural gas, adding to monthly energy bills. The trade-off is that they provide instant heat with the flip of a switch, eliminating the need to store and chop wood and the work of lighting a real fire.

Hidden Costs of Fireplaces

Chimney vs. Gas Line

One of the biggest hidden costs of a wood-burning fireplace is chimney maintenance. Over time, buildup in the chimney can create a fire hazard, requiring regular inspections and professional cleanings. Repairs to a damaged or deteriorating chimney can also be costly.

A gas fireplace doesn’t need a chimney, making maintenance much simpler. However, gas lines must be properly installed and maintained for safety and efficiency. While gas systems are generally low-maintenance, it’s important to have a professional inspect them annually to check for leaks and ensure proper function. If ease of maintenance is a priority, gas fireplaces have a clear advantage.

Safety and Environmental Impact

Safety Concerns

Fireplaces create ambiance, but safety should always come first.

Wood-burning fireplaces produce ash, soot and embers, which can pose a fire risk if not properly managed. They also require proper ventilation to prevent smoke buildup in the home.

Gas fireplaces are generally considered safer, with sealed glass doors to prevent contact with open flames and automatic shutoff features for added security.

Efficiency & Environmental Impact

In terms of energy efficiency, gas fireplaces outperform wood-burning options.

Wood-burning fireplaces lose a significant amount of heat through the chimney and release more pollutants into the air, contributing to poor indoor and outdoor air quality.

Gas fireplaces burn cleaner, producing lower emissions and operating at a higher efficiency, meaning more of the heat stays inside your home instead of escaping through the chimney.

Choosing the Right Fireplace (and Installer) for Your Home

Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces offer warmth and charm, but they come with different costs, maintenance needs and efficiency levels. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, energy-efficient option, a gas fireplace is likely the better choice. However, if you love the authentic crackle and scent of burning wood, a wood-burning fireplace might be worth the additional upkeep.

At Therm-Con, we specialize in professional fireplace installation and repair to help you create a warm and inviting home. Whether you’re considering a gas log fireplace or a traditional wood-burning fireplace, our experienced team will help you make the right choice.

Contact Therm-Con today to schedule a consultation for fireplace installation in the greater Chattanooga area!

Adding insulation to your Chattanooga-area home is one of the most effective ways to save money on utility costs and make it as energy-efficient as possible. It’s also one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable all year.

For decades, installing new or additional home insulation has required first removing the drywall, which is often a messy, labor-intensive and time-consuming job that disrupts the homeowner’s life. Fortunately, you can now insulate your home without this added step.

These practical and time-saving alternatives ensure improved energy efficiency and comfort without the hassle of demolition, making them appealing solutions for enhancing your home’s insulation with minimal disruption.

Drill and Fill Insulation

Drill and fill insulation is an innovative technique that involves drilling small holes in the drywall and injecting insulating material directly into the wall cavities. Benefits to this approach include a less-invasive process that’s more cost-effective and involves less time than traditional methods.

Drill and fill installation is straightforward yet highly effective. Its process involves:

1. Assessment: Professional installers evaluate the areas needing insulation to determine the best approach.
2. Drilling: Small holes are drilled strategically in the drywall, providing access to the wall cavities.
3. Filling: Insulating material, such as cellulose or fiberglass, is injected into the cavities, filling them completely and providing a robust thermal barrier.
4. Sealing: The holes are sealed and repaired, ensuring a seamless finish that blends with the existing wall.

The most common drill and fill insulation materials are cellulose and fiberglass. Cellulose, made from recycled paper products, is well-regarded for its excellent insulating properties and environmental benefits. Fiberglass, composed of fine glass fibers, is famous for its durability and effectiveness in reducing heat transfer.

While traditional insulation installation has long been a popular DIY project for handy homeowners, drill and fill requires professional installation to ensure proper execution and avoid any potential issues. Homeowners should also be aware of the need for careful sealing and finishing to maintain each wall’s aesthetic integrity.

Using Injection Foam

Injection foam insulation involves inserting foam into wall cavities. It provides superior air sealing and has a high R-value, making it more effective at maintaining indoor temperatures.

The injection foam insulation process includes:

1. Preparation: A professional installer assesses the insulation needs and chooses the most appropriate type of foam.
2. Drilling: Small holes are created in the drywall to access the wall cavities.
3. Injection: Foam insulation is pumped through the holes into the cavities.
4. Curing: The foam expands and sets, ensuring all gaps are filled.
5. Finishing: The installer seals the holes and restores the wall surface to its original condition.

Different types of injection foam include open-cell and closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam is less dense and provides good sound insulation. Closed-cell foam is denser and offers better moisture resistance and structural support.

Injection foam offers numerous benefits; however, it can be more expensive and requires professional installation to ensure proper application and avoid complications.

Next Steps For Your Home

Insulating without drywall removal is a less invasive and more cost-effective approach that significantly reduces a project’s completion time. When deciding if one of these alternative installation techniques is right for you, consider factors like your home’s specific insulation needs, costs and the necessity for professional installation.

Whether to select drill and fill or injection foam depends on aspects like air-sealing capabilities and R-value. An experienced installer can assess your home and make recommendations tailored to its needs.

Once installed, routine inspections, including checking for signs of settling or gaps that need to be remedied, ensure your new insulation remains effective.

Remember, DIY installation can help you save on some costs, but the results often lack the precision and effectiveness of professional installation, which ensures proper application and maximizes the benefits of your insulation investment.

As a member of the IBP Family of Companies, Therm-Con offers residential insulation services to local homeowners, homebuilders and remodelers. Our over four decades of service in the greater Chattanooga region have earned us a reputation for providing dependable, high-quality products and services you can rely on.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more.