1st in fireplace info

Gas Fireplace Parts

2006-12-20T13:17:00.000+07:00

By Eric Morris
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Fireplaces not only provide warmth but also add class to a home. It is an element that most house owners prefer to have. Traditional wood-burning masonry fireplaces have an irreplaceable charm. There is however an increasing concern in the quality of air circulated indoors due to the burning of wood. Owing to this, gas fireplaces have taken over as a favored alternative. They are energy efficient, are economical to maintain and can be installed anywhere.

Traditional wood burning, masonry fireplaces are simple in their construction. They do not require replacement of many parts. The only major requirements are wood to burn the fire, and a cleaning rod to dust out the carbon that gets accumulated in the chimney. There are various cleaning agencies that undertake the job of cleaning up the carbon-laden chimneys.

Gas fireplaces operate on gas or propane without emitting smoke or noxious fumes. The chimney and burn unit do not require constant cleaning. However, it needs attention in order to be kept in top operating condition. Most gas fireplace units feature a thermostat or remote control along with a fan kit for optimal heat circulation and maximum energy efficiency. The fan kit is an important element that needs special attention. The fireplace would come to a cold halt if the kit were clogged. The gas required for heating is passed through pipes. The pipes must be regularly replaced to avoid any leaks. The service agreement with the company usually includes the replacement of these parts.

Fireplace parts are available online. There are many companies that specialize in parts for Gas fireplaces. They also provide parts to enhance the look of the fireplace like mantels, blowers and other trim kits.

Everything You Need To Know About Firewood Sheds

2006-12-20T13:16:00.000+07:00

By Ken Wilssens
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Many people love the warmth of an open fire or an inside fireplace, but in order to enjoy this you have to have a place to store your wood. This is where a firewood shed comes into play. To fully enjoy those long evenings on a cold winter night sitting in front of a fireplace, you need a shed that can store enough wood to get you through the winter. You can build your own shed or buy a shed kit. Both of these take very little carpentry skill and you will be paid back in the pride you'll take when the job is done.

First of all you will need to find a plan that is suitable for your needs. There are many easy to follow designs on the market to choose from. Once you have decided what size you want for your shed, you can accomplish the task, with a little help, in a weekend or two.

When you get started, make sure you place your wood shed in a location that will make it easy to fetch the wood. Place it as close to your home as possible. The design of the wood shed should make it possible for you to store a complete winter’s wood. It is always a good idea to add a little extra room when calculating for the amount of wood you will need to store in your shed. You also have to take into consideration that there may be times when you will need a little extra space for wood splitting.

Depending on the climate you live in, you may need to design your shed to allow for air movement inside and to keep the wood dry and free from rot. It is great if you can dry your wood outside during the hot months of summer before you have to store it, but if this is not possible then you will need air flow inside. If the winters are dry, then this may not be a problem.

Ventless Fireplaces, Choose from Several Versions

2006-12-20T13:14:00.000+07:00

By Elisabeth Mcgill
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During the Summer months a fireplace has little appeal, in fact many people never bother to even look at the thing and often disguise it with screens, flowerpots or possibly a fireplace tealight conversion kit with which they can at least light a few tealights or candles to bring the dark hole in the wall to life. Yet, during the colder time of year there are few who would not love to be able so sit by a roaring fire, all warm and snug. Of course those who do not have a built in fireplace can only dream about the luxury of a cozy fire within their own four walls. That is, until now. Now anybody can own a fully functional fireplace, whether they live in a house, an apartment, a single room or even a cave. A chimney is no longer needed.

Several versions of ventless fireplaces are on the market. All of them are 99% heat efficient since the heat goes into the room and not up the chimney. Which one you choose probably depends on one or more of these considerations: price, looks, and hook-up.

1. Non-vented natural gas fireplaces which have to be connected to an available natural or propane gas line. They come in various sizes. Large versions put out up to 25,000 BTU's of heat for large rooms. Smaller versions produce 5,000 to 10,000 BTU's. Most come with oxygen sensors that shut down the unit if the home oxygen level gets too low.

Because of the dangers of carbon dioxide build up with a ventless natural gas fireplace in the home several states strictly prohibit their installation. Another problem with these fireplaces is excessive moisture condensation, since a byproduct of gas combustion is water vapor. Fungus and mold infestation could result in additional serious health problems.

They come in a variety of styles and Prices start at about $500. Usage cost is based on usage hours and natural gas or propane prices.

2. Electric fireplaces need no outside venting. They simply need to be plugged into a 120 V outlet. They put out about 4,500 BTU's if the heater is turned on. They have a realistic flame effect, created with randomized filtered lighting. The flame effect can be used without the heater. A multifunctional remote control comes with each unit.

Available in a variety of styles to suit your decor or taste. Prices start around $2,100. Fuel cost is based on usage and cost of electricity at the time used.

3. Gel fuel fire places need no installation or hook ups. They can be placed anywhere in your home or cabin and even can be taken with you when you move or spend time at a second home. The gel comes in pint size cans and will burn from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the humidity level of a home. The dryer the air, the longer the fire will burn. BTU output is 9,000. It is a non-toxic gelled alcohol made from organic thickeners and Isopropyl Alcohol, that it is smokeless and odorless. It is safe, clean burning, no fumes, no sparks, no ashes, nor flying embers. 100%environment friendly. Because it is an alcohol product it can be safely stored indoors at room temperature or cooler. Another feature neither the electric nor the gas fireplace offers, is the real crackling sound produced while the gel fuel burns. By adding the smell of burning wood through the use of scented candles, incense or oils a total fireplace experience can be created.

Gel fuel ventless fireplaces are available in a wide variety of styles, composition and colors to suit your decor or taste. Prices start at $300. Fuel cost is based on usage. Each can of gel fuel burns for approximately 3 hours and costs about $3. This is comparable to the cost of those compressed logs available for regular fire places, however, one of these will have to burn out while you can close the lid on the gel fuel container anytime and reuse it at a later date.

While each version has its benefits and drawbacks, the buyer is wise to consider all of those before making the commitment. When it comes to versatility, this writer finds the Gel Fuel Ventless Fireplace the best choice because of its lower initial purchase price, no need for utility connections, small clearance, and reasonable fuel cost per burn; but most of all I like the fact that I can take it with me when I move. Ideal for apartment dwellers and small homes.

Finding The Perfect Fireplace Kit

2006-12-20T13:12:00.000+07:00

By Terry Edwards
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The term "fireplace kit" can be somewhat confusing at times. It has a few different meanings. A fireplace kit in its truest form includes the following:

-Firebox/smoke chamber

-Firebricks that you'll install with the firebox

-Cement to do all the necessary masonry work

-Fireplace damper

You will also find other accessories and installation instructions. Many fireplace kits have step-by-step detailed instructions that make it possible for the do-it-yourselfer to put it all together.

You have a choice in what type of fireplace kit you can get. The most popular is an indoor fireplace kit, but you can also purchase outdoor fireplace kits as well as wood fireplace kits.

Some of the most important aspects you'll need to decide on before installing any type of fireplace kit include:

-The location inside your home - Is it going on an outside wall, or are you planning on putting the fireplace in the middle of the room? Make sure you have strong enough support to prevent potential problems. Not every home has the support necessary, and can easily begin to slowly fall through the floor. You don't need me to describe what a scenario like that would be in the event of a burning fire.

- You'll need to install a ventilation system. Be sure that where you put the new fireplace gives you easy access to install the ventilation.

While putting together a fireplace kit may seem like a massive project at first, it really isn't. The average person who has some tools and a little home improvement experience can do this over a weekend easily.

The most difficult part of installing any fireplace kit is the work in getting it all set in place. The pieces are heavy and it can take more than one person to help. The hard work will be more than worth it though when you see the finished work. So, if you're wanting to build your own fireplace, take a serious look at a fireplace kit.

Ventless Fireplace - The Environment's Best Friend

2006-12-20T13:10:00.000+07:00

By Terry Edwards
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If you haven't taken a look at a ventless fireplace lately, you may be missing out. Contemporary ventless fireplaces have soared in popularity in recent years. Why? It's mostly due in part to their ease in setting up because there is no ductwork to deal with. It's also due to how energy efficient they are. These fireplaces disperse all the heat they generate, into your room, and not up the chimney.

Have you ever sat by a roaring fireplace, only to suddenly have smoke come rolling out? If you're like most folks then yes you have. It certainly takes a way the enjoyment a fire provides. With a ventless fireplace you don't have this concern.

How about having to constantly clean out the ashes from a wood burning fireplace? That can get old in a hurry if you use your fireplace frequently. Again, this isn't an issue with a ventless fireplace.

There are no flues to deal with, no trying to light the fire and turn the logs, along with many other issues most homeowners get tired of dealing with.

With a ventless fireplace you can put away the wood and all of these other issues, and immediately begin enjoying the warmth and coziness a fireplace provides.

Ventless fireplaces don't use wood or gas that produces smoke. They us a special jellied alcohol that burns clean. There is no smoke or smell. it is completely safe to use, and does not harm the environment in any way. Plus, it looks fantastic!

A ventless fireplace could be exactly what you've been needing. Check them out today and start enjoying fewer hassles with building a fire and more time enjoying it.

Adding A Fireplace Accessory Can Fire Up The Charm To Any Room

2006-12-20T13:08:00.000+07:00

By Terry Edwards
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By simply adding a fireplace accessory, you can dramatically add warmth and charm to any room that has a fireplace in it. Here are just a few of the many different accessories that can give you some help.

One of the most popular accessories is a fireplace screen. Of course, the main reason for using a screen is to prevent burning embers from popping out of the fire and onto your favorite rug or carpet. It also protects kids and animals from getting into the fire as well. But, they also can be used to decorate and change the ambience of the room.

Regardless of whether you actually use your fireplace or not, a beautiful screen can be a perfect addition.

Some of the most basic fireplace accessories include the tools you'll need for any wood burning fire. A poker will help move the logs around. Tongs can pick up burning logs, and a fireplace shovel and broom will aid in cleaning up ashes and keeping your fireplace clean.

You can find tools available in all different styles and materials. One of the more beautiful materials is cast iron. It brings back memories of years gone by. You can also find accessories made from chrome, pewter, nickel, polished brass, and many others as well. It's a selection that can suit any taste.

A fireplace blower can be a great solution in maximizing the heat produced from a fire and spreading it into other rooms. Instead of all your heat going into the bricks, or up the chimney, it's going out into your home where it does the most good. A fireplace insert can also help with this area as well.

Other fireplace accessories include log holders, grates, chimney caps, and even fireplace candles.

So, no matter what your tastes are, you can liven up any room by simply adding a few different accessories.

Fireplace Accessories - Things You Need

2006-12-20T13:07:00.000+07:00

By Daniel Roshard
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Fireplaces are becoming extremely popular, not so much for heating the home, but for recreational purposes. This popularity is providing an explosion of fireplace accessories, equipment and safety equipment. A visit to any home improvement store will reveal an almost mind blowing array of choices that are available for fireplaces today. So, how do you choose, how do you know what you need and what is essentially fluff?

There are some items that are a must to have if you are using a fireplace in any capacity. These fireplace accessories include; a wood cradle, heat resistant gloves, a fireplace screen and pokers to name a few. Great, now you know what you need, but what exactly are they for and how do you know which ones are the best picks for you?

A wood cradle is an important fireplace accessory if you are carrying your wood through your house before it reaches the fireplace. This nifty little device is available in a variety of styles, colors and materials. It does just as the name suggests, it is a place to store the wood until it is burned. Because it has a cradle shape, it keeps the annoying little pieces of bark that falls off of the wood from becoming embedded in the flooring that surrounds the fireplace.

The next set of essential fireplace accessories falls into the all important category of safety. When dealing with fire, safety should be the first concern. Using fireplace accessories such as gloves and pokers will help you to keep your hands, arms and fingers safe when working with the fire. While the fireplace screen keeps people, especially kids and pets a safe distance from the fire.

A good place to find a selection of fireplace accessories is at a home improvement store. They generally have a large enough assortment of supplies to give you a choice, but not so many as to confuse you. However, if you are looking for both selection and a knowledgeable staff, visit a fireplace specialty store. These stores are staffed with people who can answer any of you questions on which gloves protect the best to what kind of firewood burns hottest.

Another great way to decide which fireplace accessories interest you the most is to visit friends and family that have active fireplaces and see what they are using. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can build a fire with their tools and equipment, get a feel of working with the accessories before you purchase your own.

While burning wood and building fires is fun, please don’t neglect fireplace accessories that are used for safety reasons, these are what you will be happy you purchased when you really need them.

Personalize Your Fireplace With A Custom Fireplace Screen

2006-12-20T13:04:00.000+07:00

By Terry Edwards
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Now that winter is approaching our thoughts go towards staying warm, and a fireplace is certainly number one on the list of ways to do just that. While fireplaces are great at warming up any room, they also add a good deal of charm.

To add to that charm a custom fireplace screen provides the finishing touch to any room decor. It gives your home a unique, personal touch. In fact, a custom fireplace screen will turn your wood burning fireplace into a show piece.

Anyone can buy a mass produced fireplace screen, but a custom made screen will be made from higher quality materials and have more attention given to detail.

Of course, the main purpose of a fireplace screen is to provide protection from hot embers popping out onto the floor, or to keep kids from getting their hands in the fire. Since many fireplaces are oversized, a standard screen will not fully cover the fireplace, so a custom made screen will be built for your particular requirements.

You can also have a screen that has safety locks on it, or many other options as well. You'll be able to decide what your needs are and have it designed to fill them.

A custom fireplace screen can be made out of copper, nickel, brass, pewter, or many other materials that can match up with your homes interior features.

For anyone looking to add a personal touch to their home's fireplace, a custom screen is the best choice.

The Attraction of Antique Mantels

2006-12-20T13:02:00.000+07:00

By Richard Billington
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While you may want the authenticity of a full fireplace installation in your home, the expense of tearing out your existing fireplace completely can get remarkably high. If you are to purchase only the antique mantel, however (and many companies sell the restored mantels as separate pieces), then you can have all of the beauty of an antique fireplace without the difficulty of tearing out your existing fireplace or the expense and inconvenience of a lengthy installation.

Installing an antique mantel without the antique fireplace base is not a sacrifice of style or of anything else. This compromise between the modern and the antique is the perfect blend of function and beauty for your home. The antique mantel (they are sold from as far back as the Georgian period) will add style to your home while your modern chimney piece keeps it as safe as possible, and keeps you from dealing with having your whole living room torn apart.

Imagine the wonder of dining in front of a fireplace, just like one that Louis XVI of France may have dined before. Transport yourself back in time with your antique mantel, to any range of periods from which these fireplaces were rescued. Your fireplace mantel may have come from the home of a duke or even of a king. You may not know the exact site from which your mantelpiece has come, but you will know the period.

Each antique mantel has been lovingly restored from centuries of use. Smoke stains are cleared away and your antique fireplace mantel is revealed in all its glory, as it was when it was first created for the manor home of some long-dead lord. The wood or stone or metal of your mantel has been restored in beauty and will add a touch of the past to your home from the moment that it is installed there.

An antique fireplace can be a beautiful and unique addition to your home, but before you commit yourself to too much labor, time, and money, consider installing an antique fireplace mantel over your existing fireplace. These antique mantels are beautiful and historical, and are much easier to install and own than a full antique fireplace. If you are looking for a piece of décor that will elevate your home from average to amazing, then you are looking in the right direction to be considering an antique fireplace mantel. Bring hundreds of years of history into your home, and be delighted with the results of your antique fireplace mantel.

About The Fireplace Chimney

2006-12-20T13:01:00.000+07:00

By Daniel Roshard
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Chimneys add a lot to a house, there is a great thing about having a fireplace in your living room and a nice picturesque smoking chimney outside your house, as you drive up to your place you can see the smoke slowly raising from it, indicating that your family is in the house and that it is nice and warm inside.

Fireplaces and chimneys need to maintained and need to be secure at all times, there is absolutely no way you can make any compromises about your fire place and chimney working state and safety.

Here are a few maintenance tips and ideas for you to consider applying to your own fir fire place and chimney.

As recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (in NFPA 211), your chimney should be checked at least once a year to ensure its efficiency; that is, if you are using your fireplace on a regular basis. However, if you are only using your fireplace for 2 to 3 months a year, you can have the option to have it checked every other year.

Stove installation should be checked at least once a year to ensure that the clearances from combustible surfaces are maintained to prevent any hazard. Stove pipes are subject to high temperature so it should be checked periodically for corrosion. Replace it if corrosion level exceeds the safe zone.

If there is a need to clean your chimney, take a professional chimney sweep to do the job. You can use the opportunity that you have a professional chimney cleaner at your property and ask for some regular cleaning advise and tips, these should be adapted to your fireplace and chimney and the area in which you live, a professional would know how humid it is in your area and what kind of animals try and get into your chimney in the summer and winter.

Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not used to prevent the heat or air conditioning from escaping.

Installing a chimney cap of high quality can extend the life of your chimney. It also prevents birds, insects, and animals to nest in your chimney, the most known and popular chimney caps are made out of copper, which is an excellent metal to use for this purpose, if you need a chimney cap you should look into what kinds there are on the market.

Installing a smoke detector inside your home will provide you with some peace of mind, knowing that if anything will go wrong you will have a clear indication of it, and that you will have a practiced routine for a case that the fire alarm goes off.

Wood Fireplace Mantels Can Add Beauty To Any Room

2006-12-20T12:59:00.000+07:00

By Terry Edwards
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Wood fireplace mantels catch everyone's eye when entering a room. You immediately see the fireplace, but the fireplace mantel is what keeps your attention. I consider the mantel to be the centerpiece of the room.

The fireplace mantel is where most people place their treasured mementos. It gives off the family history so to speak. Another aspect of a mantel is that it accentuates the charm and beauty of the other furniture in the room. It gives the room a visual that is hard to describe.

Having your own mantel is not difficult. In fact, you can install one yourself if you are any kind of do it yourselfer.

Do you have carpentry skills? If so, you may want to make your own custom wood fireplace mantel.

One thing I would highly recommend when looking for what type of wood you would like to use is to pick out oak. There are so many benefits with oak. It is strong and durable, as well as extremely versatile. It goes with any room decor. Oak can bring out the warmth and beauty of any fireplace and fireplace surround.

Keep in mind that oak is not inexpensive. A good oak fireplace mantel can run anywhere from $1,000 and up. But, oak will give you a quality that will last a lifetime.

Regardless of which type of fireplace mantel you choose, safety has to be a priority. Wood is combustible, so you'll need to check your fire safety code before installation. You want to make sure it is mounted above your fireplace at the correct height, and that it's secured properly.

There is nothing that compares to oak. If you're looking to build a showpiece that will last for future generations to come, and oak fireplace mantel is the way to go.

Everything You Need To Know About Building A Fireplace

2006-12-20T12:57:00.000+07:00

Nothing is more pleasant than a warm cozy fire, especially during the wintry weather. Even though few people look for a working fireplace when they are buying a house, in truth having one greatly increase your quality of life. Unfortunately, many people do not have fireplaces, and find the cost of having one install to be prohibitive. It does not occur to them that building a fireplace is really within the means of any person, if they are willing to take the time to learn the proper method and get the right tools for the job.

Firstly you need to look for information on how to build a fireplace, this is easy as you will find it practically anywhere. From Google to self help books at your local library to any decent sized bookstore, there are a wide range of possibilities. No matter if you are just looking to build a fireplace mantle or simply need to set up the whole fireplace, there will be plans for your project readily available. But, for sure, plans are one thing, tools are another. Nowadays for those who are building a fireplace or any other home improvement project, there are tool lending libraries in almost every city. You can borrow these tools, usually without charge, anything you may need to build a fireplace.

Of all, the most difficult thing about building a fireplace is the actual building part. Sure it can be rather frightening especially if you have never done a major construction job on your home before. For instance, say suppose you are just fixing your bike, and you make a mistake, it is easy to go back and rebuild anything that you might need to. Whereas in the case if you are building a fireplace, it can be much more of a problem. If, for instance, you cut a hole in the wall that is way too big for building a fireplace, you will have to redo the whole project. You will either need to build a larger fireplace, or you will have to fill in the gap with extra bricks; either way will make much more work for you, and probably may not look quite as good. The key point here is to take time when building a fireplace. Before you attempt any step, try it out in miniature to make sure that you fully comprehend it. For instance, you could place a few bricks before you begin laying the actual fireplace. This way ensures that you can work out any kinks before they make difficult or even mess up your project.

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By Linda E. Joy