Gas Fireplaces
Fireplaces are a gathering spot for family and friends, a symbol of romanticism and comfort, and a visually attractive addition to any home. However, conventional wood-burning fireplaces are extremely inefficient and produce high levels of harmful emissions that pollute outdoor air and dangerously affect your indoor air quality.
Options such as an advanced combustion wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace offer a safe, energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional wood fireplaces. They can be installed as completely new fireplaces or as a conversion of an existing wood fireplace.
Gas fireplaces have increased in popularity over the past few years. For many homeowners, the attraction of owning a gas fireplace lies in the:
- convenience of an on/off switch and ever-present fuel supply.
- cleanliness (gas fireplaces generate no mess in terms of ashes, wood chips, bark, etc.)
- elimination of chimney cleaning.
- safety of sealed combustion units, which offer little chance for toxic combustion gases to spill into the room.
- environmental benefits as compared to those of a conventional wood fireplace.
However, not all gas fireplaces are created equal. Some designs are extremely efficient, safe to operate and provide a lot of heat. Others can be very inefficient, and vent-free technology can cause indoor air-quality problems.
Two popular fireplace brands are Napolean and Continental. Their advanced technology minimizes heat loss thereby increasing efficiency, they do not require electricity for operation, and are economical, costing only pennies per hour. Their products also offer a safety shut-off feature for peace-of-mind. Offered in many styles, beautiful gas fireplaces can become an attractive focal point for any room in your house.