Category Archives: Fireplace Inserts

The Electric Fireplace: Introduction and General Overview

Posted by Mark on May 31, 2011 Comments Off

Electric fireplaces have undergone an impressive development in recent years. Gone are the early days when their obviously fake flames and unreal looks failed to capture anyone’s imagination. Today, practically all electric fireplaces on the market feature a very realistic and professional design that will surprise many when they see an actual electric fireplace for the first time: often, prospective buyers cannot spot an electric fireplace among its gas counterparts during a store visit. Still, an electric fireplace is not a fireplace in the true sense of the word: there is nothing burning at all. This, however, has not kept sales of these units from rising tremendously in recent years. To understand better what electric fireplaces have to offer, take a look at their features, the available types, their installation, prices and costs, and finally, their advantages and disadvantages.

All electric fireplaces produce visual effects designed to closely resemble an actual wood-burning fireplace: “flames” made from fabric are moved by the air from a small blower, while glowing lights and even simulated burning embers add to the overall impression. Additionally, many units contain an electric fireplace heater which generates heat for distribution into the surrounding room by a fan. To control operations, most electric fireplaces come equipped with devices found usually also in gas fireplaces: an instant on/off switch with optional timer settings and a remote control.

There are three main types of electric fireplaces available: electric fireplace logs, electric fireplace inserts, and free-standing electric stoves. Electric logs are simple and cheap and can be easily installed into a real fireplace as an add-on for the summer months. Electric fireplace inserts consist of an entire self-contained housing also designed for installation into an existing fireplace cavity. They are designed tp generate more heat than logs and are typically built for permanent installation, requiring significant effort to remove. Finally, free-standing electric stoves are available in many varieties, for example simulating old-fashioned wood ovens or more modern designs.

The installation of an electric fireplace is far simpler than that of any other fireplace, in fact, for someone with experience in home improvement, do-it-yourself installation is definitely possible. Most units simply need a regular 100-120 Volt power plug-in, while large electric fireplace inserts may require a 240 Volt connection.

The prices for electric fireplaces start around $200-$500 for electric logs and $500-$2000 for free-standing stoves. A simple corner electric fireplace costs between $500 and $1000, while more elaborate inserts can be found from $1000 up to more than $2000. Still, compared to gas or wood fireplaces, electric models are by far the cheapest solution.

There are numerous advantages associated with an electric fireplace: first, only a power connection is required – no venting and no fuel is needed. Nothing is burning, there are no fumes and no soot. The appliance is plugged into a standard outlet and uses only minimal electricity: on average equivalent to 2-3 light bulbs for visual flame effects. However, an electric fireplace heater will use 10 to 20 times more electric power than that. It can be switched on and off conveniently, can be tuned to an exact heating level, and requires minimum maintenance effort: no fireplace-specific cleaning needs to be done and no firewood or gas must be supplied. Many free-standing units are small, even movable. Electric fireplaces are “zero clearance” devices, installable anywhere in the house. Realizing a small corner electric fireplace is as easily possible as installing a free-standing unit in the middle of the room.

By far their biggest advantage is however the separation of the visual “flames” effect from the heating function. Both can be turned on and off independently, for example to use only the visual aspects during hot summer months or to ward off a chill in a dark bedroom with the electric fireplace heater.

With all these advantages, it must be remembered that an electric fireplace is, in fact, not a real burning fireplace. Being dependent on electricity, it cannot be used during a power outage. Also, the heater alone is -like all electric heaters- less efficient than a comparable unit running on gas or wood.

In summary, electric fireplaces have become more and more attractive over the last years. While they cannot replace a real gas— oder wood-burning fireplace, they have many interesting features to offer, especially for buyers on a tight budget or for those whose housing situation does not allow for a fireplace using real flames. In any case, the information provided above should help prospective buyers to make an informed decision and get the most out of their new fireplace.

Why the Ventless Gas Fireplace Is So Attractive

Posted by Mark on May 29, 2011 Comments Off

In recent years ventless gas fireplace have been the subject of much attention – from potential buyers as well as from fireplace professionals and experts. Most people first hear about the incredible efficiency attributed to these fireplaces, followed by the ease of installation and operation. A ventless or vent free gas fireplace, as it is often also called, does not require the most troublesome part of installing a fireplace: it does not need a chimney, a flue or a vent. Combined with the fact that technological breakthroughs in gas fireplace development have made it possible to create gas burners which produce a natural looking yellowish flame closely resembling a traditional wood fire without sacrificing the efficiency of gas burning, it is not surprising that by 2010, many new gas fireplaces purchased in North America have been ventless devices.

Which types of ventless gas fireplaces are available on the market? The product range includes heaters, stoves, vent free gas logs, fireplace inserts and full-blown fireplaces. Heaters and stoves usually are not counted as fireplaces, but should definitely be considered when deciding what kind of heating device best fits the individual requirements. Both are typically used when generating heat is the main goal of installing a gas-fueled fire rather than visually enjoying the fire itself. Ventless gas logs are similar to their more well-known vented counterparts and are installed in much the same way, but without the requirement of external venting. A ventless gas fireplace insert is designed for use in an existing fireplace cavity, but is usually open to the front to ensure a continuous air supply. They sometimes include an additional blower to improve the distribution of heated air. Prefabricated, fully assembled ventless gas fireplaces are self-contained units which can be installed in any location in the house where a gas supply is available, as limitations from venting requirements do not exist. Like their vented counterparts, all ventless units come with several options for automating their operation, for example thermostats, on/off switches or remote controls.

The important advantages of ventless gas fireplaces naturally include the general advantages associated with all gas fireplaces: their independence from electric power, their convenience in use and cleaning and their environmental friendliness. Apart from these, ventless models have significant additional benefits to offer: first, due to their “ventlessness”, they are the least expensive gas fireplaces on the market regarding purchase and operating costs. Often, they can be as much as $1000 cheaper than corresponding vented fireplaces. Second, they can be installed into existing wood-burning fireplaces without the usual chimney modifications, saving additional installation costs. The fireplace damper is simply kept closed during operation. Second, the efficiency of vent free models is the highest among all gas fireplaces, often surpassing 99%. Third, they are installable in any location in the home, either using natural gas or bottled liquid propane depending on availability. The certifications achieved by all modern ventless gas fireplaces guarantee a low level of emission and an air quality which is sufficient for all requirements.

A final word needs to be said regarding the safety concerns often associated with a vent free gas fireplace. The lack of venting in principle increases the risk of oxygen depletion in a room where such a fireplace is burning. However, as their outstanding safety record during recent decades shows, the burners with oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) used in all ventless gas burners effectively addresses this concern by immediately shutting off the gas supply if the level of oxygen in the room drops below a set limit. Consequently, ventless gas fireplaces are currently allowed for installation in most locations in North America. Still, it is important to check local building codes and requirements before making a final purchase decision.

As the arguments listed above show, there are many facts that lead people to decide in favor of a ventless gas fireplace. Combined with the huge variety of available products, most prospective buyers are likely to find a model which will suit their individual requirements and tastes – be it a ventless gas fireplace insert or ventless gas logs.

Introduction to Gas Fireplace Inserts

Posted by Mark on May 27, 2011 Comments Off

Gas fireplaces have increased considerably in popularity during recent years. Often-cited factors for this trend include the facts that they are much simpler to operate and to clean than traditional wood-burning fireplaces and that they are usually also much cheaper to operate. Different types of gas fireplaces are available on the market, mostly as pre-fabricated products for easy installation in the home: there are gas logs -simulated pieces of wood that include a gas burner-, free-standing gas fireplaces or heaters and finally gas fireplace inserts. The inserts are designed for installing the gas fireplace into an existing fireplace location, either within a building wall or attached to it (“zero clearance”). We will take a look at three relevant topics in turn: how does a gas fireplace insert work, what are the typical price tags attached and where to turn for specific gas insert products.

How do gas inserts work? As stated before, a gas fireplace insert is built into an existing fireplace cavity which was usually used before as a wood-burning fireplace. This conversion is for all practical purposes permanent: in order to use wood as fuel again, all gas fireplace parts would have to be removed – it is not possible to switch between wood and gas use within a single fireplace. The gas insert consists of simulated logs built into a metal housing which is closed in the front by glass doors, except for the case of ventless gas inserts. Most efficient gas fireplace inserts include a fan to create an air current which removes heat from the firebox. Another important point to consider is that the chimney of the existing wood fireplace needs to be relined with a vent approved for use with gas fireplaces. This could either be a direct vent, which both delivers the combustion air into the firebox and removes the exhaust air through a second pipe. Or it could be a natural draft vent, which uses room air for combustion and depends on the upward draft from the hot exhaust to create a continuous air flow through the fireplace. Ventless or vent-free fireplace inserts are also available. As their name implies, they do not require a chimney, but instead are basically an open fire within the room.

The centerpiece of the gas fireplace installation is the gas burner, which is either supplied with natural gas from an existing house installation or with bottled propane or natural gas. A major reason for converting an existing fireplace for gas use is the increased convenience in operation compared with a wood fireplace. Efficient gas fireplace inserts come equipped with several options for controlling the fire – among them thermostats, wall switches and remote controls.

What does a gas fireplace insert typically cost? While it is difficult to give a definitive answer due to the wide variety of available products, an average standard unit will sell in the range between $1000 and $4000, requiring another $1000 for professional installation. It is important to note that direct vent constructions are typically more expensive than naturally vented fireplaces, adding another $500 to the overall price. Gas fireplace inserts prices for ventless units are significantly cheaper, starting in the $500 range.

Three major manufacturers of gas fireplace inserts are Lennox Hearth Products, FPI Fireplace Products International, especially with their Regency product line and Napoleon Fireplaces. It is difficult to say which are the best gas fireplace inserts, as this decision really comes down to individual preferences.

To sum it all up, gas fireplace inserts are most likely the best choice for the owner of an existing wood fireplace who wants to enjoy the true “fireplace atmosphere” while experiencing the added comfort and reduced cost of a gas fireplace.