One of the most commonly sought after amenities home shoppers look for is a fireplace. Unfortunately, many existing homes lack this feature and the addition of a fireplace in existing construction can be extremely costly and beyond the means of many homeowners. But now, thanks to the modern gas fireplace, any homeowner can add this feature and enjoy the warmth and beauty gas fireplaces can provide. Even if adding a vent pipe or flue is not possible in your situation, vent free gas fireplaces are manufactured that can be installed anywhere a gas supply line is available.
Should you be involved in the construction of a new home, your options for including a fireplace are many. You can choose to add a free standing fireplace or built-in fireplace. You can choose to construct a masonry fireplace and burn wood or install gas logs. You can install a prefabricated fireplace with either gas logs or wood burning capabilities. If you have an existing fireplace and are tired of the hassles of burning wood, you can easily convert this feature to a gas fireplace and eliminate that hassle.
Gas fireplaces are very fuel efficient and thanks to modern gas burners, your gas fireplace can be installed without venting to the outdoors thus eliminating heat loss all together. These units, however, are not without their issues. The burning of gas produces moisture, and with vented models this moisture is carried to the outdoors. However, when using a non vented gas fireplace, you can only burn the fire for six or seven hours at the time in order to prevent mold or mildew that could form from the moisture the unit produces. Also, if you choose a non vented model, be sure to have the unit checked yearly to insure it is operating properly and all safety features are in working order.
A gas fireplace option is being utilized by more and more homeowners as wood is becoming extremely expensive to purchase. In past years, many people had access to and cut their own firewood. Today, this is becoming more rare as most homes are built in subdivisions on small lots, thus making access to a free source of firewood less likely. Even if cost is not an issue, many people tire of the cutting, hauling, and stacking of firewood and the constant cleaning of the firebox. So, installing a gas fireplace is a great option for eliminating this chore and also the mess that is created when carrying wood through your house.
While the flames from gas fireplaces do not look exactly like wood burning and you will no longer enjoy the sound of the fire crackling and the faint smell of wood smoke, a gas fireplace can be a great option for many homeowners in many situations. Should you choose to purchase and install one of these units as a new installation or in an existing firebox, a gas fireplace can provide many years of satisfactorily operation and numerous hours of enjoyment for you, your family and your guests.
Showing posts with label gas logs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gas logs. Show all posts
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Outdoor Fireplace Design Creates the Perfect Ambiance
Outdoor fireplaces have become all the rage these days and it is no wonder this is the case. It is most relaxing on a cool evening to gather the family on the patio around a rip-roaring fire while you sip a cup of hot chocolate. If you are considering installing an outdoor fireplace, the thought process is much the same as the one for the construction of any fireplace, be it inside or out. However, there are a couple of things you will need to consider in your outdoor fireplace design. There are a few limitations when it comes to construction materials that are really quite obvious. Since your fireplace will be exposed to the elements, any materials that cannot stand up to the outdoor elements will not be an option in the construction. There is also no need for a damper since you are not concerned about the heating or cooling loss of an indoor fireplace.
The fire step in your outdoor fireplace design is, of course, the material you will use for construction. Options include, but are not limited to, granite, cast iron, limestone, copper, and of course masonry. The most common material used in fireplace design seems to be stone. Stone certainly makes for a beautiful choice in fireplace materials and the stone will also stand the test of time and last for many years to come. The second most popular choice appears to be brick which has many of the same advantages as stone. However, no matter what material you use for your outdoor fireplace, as long as it fits in with your overall outdoor living space design and is a durable material, you should be satisfied for a long, long time.
Once your material choice is made, you now must consider the size of your fireplace. There is really no rule of thumb for this process except be wise in attempting to match the size of your outdoor fireplace design with the other elements in your outdoor living area. If the fireplace is too small it will seem to get lost in your space. Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, if it is too large, it will tend to overwhelm your space. Also, larger fireplaces will require more fuel to properly provide heat to the patio area.
Now that the materials and size have been determined, it is time to select your outdoor fireplace design. There are a few great options for where to go to help you design your fireplace. Of course, the Internet can provide a wealth of information and plans for outdoor fireplaces. You can also seek out a competent brick and stone mason in your area that can provide you with choices in this area. Lastly, your could consult with an architect to assist you with your design. That last one may be effected by the size of your budget. An architect will charge you for their services, but will also help you oversee the construction to ensure you get what you pay for.
Now that those decisions are underway, we need to consider what type of fuel you will choose to burn. Many outdoor fireplace owners choose to burn wood for a variety of obvious reasons. A wood burning fireplace can be loaded with lots of wood and will produce a large amount of heat. There is also the crackling and popping of real wood in addition to the overall appearance of the fire as it burns. After all, ambiance was one of the main reasons you chose to install an outdoor fireplace and nothing burns nicer than real wood. However, if you have limited access to wood, or just do not want to have to deal with the cutting, splitting and stacking it involves, you could choose to install gas logs in your fireplace. They do not heat quite as well and will not produce as realistic of a flame, but they are much more convenient then wood and definitely have a place in outdoor fireplace design.
Once your outdoor fireplace is constructed and the mortar has set up, grab the hot dogs and marshmallows and head outdoors for a relaxing evening around the fireplace. I am sure you will find that when you have family and guests over for outdoor events, your outdoor fireplace will become the main gathering and focal point of your outdoor space. As you see this occur, you will know that your outdoor fireplace design is a success and will provide you with many enjoyable evenings for years to come.
The fire step in your outdoor fireplace design is, of course, the material you will use for construction. Options include, but are not limited to, granite, cast iron, limestone, copper, and of course masonry. The most common material used in fireplace design seems to be stone. Stone certainly makes for a beautiful choice in fireplace materials and the stone will also stand the test of time and last for many years to come. The second most popular choice appears to be brick which has many of the same advantages as stone. However, no matter what material you use for your outdoor fireplace, as long as it fits in with your overall outdoor living space design and is a durable material, you should be satisfied for a long, long time.
Once your material choice is made, you now must consider the size of your fireplace. There is really no rule of thumb for this process except be wise in attempting to match the size of your outdoor fireplace design with the other elements in your outdoor living area. If the fireplace is too small it will seem to get lost in your space. Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, if it is too large, it will tend to overwhelm your space. Also, larger fireplaces will require more fuel to properly provide heat to the patio area.
Now that the materials and size have been determined, it is time to select your outdoor fireplace design. There are a few great options for where to go to help you design your fireplace. Of course, the Internet can provide a wealth of information and plans for outdoor fireplaces. You can also seek out a competent brick and stone mason in your area that can provide you with choices in this area. Lastly, your could consult with an architect to assist you with your design. That last one may be effected by the size of your budget. An architect will charge you for their services, but will also help you oversee the construction to ensure you get what you pay for.
Now that those decisions are underway, we need to consider what type of fuel you will choose to burn. Many outdoor fireplace owners choose to burn wood for a variety of obvious reasons. A wood burning fireplace can be loaded with lots of wood and will produce a large amount of heat. There is also the crackling and popping of real wood in addition to the overall appearance of the fire as it burns. After all, ambiance was one of the main reasons you chose to install an outdoor fireplace and nothing burns nicer than real wood. However, if you have limited access to wood, or just do not want to have to deal with the cutting, splitting and stacking it involves, you could choose to install gas logs in your fireplace. They do not heat quite as well and will not produce as realistic of a flame, but they are much more convenient then wood and definitely have a place in outdoor fireplace design.
Once your outdoor fireplace is constructed and the mortar has set up, grab the hot dogs and marshmallows and head outdoors for a relaxing evening around the fireplace. I am sure you will find that when you have family and guests over for outdoor events, your outdoor fireplace will become the main gathering and focal point of your outdoor space. As you see this occur, you will know that your outdoor fireplace design is a success and will provide you with many enjoyable evenings for years to come.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fireplace Doors -The Final Touch in Fireplace Designs
Fireplace doors are a great investment. They are designed to help you save on energy costs, beautify your home, and protect your home from hot embers that may pop out into a room. Your fireplace is not just a means of providing heat for your home, it is usually the focal point of the most highly used room in a house. Fireplace doors accentuate the beauty and appeal of flickering flames and glowing embers thus contributing to the overall aesthetic looks of the fireplace and the room decor.
In addition to providing a much needed decorative touch to your fireplace, fireplace doors save energy by eliminating cold drafts and odors. An important consideration in the purchase of doors is the gasket material used where the doors contact the face of the fireplace. Make sure that the doors have a continuous woven gasket which in combination with a positive locking latch will help eliminate heat loss from the home through the fireplace opening. When properly constructed and fitted, studies have shown that fireplace doors can decrease air loss by as much as 90% if the doors are kept closed when the fireplace is not in use.
Another important feature of fireplace doors is the safety that they provide. Not only do they prevent hot embers from popping out into the room, they also prevent items from falling into the fireplace opening. The doors also help keep small children and pets from accidentally coming in contact with the open flames of the fire.
While fireplace doors come in many different styles and finishes, there are basically just two main types. The more traditional style doors that open and close by sliding back and forth on tracks, and cabinet style doors that open and close like regular cabinet doors. Regardless of the the type doors you choose, the shape of the opening will be the determining factor on whether you will purchase a set of available stock fireplace doors or whether custom made doors will be necessary.
Once you have decided that fireplace doors would be a worthwhile investment, it's time to break out the tape measure and take a few measurements. You will need to know the height and width of the fireplace opening. Since fireplace construction is not always exactly perfect, measure the height of the opening in a couple of different places and the width of the opening in at least three places. Note the smallest of these measurements and you are now ready to head to the fireplace supply stores and begin shopping for your new fireplace doors. Once you are home with your new doors, installation is rather straight forward and well within the abilities of most homeowners using very basic tools.
There are just a couple of other things you need to consider when using fireplace doors. Optional mesh curtains or mesh doors allow for the full enjoyment of your fire's warmth with the doors safely open. If you're going to burn wood, we strongly recommend adding mesh. Also, if instead of burning wood in your fireplace, you have gas logs, the doors should always be open when the gas logs are being used. The burning gas produces moisture which can cause the doors to corrode if left closed. Following the tips in this article will allow you to purchase and enjoy that perfect set of fireplace doors, as well as save money and energy, for many, many years to come.
In addition to providing a much needed decorative touch to your fireplace, fireplace doors save energy by eliminating cold drafts and odors. An important consideration in the purchase of doors is the gasket material used where the doors contact the face of the fireplace. Make sure that the doors have a continuous woven gasket which in combination with a positive locking latch will help eliminate heat loss from the home through the fireplace opening. When properly constructed and fitted, studies have shown that fireplace doors can decrease air loss by as much as 90% if the doors are kept closed when the fireplace is not in use.
Another important feature of fireplace doors is the safety that they provide. Not only do they prevent hot embers from popping out into the room, they also prevent items from falling into the fireplace opening. The doors also help keep small children and pets from accidentally coming in contact with the open flames of the fire.
While fireplace doors come in many different styles and finishes, there are basically just two main types. The more traditional style doors that open and close by sliding back and forth on tracks, and cabinet style doors that open and close like regular cabinet doors. Regardless of the the type doors you choose, the shape of the opening will be the determining factor on whether you will purchase a set of available stock fireplace doors or whether custom made doors will be necessary.
Once you have decided that fireplace doors would be a worthwhile investment, it's time to break out the tape measure and take a few measurements. You will need to know the height and width of the fireplace opening. Since fireplace construction is not always exactly perfect, measure the height of the opening in a couple of different places and the width of the opening in at least three places. Note the smallest of these measurements and you are now ready to head to the fireplace supply stores and begin shopping for your new fireplace doors. Once you are home with your new doors, installation is rather straight forward and well within the abilities of most homeowners using very basic tools.
There are just a couple of other things you need to consider when using fireplace doors. Optional mesh curtains or mesh doors allow for the full enjoyment of your fire's warmth with the doors safely open. If you're going to burn wood, we strongly recommend adding mesh. Also, if instead of burning wood in your fireplace, you have gas logs, the doors should always be open when the gas logs are being used. The burning gas produces moisture which can cause the doors to corrode if left closed. Following the tips in this article will allow you to purchase and enjoy that perfect set of fireplace doors, as well as save money and energy, for many, many years to come.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Heating Fuel Choices in Fireplace Designs
It is difficult to find something more enjoyable than sitting beside a nice warm fire on a chilly, cloudy winter's day. And with today's many fireplace designs, the experience is even more enjoyable than ever. The design of a fireplace in most homes is generally dependent upon the style of the rest of the home or the function of the room it is in. Today's modern fireplaces range from contemporary to Victorian, modern, country and everything in between. If you can imagine it, it can most likely become reality.
When considering the design of a fireplace, you must remember that a fireplace consists of two separate functions. One being the heat element and the other being the fireplace designs visual element. The first decision made will usually be the type fuel it will utilize or the heating element. There are many primary forms of heat available for a home, such as a gas fired furnace or oil filled heater, that allow you to be less concerned with the type fuel in your fireplace. When I think of a fireplace, my first thought is the scent of burning wood. While some find that to be a very appealing smell, others would just as soon not have their clothing, curtains and other fabrics retain that lingering smell of smoke. Luckily, there are choices that can help with this issue. Other residential fireplace designs allow for the use of a vented or ventless gas fireplace, electric fireplaces that simulate the real thing or even a wood burning furnace.
While we know that seldom is anything ever as good as the real thing, these new gas log and electric fireplaces do a pretty doggone good job. In addition to their good looks they come with the benefit of not having to cut or buy wood year in and year out. Nor do you have to split or stack wood, carry it into the house and clean up the mess it makes. Once you consider all this, those electric and gas log fireplaces look even better.
Now that you know the type fuel to be used there are a few other necessary decisions to make about the heating side of your fireplace design. If you have chosen a gas log fireplace, you may choose to build a non-vented fireplace. While there are definite advantages to this type of application it also has it's drawbacks as well. One advantage of non-vented fireplace designs, and it is a major one, is the fact that you can place these in any room of the house and place them any where in the room. This, coupled with the other benefits I mentioned earlier, provide a compelling argument for installing gas logs along with a non-vented fireplace. However, before you make the final decision to go the non-vented route, know that once you do this, you can never go old school and burn wood.
If your decision involves the installation of a vented fireplace, you have another decision to make and that is in the type of vented fireplace to build. The two types are prefabricated and masonry fireplaces. While the prefabricated fireplace is cheaper to install, the masonry fireplace will likely last many more years. You may also consider a free standing fireplace. These are also available in many different styles. Whichever way you decide to go, professional installation is a must for this project as the actual construction of fireplace designs is likely outside the scope of abilities of even the most experienced do-it-yourself homeowner.
When considering the design of a fireplace, you must remember that a fireplace consists of two separate functions. One being the heat element and the other being the fireplace designs visual element. The first decision made will usually be the type fuel it will utilize or the heating element. There are many primary forms of heat available for a home, such as a gas fired furnace or oil filled heater, that allow you to be less concerned with the type fuel in your fireplace. When I think of a fireplace, my first thought is the scent of burning wood. While some find that to be a very appealing smell, others would just as soon not have their clothing, curtains and other fabrics retain that lingering smell of smoke. Luckily, there are choices that can help with this issue. Other residential fireplace designs allow for the use of a vented or ventless gas fireplace, electric fireplaces that simulate the real thing or even a wood burning furnace.
While we know that seldom is anything ever as good as the real thing, these new gas log and electric fireplaces do a pretty doggone good job. In addition to their good looks they come with the benefit of not having to cut or buy wood year in and year out. Nor do you have to split or stack wood, carry it into the house and clean up the mess it makes. Once you consider all this, those electric and gas log fireplaces look even better.
Now that you know the type fuel to be used there are a few other necessary decisions to make about the heating side of your fireplace design. If you have chosen a gas log fireplace, you may choose to build a non-vented fireplace. While there are definite advantages to this type of application it also has it's drawbacks as well. One advantage of non-vented fireplace designs, and it is a major one, is the fact that you can place these in any room of the house and place them any where in the room. This, coupled with the other benefits I mentioned earlier, provide a compelling argument for installing gas logs along with a non-vented fireplace. However, before you make the final decision to go the non-vented route, know that once you do this, you can never go old school and burn wood.
If your decision involves the installation of a vented fireplace, you have another decision to make and that is in the type of vented fireplace to build. The two types are prefabricated and masonry fireplaces. While the prefabricated fireplace is cheaper to install, the masonry fireplace will likely last many more years. You may also consider a free standing fireplace. These are also available in many different styles. Whichever way you decide to go, professional installation is a must for this project as the actual construction of fireplace designs is likely outside the scope of abilities of even the most experienced do-it-yourself homeowner.
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