Things To Consider...

Products

Stoves
• free standing heating appliance
• usually must be placed on a non-combustible surface

Fireplace Inserts
• basically a stove without legs that is placed in an existing or factory
  built fireplace
• efficiency of your fireplace will dramatically increase with consistent
  heating
• no mess

Fireplaces
• usually flush to the wall units with either surrounds or mantels
• factory built fireplaces-designed more for ambiance rather than heating
  efficiency
• factory built high tech fireplaces — provide much greater heating
  efficiencies
• ducted fireplaces - use to allow heat to be routed to other rooms

Gas Logs
• least expensive hearth option
• can be installed into existing or factory built fireplaces
• realistic flames
• your damper must be permanently in the open position; fireplace
  glass doors are recommended to control heat loss after opening damper
• easy to operate; low maintenance; no mess

Electric fireplaces
• the realism of the flame appearance
• convenience - no chimney, no gas lines and they can go anywhere in your
  home. All you need is a wall for a facing or mantel and a normal electric
  outlet.
• standard or optional heaters will take the chill out of your room
• operating the flame can cost just pennies per hour

Electric stoves
• self-contained units can be installed anywhere
• models range from the old stove look to more modern designs
• sit back and enjoy the flickering flame and heat after plugging in to
  any normal outlet
• electric heaters are standard or optional

Electric logs
• easily convert a wood fireplace to electric. Simply set the logs in
  the opening and plug in the cord.
• different styles — some mimic the look of wood, others the style of
  glowing coals
• electric heaters are standard or optional

Fireplace Doors & Screens
• doors are made of glass
• doors come in a number of designs with custom doors to fit almost any
  fireplace available
• doors are the ideal way to reduce heat loss
• doors and screens both enhance safety by containing flaming embers

Fuels

Propane/Natural Gas
• convenience — just push a button on the remote control or on
  the unit
• no electricity needed
• gas burns cleanly
• the fire looks real

Wood
• natural and beautiful looking fire
• no electricity needed
• cost competitive with other fuels

Pellets
• burn very cleanly since they are made from recycled wood waste
• automatically fed into a burn chamber via an auger system

Materials

Steel
• most common material used
• most units offer trim kits to enhance appearance and blowers that
  provide convective heat

Cast Iron
• rapidly gain in popularity because they are formed from molten metal
  which allows for greater design flexibility
• radiant heat - they warm objects in the room, not the air
• much greater and more ornate detailing

Soapstone
• efficient material that holds heat for an extended period

Venting

Chimney
• all hearth appliances vent through a masonry or metal chimney
  except vent free gas hearths and electric fireplaces

Direct Vent
• sealed combustion appliances that do not use your home’s room air
• two pipe venting system brings in fresh outside air for combustion
  while carrying the burnt flue gases to the outside
• gas and pellet appliance can be vented directly through a wall, ceiling or
  roof

Vent Free
• gas hearths needing no chimney nor direct venting
• sizing guidelines must be reviewed and considered

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