Gas Stoves and Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces and stoves add an attractive and clean heating and decorative option. Gas fireplaces and stoves create less pollution and are cleaner to operate than wood. Before starting your project, choose the type of fireplace or stove you want – either vent free, direct vent or insert. Gas stoves and gas fireplaces are easy to install in new construction, or in remodeling jobs. Ease of installation, improved efficiency and clean burning has made gas fireplaces and stoves a popular choice.

Easy Installation

The days of a tall chimney through the roof for a fireplace or stove are gone with the newer models. There are several options to choose. Some models are vent free, meaning that no chimney or vent needs to be cut into a wall or ceiling.

Vent free fireplaces and stoves have several advantages and disadvantages that a homeowner should weigh before purchase. Vent free fireplaces and stoves completely burn gas and release water vapor and carbon dioxide. All of the heat of the fire is released into the room, resulting in very high efficiency of heating. There is no chimney for heat to escape. While manufacturers may claim that this option is very safe, some building codes may have fresh air requirements that may cancel out the efficiency boost the vent free models possess.

Direct vent or sealed combustion fireplaces or stoves are growing in popularity for both retrofits and new installations. In this model, a hole is cut through the wall to allow a double walled pipe to pass through. Air for burning the fuel is drawn from outside and exhaust fumes are vented to the outside. This type of fireplace does not take air from the room for combustion, greatly improving the efficiency of the fireplace or stove as a heat source. Also, as burned gasses are vented to the outside, many building codes are more lenient on fresh air requirements for rooms with this type of heat source.

Inserts are an inexpensive option that is also easy to install. Some models are designed to fit into a brick hearth, converting a wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace. Inserts are also designed for wood framed surrounds and mantles, avoiding the weight of brick and mortar.

Improved Efficiency

Energy is increasing in price. Stoves and fireplaces have also increased in efficiency. Most gas fireplaces and stoves are more efficient than wood open-hearth fires. Gas stoves and fireplaces that are direct vent or vent free have efficiencies in the 80 to 90 percent range.

Clean Burning

Some communities, in response to the winter haze caused by wood burning fireplace smoke, have mandated the use of alternative fireplace or stove fuels. Natural gas or propane produces water vapor and carbon dioxide when they are properly tuned. They do not produce soot, creosote, or ash pollution. Starting a fire is as easy as pushing a button on a remote on some models, rather than carrying in split wood. Gas flames do not produce soot, creosote, or ash.

Gas fireplaces and stoves offer an easy to install and attractive option for home remodels and new home construction.

By: Hayi Mansoor

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Best Gas Fireplace Inserts

The ventless gas fireplace logs are introduced for the ventless gas fireplaces and inserts. The most of the people would like to enjoy the warmth of wooden logs in the freezing winters without even chopping down trees and forests for their comfort. This is a really good thinking and the people who have been using the ventless gas fireplaces will find it more enhancing.

The ventless gas fireplace logs can be used in any wood burning fireplace and since the ventless gas fireplace do not require chimney a small outlet like chimney is provided. You would not like this to stay in the room and so a proper outlet is necessary. The ODS or the oxygen depletion system should be used to help you better. This will keep a track of amount of oxygen in the room and if it goes below 2% then the ventless gas heater would be shut down automatically. The proper maintenance of this heater would earn you good heating effects a long term serving machine.

There are different types of logs that are available in the market and they can be obtained in the form of partially vented logs, unvented logs and vented logs.

The vented logs are introduced to replace the wooden logs and wood which is normally used as fuel in the fireplace. These have been able to help lots of people to save money and nature also. The vented logs are available in birch, hazel and oak varieties. They do not have too much weight at all and come in various sizes from 12 inches to 60 inches.

The unvented logs are more popular than the vented logs as they are also known as vent-free or ventless logs. These do not affect the amount of oxygen in the air unlike the vented logs. The usage of the technology to make them is quite the same when compared to the kitchen gas which is clean and harmless. They require more oxygen and also they produce best heat at low cost.

The third type of the ventless gas fireplace logs is the partially vented logs. The partially vented logs are not the best way to produce good heat and are also not the most attractive. But they posses some amount of both the qualities that makes them a reasonable choice. So, choose the type of gas log which wills suit your needs and make sure you have no hesitations.

By: Andrea M Jones

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Gas Fireplace Inserts

Most people are turning those wood burning fireplaces into a gas fireplace. This is because the change from a traditional fireplace to one that uses gas is very simple. The only thing you need is a gas insert. The majestic fireplace company has the most appealing designs available in the market today. There is quite a large array to decide from, from those that use gas, to electricity and even wood.

The majestic fireplace has a web site which proves to be very informative. They also have alternative sites lest you feel that the one they have provided is not informative enough. This means that you have no excuse whatsoever for not being properly informed when you decide what it is you want.

The most important factor to think about before getting a fireplace is why you need it to start with. If you already have a fireplace that uses firewood, the distance across and the elevation make it so simple to emit the dangerous billows up the vent. For each type of a wood burning fireplace, there is definitely something constructed to match the ambiance of your home.

Majestic fireplaces treat their clients with utmost importance and respect. This would be the one reason that makes you keep going back to them or better yet referring people you know. They have so many accessories that make the appearance of your house quite breathtaking. Due to the ample experience that they have, they tend to make sure that each individual’s needs and wants are catered to.

By: Peter Gitundu

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Heating the home in the cold winter is not just something we want to do; it’s a matter of survival. Many people are, however, trying to save money and use less heat due to the many things caused by the injured economy which can lead to sickness and worse. The reality is that turning off the expensive, gas guzzling, or electricity hog heater is a good idea if you have a gas fireplace insert to take its place. The beauty of these inserts is that they are inexpensive, generate a lot of heat, and utilize your fireplace more efficiently.

The fireplace can be one of the liabilities in a home where its not being used. The cold air either comes in through the open flute or even if it’s closed their may be cracks, holes, or other ways for the air to sneak in through the chimney. Often in homes with fireplaces with chimneys there is a bit of cold air coming in and robbing the home of the heat in that area. The gas fireplace insert is a godsend because not only does it create a cheap way to generate heat, a beautiful fire for ambiance, and put your fireplace/chimney to use again, but it tends to block that cold air from sneaking in. Air that does come down the chimney is heated up so either it leaves hot or enters the room hot- a win win.

You can use the gas fireplace insert in any home or apartment that has a classic fireplace/chimney set up. It is designed to slip right into the hole and act as if it was always there. The chimney acts as the outside vent and there is nothing to do once you plug it in and turn it on. You generally don’t need to do anything but refill the gas to keep it going.

You can find these units either in stores that specialize in fireplaces, fireplace inserts, or even online. The easiest way to figure out the best insert for your fireplace is to measure your insert space (the hole where the fire wood usually burns) and then look online for a style you like. Even if you purchase it from the store this will help you decide on a general style.

By: Simon Harris

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Gas Fireplace Inserts

Fireplaces are gaining in popularity and are even standard in many new homes. Some people find them cost-prohibitive, however, and search for cheaper alternatives. Ventless gas fireplaces are options some people consider. Because of their low cost, convenience, and relative ease of installation, they are attractive to those on a strict budget. They are also an excellent heat source. Before considering such a fireplace, though, there are some things that you should know.

Ventless gas fireplaces are not vented to pipes or chimneys, so the burned gases are not removed from the home. This means that any gas by-products–such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide–are put into circulation in the air. It is then breathed by you and your family. Vent free gas fireplaces also produce excess water vapor, which can lead to the production of mold, mildew, and dust mites. All of these things cause poor quality air and increased health risks.

Vent free gas fireplaces are illegal in many states. Even in states where they are allowed, builders must follow very specific codes about their placement. For example, they must provide an exhaust system for removing the hazardous by-products.

On the other hand, vent free units often come equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and oxygen sensors. Both of these features are designed to shut off the system if conditions reach an unsafe point.

If you do decide to use one of these models, experts say you should not use the fireplace for more than 4 hours a day. They also advise that increased levels of carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea.

Though ventless gas fireplaces are financially affordable, they just might not be worth the cost to your family’s health. Only you can decide, but make sure you get all of the facts.

By: Eric Morris

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Direct vent fireplaces can be the perfect addition for homeowners who either don’t have a working chimney or has one that is in bad shape. There are other advantages to vented fireplaces as well that you may want to know about.

With a direct vent fireplace there is no need for a chimney to vent in to. Instead, the vent can go right out a side wall in the home. That is a huge advantage in many cases when it would be quite costly or nearly impossible to go up through a chimney.

This also gives you options in being able to vent the fireplace in virtually any location you need to.

A direct vent fireplace will burn either natural gas or propane, which makes this type of fireplace very efficient.

It also lowers heating bills and creates little carbon dioxide. This is an important safety consideration for anyone.

Prices for a direct vent fireplace can range from a $1,000 and up. It all depends on your budget and the model you decide on.

Installation of any direct vent fireplace is much easier and less expensive than your typical gas fireplace. That’s another point to consider.

The selection and choice of these fireplaces are immense. You can choose options ranging from glowing life-like embers to the crackling sounds of a real fire.

They also come in traditional and new age designs as well. The bottom line; direct vent fireplaces have come a long way over the years and give any homeowner a great option for heating their home.

By: Terry Edwards

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Best Gas Fireplace Inserts

An efficient way to heat your home without having to haul in wood is to purchase a gas fireplace insert. Not only will your family be kept warmer, they will think you are a miracle worker! Become their hero by replacing your old wood burning fireplace with something that is not only economical, but attractive as well. Spend less time building a fire and more time enjoying all the things you can do with your family. What a better way to spend quality time with your children than in front of a warm, cozy fire.

Electric fireplaces let you stop becoming your family’s handyman by hauling in wood and cleaning up ashes. You and your family members will be able to enjoy a beautiful fire and you won’t ever have to put in hours of work just maintaining your fireplace and chimney. Electric inserts are becoming extremely popular and they continue to be improved every year. They come in many styles, ranging from gas logs to gas stoves to fireplace units that are contained well enough to be mounted on a wall. They can be efficiently vented so that no hazardous gases stay inside your home. It is even possible to vent them even if you don’t have a working chimney.

If you have an existing fireplace, you can use vented gas logs in it. Your unit will burn either natural or propane gas. Just make sure that your chimney is in good condition so that gas fumes are able to escape successfully. It also is a good idea to have your chimney cleaned before installing a gas insert just to make sure that everything is in order and inside of it and that all safety precautions are being followed.

A gas fireplace insert is an excellent way to have a fire that truly looks like the real thing. Remember, though, that there will be soot residue with the flame so you may decide not to install a blower. It is also important to make sure that your damper remains open after installing the unit. Drafts and heat loss will be less if you also install glass doors in front of the fireplace.

By: Matt Murren

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Having a fireplace at home provides a certain warmth and coziness that simple dim lights and heater cannot provide. Fire burning in a fireplace provides us a sense of romance as well as a very literal sense of warmth and heat. If you ask people whether they would like to have their very own fireplace in the home, most would say yes. But the problem lies not with wants but with our capacity to have traditional fireplaces. For most people having an authentic wood burning fireplace just takes up too much space, too much money to construct, and too much time to maintain. Because of these reasons, various type of fireplace inserts have been born.

Once such example of modern-day fireplace is pellet fireplace inserts and stoves. The main difference lies in structure as well as in the type of fuel used for burning. When it comes to the form and structure, pellet fireplace inserts can complement an existing fireplace or it can take the place of one. Fireplace stoves, for instance, can stand alone by themselves bringing you fire and warmth in any room. When it comes to the source of fuel, pellets are used. These pellets are much shaped like rabbit food pellets but are made from recycled saw dust, wood shavings, peanut, corn and walnut shells – all of which are ground to fine power then compressed.

Many people now make use of pellet fireplace inserts as they are not only clean but also very convenient. Compared to the traditional wood burning fireplaces, pellet fireplace inserts burn more efficiently and produce cleaner smoke. The moisture content of these fireplace pellets are low so they can burn very well, providing you more controlled warmth. You can also expect these pellet fireplaces and stoves to release much less smoke and soot to the point that they do not require having a chimney at all. For this reason too, such fireplace inserts are much easier to clean and maintain than the traditional wood or log fireplaces and stoves.

Pellet fireplace inserts also make use of a kind of mechanism that provides automatic stoking. This means that once the pellets ignite, you need not maintain the fire nor do you have to control it. The automatic fire stoking mechanism allows you and your family to have a controlled fire that does not go out unexpectedly nor one that blazes up too much heat. Some models even have their own thermostat that temperature control is much easier.

Having your own fireplace in the house does not have to be a far-off dream. You also do not need to be wealthy to own a romantic fireplace as they can now be bought and ordered at reasonable prices. When it comes to style and design, you will also be glad to know that there are many types of pellet fireplace inserts that can easily fit in any house theme. With such fireplace inserts, you can be guaranteed not only of warmth, romance, relaxation but also a very convenient and practical way to have a fireplace.

By: Viliam V. Kanis

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Many people are now looking at fitting a vented fireplace, due to the fact that this type of fireplace has a great reputation for being able to keep a house very warm, even in the coldest of weathers. However there are several different types of vented fireplace and it pays to know a little bit about them before you go ahead and make a decision.

There are essentially two types, and these include the gas fireplace and the wood burning fireplace. Most of them have advantages and disadvantages and by taking the look of them it should be possible to come to the correct decision. The gas fireplace insert has the advantage of being extremely efficient, and can turn out a great deal of heat. Even a small gas fireplace insert is usually enough to heat and provide hot water for a fairly large house. The disadvantage is that you need to have a natural gas supply in order to fit this fireplace in the first place, and in some rural areas this can be a problem. It is possible to find gas fireplaces that run on propane but these may not be as efficient.

The wood fireplace insert has the advantage that it can be used in any area, even if there is no supply of natural gas. The disadvantage is that you need to have a good supply of wood, and this means you will need to have the space to store it. However in most rural areas this should not be a problem.

The disadvantage of vented fireplaces of any description is the fact that you will need to have enough space to vent the fireplace properly. Without this you run the risk of toxic fumes being returned into the living space, and this needs to be avoided at all costs. However given the fact that a vented fireplace is so highly efficient, it is usually worthwhile for spending the money to have the venting system done properly and still make the fireplace economical to run.

By: Kaz Thompson

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Those homeowners that are lucking enough to have a fireplace know the charm and character that they lend to a home. As a heating source, however, traditional fireplaces have their shortcomings. First of all, older fireplaces tend to be very inefficient, with a good part of the heat going up the chimney. In addition, the chores of obtaining and storing wood, feeding the fire, and cleaning out the ashes can really be a burden after the novelty has worn off.

One solution to this problem, for many homeowners, is to install a gas fireplace insert. This solves the efficiency problem, as the design and construction of the insert makes the insert much more efficient than the old fireplace. Of course, since the insert burns gas, instead of wood, all the problems of dealing with the wood fuel source are also eliminated.

Of course, you do lose the look of burning logs in your fireplace, buy you would be surprised and how good the faux logs provided with most gas fireplace inserts look. With the wide variety of faceplate options available, you are likely to find a look that goes with your decor and hearth style.

As far as functional features go, you can find many venting options for gas inserts. A direct vent insert makes use of the existing chimney flue, while a B Vent can be vented directly through a wall. The final option is a ventless or vent free insert.

As with any home heating equipment, safety is paramount. Make sure you, or preferably, your professionals installer follow all applicable safety codes. So, just get out there, read the reviews, check the consumer ratings and make your choice for a warmer home.

By: Pam Baldwin

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