In 2000, 1.04 million gas hearth appliances (such as fireplaces and stoves) were shipped by manufacturers, along with 647,000 wood- or pellet-fuel-burning appliances, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.
The ambience provided by a fire might appeal to romantic consumers, but potential savings on heating bills will get the attention of pragmatic ones. For example, gas fireplaces and inserts not only heat the room where the fireplace is located, they can be ducted to send heat into the rest of the house through the cold-air return on the furnace.
Some standards for fireplaces
From Residential and Light Commercial Construction Standards, R.S. Means Co. Inc.
Products
Napoleon: Retrofit an inefficient masonry fireplace with the EPI 1101 wood-burning insert, which is designed to turn small amounts of wood into large amounts of heat. The product can be flush-mounted or hearth-mounted. Features include a full-view, single-door Whisper Quiet heat-circulating blower; a thermostatic sensor; and firebox aerodynamics that let homeowners open the door without drawing smoke into the room. Optional cast-iron surround kits are available in various porcelain enamel or painted finishes.
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American Hearth: The new 30-inch, direct-vent gas fireplace features the company’s Fresh Air + system. Fresh Air + is designed to improve indoor air quality and prolong high-fire burning without overheating the living space by drawing outside air into the cooling layers of the fireplace, where it mixes with the warm air surrounding the firebox before being delivered into the living space.
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Majestic/Vermont Castings: The stainless steel ODSHR42 outdoor wood-burning fireplace has a 42x24-inch firebox with a full refractory liner. Features include a screen mesh with pulls, a stainless steel basket grate, a built-in flue damper, and gas-line access for installing optional gas logs. If installed free-standing and at least 10 feet from any combustible structure, the chimney can be as low as 6 feet, 4 inches.
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Lennox: LBR and LBC wood-burning fireplaces feature traditional brick or herringbone brickaded interiors. LBR (shown) is a radiant-heat fireplace with a smooth exterior front face. LBC provides circulating heat with appliance-style louvers or optional polished brass grilles. Each model has an integrated ash lip and an energy-saving cam lock damper. Glass doors are optional.
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Heat-n-Glo:Twilight is an indoor/outdoor fireplace. Its see-through direct vent acts as both a fireplace and a window, allowing a fireplace view in the home and on the patio simultaneously. The weatherproofed product also features a sealed combustion chamber that takes all of its combustion air from outside, making this fireplace especially suited for tightly sealed homes.
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FMI: The Renaissance Series includes wood-burning as well as direct-vent, B-vent and vent-free gas fireplaces and accessories. Pictured is the Colonial vent-free model. All models come in 32-, 36-, 42- and 50-inch sizes. Features include hidden side screen pockets, Posi-Lock outside air mechanisms and, for secure, straight installation, full-length nailing flanges and drywall stops.
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Tulikivi: Made of Finnish soapstone, Tulikivi fireplaces store twice as much heat as ordinary masonry brick, the company says, with a two-hour fire providing up to 20 hours of heat. Thirteen models, some with an integrated bakeoven, are available. All are gray with variations of white veining, and two finishes are offered, smooth and rough-cut. Green serpentine stone is available for contrasting detail.
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The Millwork Store: The Premiere Collection of wood fireplace mantels now includes the Regency with an optional mirror mantel. The product comes in sizes designed to fit around most 36- or 42-inch fireplaces and in custom sizes. Available wood species include oak and poplar.
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Heatilator: The Maxus direct-vent gas fireplace offers a choice of three distinctive fronts ranging from traditional to contemporary. Options include polished brass trim and remote control as well as a heat-ducting system to channel excess heat to other areas of the home.
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Heatmaster: MirageGlo is a gas log set that combines a burner design requiring 40% less fuel input with Cerafome, a new foamed ceramic that is fiber-free, to produce a radiant-heat efficiency three times greater, per BTU input, than that of a conventional vented gas log set, the company says. The stainless steel burner comes in vented and vent-free models (propane or natural gas), and remote-control options are available.
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