Your Professional Chimney and Fireplace Company Can Help
When it comes to selecting a heating system for your home, you have a number of options available in the market today. In addition to the HVAC systems, you have plenty of secondary heating sources such as fireplaces, stoves or inserts. However, the variety of models available in every category may leave you confused. How do you decide on the appropriate solution for your home’s heating needs? Your lifestyle, preferences and budget will be the guiding factors while narrowing down on aspects such as the fuel type, venting options, designs and sizes.
Saving you the hassle of chopping, hauling and stacking firewood logs, gas stoves or fireplaces operate with a simple flick of a switch. Not only are they space saving and practical to use, they are easy to clean and maintain. You do not have to deal with ash, soot, creosote, or extensive annual cleaning and chimney sweeps. If you are exploring gas-fired stoves or fireplaces, read the quick summary below about the various options you can choose from.
Features and Options in Gas Stoves and Gas Fireplaces
Depending on your local area codes, building restrictions and permit requirements, you can choose between direct vent, B-vent or vent-free gas fired heating options. However, unvented appliances are not allowed in certain states in the US, including Pennsylvania.
The decision between gas stove and gas fireplace is based on individual taste, frequency of use and size of the area to be heated. If you wish to hook up the gas appliance as your primary heating source, go for the timeless, rustic-looking stoves. Not only will you have greater flexibility when it comes to placing them within the room, you can completely substitute your furnace with these powerful, heat radiating appliances. For a cottage or cozy home with lesser square footage, select small or medium sized stoves that range from 7,000 to 30,000 BTUs as they will efficiently heat up the entire area. For spacious, open-concept homes, you may have to purchase large sized stoves with 40,000 to 60,000 BTUs for wider heating capabilities. You can also customize their appearance by adding decorative doors, shelves, or inlays.
If you want to add an additional source of heating to a specific room, consider gas fireplaces instead of stoves. In addition to the standard, one-sided hearths installed on the wall, you now have dozens of design options, such as:
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- Peninsulas: With multi-sided views, and a compact, visually appealing rectangular shape, these units could be a unique way to separate two living spaces, such as a dining room and family room.
- Island Style: These four-sided units offer a 360-degree view and heat radiation that is apt for warming up multiple areas at once. Add it as a center piece in an open-concept layout where multiple living spaces are incorporated into one large area.
- See-Through: With glass installations on two opposite sides, these units allow you to see from one side to another. These are popular options for fireplaces installed between the master bedroom and bath.
- Corner Fireplaces: If you have to maximize your limited wall space, typically in smaller rooms such as an office or library, select the corner design units that are open on two sides with the ends facing out to the room. That leaves ample space for other wall-based furniture such as desks and shelves.
Choose from hundreds of sleek designs that offer a variety of media within the firebox, including traditional logs, ceramic stones, rocks and pebbles, fireglass, glowing wool and many more. Most contemporary units come with remote controls that offer multiple settings for temperature and ambience with realistic flickering effects as well as flame height adjustment. With a wide range of versatile models, gas stoves and fireplaces are suitable for any living space within your home.
For stove and fireplace installation and maintenance in and around Philadelphia, rely on Elite Fireplace. To learn more about our products and services, call us at (610) 489-4274 or contact us online. A representative will be in touch soon.