Tag Archives: fireplace regulations

The Gas Fire Pit: a Modern Alternative

Posted by Mark on June 1, 2011 Comments Off

When thinking of fire pits, the first thing to come to mind is either a traditional, simple fire bowl or maybe a Mexican chiminea, both used for burning small wooden logs. Fire pits are typically outdoor fireplaces, for the dirt, ashes and smoke associated with an open fire would definitely be problematic inside the house. Some Gas fire pits, however, can even be used on the inside if they fulfill the strong regulations required for ventless gas fireplaces. Still, their typical environment is the outdoors – in the garden or on the patio. We will now take a look at the reasons more and more buyers decide in favor of a gas-burning model when looking for a fire pit.

Gas fire pits fall into one of two groups: portable or built-in. Both are used for the visual enjoyment of the flickering flames as well as for heating purposes. Most of the time, an outdoor gas fire pit is of the portable kind, with built-in pits being used only in advanced landscaping settings. There are some features common to all gas fire pits, indeed to all gas fireplaces. Two kinds of gas fuel are used almost exclusively: natural gas and propane. The portable gas fire pit uses small gas bottles attached either externally or integrated into the fire pit housing. For built-in pits, the additional option of a permanent underground gas line exists, which can be fueled either from a large gas tank or the main house line. Typical materials used for gas fire pits are clay or ceramic, different metals such as iron or copper and special heat-resistant reinforced concrete. Commonly seen decorations such as colored fire glass provide the finishing touch for any outdoor gas fire pit.

When prospective buyers express their reservations about owning a gas fire pit, their main criticism invariably concerns the lack of “campfire atmosphere” associated with a wood-free outdoor fire pit. While this objection is certainly worth considering, it is balanced by several advantages unique to gas fire pits. Due to the increased control over the size and temperature of a gas fire, there are less concerns about moving a gas fire pit close to building walls or below outdoor ceilings. The lack of smoke and wood fire-related smells is also seen as an advantage in many settings. Based on the amount of heat generated, a gas fire pit is also more fuel-efficient that its traditional wood counterpart, not to mention the increased convenience due to the absence of any wood-related work.

While it is almost impossible to give a reliable price range for available gas fire pits due to the large variety of available designs and models especially in the case of the portable gas fire pit, it is probably more important to mention two important pieces of advice for potential buyers: first, when comparing offers, make sure that all of them include a gas tank. Second, planning in advance pays off: outdoor gas fire pits are much cheaper during fall and winter, when most buyers have other things on their minds.

Finally, do not forget to check for your local regulations, fire and zoning laws regarding outdoor fires before buying your fire pit. While many communities allow gas fire pits, being aware of any possible restrictions will help you to avoid any disappointments.

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.

Built-in Outdoor Fireplace Designs

Posted by Mark on May 10, 2009 Comments Off

If you are looking for an outdoor fireplace which is closely integrated with the design and layout of your patio and garden while giving you the full flexibility of designing an individual solution, then a built-in outdoor fireplace design is likely to be the right solution.

The simplest option is a version of the fire pit which is integrated into the ground. These models are available in several varieties based on metal and stone-made bowls and can be purchased starting from about $500.

Most people looking for built-in outdoor fireplace designs are however thinking of an individual model designed to look very much like the more common indoor fireplace. These fireplaces need to be built on-site, which can be done in two ways: either as a completely individual do-it-yourself project or with the help of a pre-configured fireplace kit. These kits are available from several manufacturers and can be installed by yourself or by a local professional fireplace builder. Often, the manufacturers are happy to point you to available help in your area.

A large variety of options exists for a built-in outdoor fireplace. First of all, it can be either a freestanding construction or it can be attached to a wall or the house itself. Also, the choice of building materials is correspondingly large: The majority of these fireplaces is made from bricks and/or concrete, while the smoke chamber and the flue can be manufactured from metal, often aluminum or copper. Given the available options, the price range for these fireplaces is open-ended. A reasonable lower limit can be set at about $5,000. Fundamentally different from these options are the possible outdoor gas fireplace designs, which are very similar to the options for indoor gas fireplace inserts.

However, the outdoor fireplace designs not only concern location and material, the style of the fireplace is also very important, as it should reflect the style of the surrounding garden and house. Many outdoor brick fireplace designs such as English or Eastern brick are available. Outdoor stone fireplace designs like Old World Traditional are also very common. Yet, far more options are available, for example Southwestern Adobe, and are shown in many books on the subject. Common to all built-in fireplaces is their basic setup, which consists of a firebox, a smoke chamber and a flue. The only significant difference to indoor fireplaces is the missing damper, which is not needed for an outdoor construction.

One word of caution: if you decide to build an outdoor fireplace yourself, you should be aware of the fact that safety is of critical importance to avoid serious injuries or damage from fire during operation. This is especially true for any outdoor gas fireplace designs. It is also important to check for local regulations before starting such a project, as the rules for outside fireplaces vary significantly between different towns and regions. While an official permit is required only in some places, it is generally advisable to contact your local authorities beforehand.

In summary, make sure you have a clear understanding of the following topics before starting: location, material, style, fuel, use (grill or heating only), maximum costs and legal regulations. This will help you get the most out of your individual fireplace.