As the weather gets warmer and we begin to rely less on our fireplaces, discussion around a replacement or upgrade may seem unnecessary. However, the best time to overhaul your beloved fireplace, hearth, or gas stove, is when you aren’t actively using them.
The less time between your heating source replacement, the better! Use this warm spell to upgrade, maintain, or invest in a trusty fireplace.
Those with fireplaces know upkeep is important. And at Hearth & Patio, we’ve been committed to providing new, and replacing, fireplaces and stoves for over 30 years. Here’s how you’ll know if you may be in need of a replacement.
Time For Replacement
Gas fireplaces, if installed properly, can typically have a lifetime of 10 to 15 years. Though, if the installation wasn’t quality, if maintenance hasn’t been consistent, or if you use your fireplace often, your fireplace may be due for a replacement earlier.
With a newer model gas fireplace, as those Hearth and Patio offers, replacement generally goes much easier. Newer installations are designed to have parts upgraded and replaced, making upkeep a much easier process.
Whatever the case, if your fireplace isn’t working like it used to, it’s time for a replacement.
Factors That Impact Replacement
If you’re eyeing a replacement there are two things you need to consider – how your gas fireplace is used and what kind of fireplace it is.
Fireplaces you rely on for heating during the colder months are going to have more wear because of the level of use, especially when compared to fireplaces that are used more for decorative purposes.
Learning About Your Gas Fireplace
The first gas fireplace is thought to have been invented as far back as 1895. In an effort to keep homes warm without the ash and soot associated with regular fires, people heated a cast iron carcass, generating heat and inventing the first gas fireplace.
We’ve come a long way since 1895, with the sophistication of design, function, and form, creating fireplaces to be proud of. Gas fireplaces like the White Mountain Hearth (The Rushmore Direct-Vent) show the ability to innovate and create real authentic fireplace looks.
That innovation has given us a lot to learn about, so It’s important to understand the parts and terms related to many modern gas fireplaces if you’re in the market for one.
Gas Fire Screen
A gas fire screen is very similar to a screen used for conventional fireplaces. Its purpose, however, is much different. Traditional screens are designed to keep sparks and burning logs inside the fireplace as a way to keep your house safe and the fire contained. Gas fire screens are designed for nearly the opposite, as a way to keep flammable objects outside of the fireplace. This ensures your gas fire can continue functioning safely, without interference.
Vented Vs. Ventless
When looking to buy a gas fireplace two terms you’ll run into are “vented” and “ventless.” Both options have an impact on how your fireplace will function so understanding the difference is important when making a decision.
Vented
Vented logs best emulate the feel of real log fireplaces. They rely on a flue and chimney, which means they also produce carbon monoxide. Their reliance on a chimney means that they are easily installed in existing fireplaces, making use of the features already in your home.
Their flames are often considered to look like a wood-burning fire, rivaling the look of any cozy fireplace you can imagine, and they have multiple options for woods and finishes, making sure they’re compatible with any home decor.
There are a few other things to know before you’re all in on a vented fireplace. Because the energy is diffused through a chimney or flue, you’ll receive less heat, which also ties into an overall higher energy cost than their ventless counterparts.
Simply put, those who choose vented are choosing an appearance and ambiance instead of efficiency.
Ventless
Ventless fireplaces are perfect for those looking for another source of heat for their home in the winter. They don’t rely on a chimney or flue, meaning those without chimneys have an option.
One huge bonus of not having a chimney or flue is that all the heat and energy generated is kept inside your home, providing warm rooms at less cost.
This option is also more affordable than vented, so if you favor practicality, you should check out ventless fireplaces.
Options Outside of Gas
At Hearth & Patio, we aren’t just limited to gas fireplaces. And while gas fireplaces offer a wide array of benefits, fluctuations in gas costs can keep some buyers away. Nearly half of homes built have some fireplace option, so it’s very important you know which one works for you.
Because we understand that no option is right for every customer, we carry and install a range of fireplaces, including electric fireplaces and traditional, wood-burning fireplaces, each with its own benefits.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces share many similarities with the ventless gas fireplace listed above.
Two of the biggest bonuses they share are an easier install and their lack of requirement for a chimney.
The bonuses that set electric fireplaces apart are plenty. Electric fireplaces take up less space than alternatives and are safer than many other fireplace options. They require less maintenance, cost less to heat, and are also among the most eco-friendly fireplace options.
Electric fireplaces can often appear the most modern and sleek of all the fireplace systems. The Dimplex Opti-myst® Pro 1000 Built-in Electric Firebox creates a realistic 3-dimensional flame effect and looks like it came from the future. With remote options, authentic crackling sound (that’s adjustable by remote), and customizable flame width, it shows the versatility and modernization of electric fireplaces.
While they don’t provide the same ambiance as other options, for the economical person they’re a great choice. Check out Hearth & Patio electric fireplace options to see if one would look great in your home.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
We’ve talked a lot about ambiance and appearance when discussing what a fireplace can bring to your home. The classic wood-burning fireplace trumps all others when it comes to the coziness and the feel it can bring to your space.
While installation proves to be one of the most difficult, for the right person, the reward is unmatched.
Traditional, open-style fireplaces typically lose a ton of heat, making them impractical and unsafe. Hearth & Patio offers three great options for wood-burning fireplaces, with stove components that maximize and diffuse heat for maximum comfort.
Take for example the Classic Bay 1200 Pellet Insert, with a bay-like window that casts the fire around any sized room. Hosting a patented feed system, easy-clean firepot, and EPA certification, it shows just what a top-of-the-line wood-burning fireplace can do.
These stoves also conceal the flames and logs, providing a level of safety and comfort necessary when one has an open flame in their fireplace.
Hearth & Patio Commitment To Customers
Upgrading your home with a big project, or sinking more money into a replacement, is never an easy process. Having professionals that are dedicated to the customer is a necessary step if you want to come away happy with the final product.
At Hearth & Patio, we understand that an investment in a new fireplace system can be intimidating. We feel we have a responsibility to exceed the customer’s expectations. Check out the customer testimonials to see how we’ve been doing just that for 30 years.
We offer an easy-to-use financing option, allowing you to shop as quickly as possible following a fast online application.
If any of the fireplace replacements or systems seem right for your home and family, don’t hesitate, shop with Hearth & Patio today!
