| A fireplace is an added bonus to your home and | | | | of heat that is required to keep it warm. |
| in some areas a necessity, especially if you live in | | | | * If you are thinking of purchasing a fireplace for |
| colder northern climates. Perhaps you do not have | | | | zone heating, consider gas fireplaces, gas inserts |
| a fireplace, but it sounds like it would be a great | | | | and pellet appliances. It is recommended to |
| improvement you would like to have in your | | | | purchase gas fireplace units with an A.F.U.E. |
| home. | | | | (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. |
| THE RIGHT KIND OF FIREPLACE FOR YOUR | | | | * Direct vent gas fireplaces are required to be |
| HOME | | | | kept close to an outside wall. They require air |
| If you are considering the addition of a fireplace | | | | from the outside to feed the flame, while |
| to your home, then the first thing you need to | | | | relatively cool gases are exhausted through a wall |
| decide is which kind of fireplace would best suit | | | | mounted or roof vent. |
| your home. | | | | * Vent free fireplaces do not require outside |
| Natural gas inserts and freestanding stoves help | | | | venting. This kind of fireplace is not recommended |
| to not only keep your home warm, but also burn | | | | in newer homes, because they can produce |
| cleaner and help maintain indoor air quality. Despite | | | | condensation within the home over time. These |
| today's high natural gas prices, these sell better | | | | are also open fireplaces that do not have doors |
| than wood burning fireplaces and create less | | | | on them. |
| outdoor pollution problems. | | | | * Class B vents are required for conventional gas |
| Gas fireplaces, gas inserts, and pellet stoves are | | | | fireplaces. The Class B roof vent flue helps carry |
| popular among today's consumers in providing | | | | away hot combustible gases and most have |
| efficient zone heating. When you think about | | | | operable doors. |
| these types of fireplaces as a supplemental heat | | | | * Pellet appliances are free standing stoves or |
| source, you will see utility bills drop, due to the | | | | fireplace inserts that burn wood based pellets |
| fact you do not have to keep the thermostat set | | | | made mostly from compressed sawdust. These |
| as high as you would without it. A natural gas | | | | are mostly used for zone heating and were |
| fireplace can efficiently heat up to 1,000 square | | | | designed to use waste wood produced by |
| feet of living space in your home. | | | | manufacturing companies. They are a highly |
| CONSIDERATIONS FOR FIREPLACE CHOICES | | | | efficient way to burn these waste wood products |
| Before deciding the type of fireplace that would | | | | that can be purchased in 40 lb. bags. These pellet |
| be best for you and the model that you would | | | | appliances can be designed to burn alternative |
| like to own, keep in mind some of the following | | | | fuels including corn and grains. One benefit of |
| points: | | | | pellet fuel is the ability to lock in fuel costs at the |
| * Masonry wood burning fireplaces can lose up to | | | | beginning of the fall and winter seasons. |
| 85% of their heat through the chimney. They are | | | | IN CONCLUSION... |
| also considered to be high polluters of the outside | | | | So if a fireplace sounds good to you and you are |
| air and create problems with air quality and | | | | looking to save money on high energy costs, a |
| cleanliness in the home. Gas fireplace inserts can | | | | fireplace or stove could be a good investment. |
| be installed in almost any existing masonry | | | | Just remember to take into consideration your |
| fireplace. Masonry fireplaces also come in a wide | | | | location, preference and lifestyle. If you make the |
| variety of styles and designs. | | | | right decisions now, you will enjoy your new |
| * Other factors that should be considered are the | | | | fireplace or stove for many years to come, |
| climate you live in, the location of your home, and | | | | without the regrets that many people face after |
| the age of your home. Also consider the | | | | they have made a ill-informed decision. |
| construction of your home, as well as the amount | | | | |