Ten Tips On Selecting Your New Fireplace

As with anything else, there is a wide selection of fireplaces available on the market today.  It can be an overwhelming experience if you don’t know what you want or need.  To aid you in this process, we have compiled a list (with the help of our friends at Vancouver Gas Fireplaces) of things to consider before making your purchase.

1. Determine the purpose for your new fireplace.  Do you want heat efficiency or asthetics or both?  You can drastically narrow your options based on this.
2. You can’t really have a fireplace that will heat more than one room so eliminate this requirement from your checklist.  You can’t really save on heating costs in this way & you will created an overheated main room.
3. If you require a heat efficient fireplace, consider a thermostatically-controlled self-modulated fireplace.  Your fireplace will adjust itself and regulate the room to the temperature you have set.
4. Take note of the existing decor & choose the trim option that would be suit what you have already.
5. View the fireplace when it’s on and off & make sure you like the look in both modes.
6. Avoid choosing a heating insert that relies on a fan to push the hot air out into the room.  This will only marginally improve heating.  The best fireplaces are efficient without a fan.
7. When it comes to log set, choose the one that will fit into the fireplace area easily but still leave enough breathing room.  This will ensure the valve will not overheat & is asthetically pleasing.
8. Decide how you want to operate your fireplace: wall switches, remote controls, or thermostats.  Many can also be operated manually
9. Electric fireplaces is an option if gas is not.  They are available in various sizes & styles with many different trim options.  Further, they do not require venting so you can put them anywhere in your home.
10. Find a retailer who will supply and install.  The installation can impact the overall performance of your fireplace so leave it to the experts.