There are a variety of gas fire places. Before you start your shopping you should first determine what type will best suit your particular needs. The two types of gas fireplaces are the free standing and the built in types. There are many different sizes, styles and colors to choose from. There are fireplaces that can heat a room or an entire house. There are many options available for convenience and efficiency. If you currently have a wood burning stove, or wood burning fireplace, there are units available that will convert your exiting fireplace to gas. These units will utilize your exiting hearth and masonry work. Gas fireplaces can operate on either propane or natural gas.
Once you have determined whether you need a free standing or built in model, the next step should be to visit a gas fire-place showroom. At the showroom, you’ll discover a wide range of choices including: old-fashioned, ornate, contemporary, as well as a variety of colors. There are a number of features and warrantees available for these different fireplaces. It is important to check the reputation of the fireplace dealer. Be sure to ask questions, such as “Do they Service what they sell?”, and “Do they have any referrals from past customers?” Also, ask if the dealer is licensed to wire the electricity from the circuit box to the fireplace. If the dealer can do this service, it will save you the cost of hiring an electrician to wire your fireplace.
In order to choose the proper fireplace for your needs, your dealer will have to calculate the number of square feet that you need to heat. In choosing a gas fireplace, remember that sometimes more than one unit is necessary. The room that has your fireplace in it might get uncomfortably hot, before it heats the other areas of your home. If you have a smaller room, it will heat more quickly, while a larger room will take more time to heat.
Like buying a new car, a fireplace can come with a variety of options, which you should consider before buying your fireplace:
1. Fans. Fans circulate the heat from your fireplace, for better distribution of air. Fans help to circulate the fireplace’s warm air throughout your home.
2. Thermostat. Like the Thermostat for your heater/air conditioner, A fireplace thermostat regulates the fire, based on preset temperatures, by turning the fire place on and off. This option is useful if you are using your fireplace as a heat source rather than for decorative purposes.
3. A remote control. This device can be used to turn your fireplace on and off, and regulate the height of the flame.
4. Vented or Ventless. Ventless fireplaces are more efficient because of a lack of heat loss, while vented fireplaces are more decorative, and have a bigger flame.
An important fact that should be learned before purchasing a fireplace is the energy rating of the fireplace. The energy rating is a measurement of your fireplace’s efficiency. The U.S Department of Energy, American Gas Association, and Gas Technologies Inc. all rate the efficiency of gas fireplaces. Determining your fireplace’s energy rating will save you money in the long run, and should be considered when purchasing a gas fireplace.
Finally, visit friends that have gas fireplaces. These homeowners can give you a good insight into the quality and efficiency of their fireplaces, and information about the dealers from whom they purchased their gas fireplaces. With this information, you can now confidently choose a gas fireplace of your own.
