Save Money With a Fireplace Insert

May 17th, 2017 Categories: Random Thoughts

Sitting before a crackling fire may be your favorite winter warm-up, but an old-fashioned fireplace isn’t only an inefficient heating source, it also can create high levels of smoke inside and outside your home. Read the rest of this entry »

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Ventless Fireplaces: What You Need to Know

December 14th, 2016 Categories: Random Thoughts

Ventless fireplaces, which don’t include a flue or chimney, have been sold in the U.S. since 1980. They’re powered by natural gas, propane, alcohol-based gels, or electricity. Although less expensive and easier to install than a traditional fireplace, the gas and propane options do have some risks since there’s no chimney to expel their gases to the outside. Read the rest of this entry »

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5 Questions and Answers About Adding a Fireplace

December 12th, 2016 Categories: Random Thoughts

About half of the 40 million homes constructed in the U.S. since 1973 were built without a fireplace, and yet consumer study after homebuyer survey indicate that the majority of people want one and are willing to pay extra to have it. Read the rest of this entry »

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Energy-Efficient Fireplace Options

July 27th, 2016 Categories: Random Thoughts

A traditional wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and romantic ambiance to a home’s interior. But most are energy hogs, converting only 15% of wood’s energy into useful heat.

Fortunately, new energy-efficient fireplace designs are helping wood-burning fireplaces achieve efficiency ratings of 75% or more. Fireplace inserts and gas fireplaces are even more efficient. Read the rest of this entry »

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Gas Fireplace Inserts: Pros and Cons

July 20th, 2016 Categories: Random Thoughts

Flip a switch; have fire. That’s the key appeal of a gas fireplace insert. You still enjoy real flames, but without the hassles of solid fuel. There is no firewood to stack, bags of pellets to dump, and no ashes to clean out. The air inside your house and in your neighborhood stays clean, too. No wonder that about 70% of all hearth products—fireplaces, inserts, and artificial log sets—now burn gas. Read the rest of this entry »

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Adding a Fireplace to an Existing Home

November 12th, 2015 Categories: Random Thoughts

With costs ranging up to $30,000 for a traditional brick hearth and mantel, adding a fireplace can be a considerable investment. If you’re wondering if you’ll get a return on that investment, the answer is: maybe. Read the rest of this entry »

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