The first step in maintaining your fireplace is removing the ash. Routine chimney inspections and cleaning are also crucial in maintaining your fireplace. Always keep a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of your fireplace as well to prevent any potential hazards. If it does not seem to be drafting properly, have a professional inspect it.

Yes, most wood burning fireplace can be used for gas inserts, pellet inserts or even electric inserts.

While technologically advanced, pellet stoves are very simple to operate and user friendly. Most models feature a hopper that automatically feeds the pellets into the combustion chamber, maintaining a consistent temperature without supervision. Featuring digital displays and convenient remote features, users can set the desired temperature similar to a traditional thermostat, and trust the pellet stove will take care of the rest.

Pellet stoves run off of compressed wood or recycled biomass pellets, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood stoves. Pellet stoves burn cleaner and produce less ash, as well as require less cleaning. Pellet stoves also use electricity to power their fans and feed systems, while wood stoves do not.

Pellet fuel is comparable and often cheaper than other traditional heating sources, like oil, propane, or electricity. They are also a renewable resource because they are made from sawdust and woodchips, which contributes to long term cost savings and environmental benefits.

Routine maintenance primarily consists of emptying the ash pan and periodically cleaning the burn pot—tasks that can be quickly and easily completed. The glass will need to be cleaned so that you can enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the pellet fire.

Pellet stoves come in various sizes, plus they are thermostatically controlled. They can heat spaces as small as 1000 sq. ft. and as large as 3000 sq. ft. When selecting a pellet stove, it is crucial to consider the space’s specific heating requirements and choose a model that meets those needs. By doing so, homeowners can ensure that their pellet stoves provide adequate warmth and comfort, regardless of the heated area’s size.

To maximize fireplace efficiency and reduce heating costs, regular maintenance is essential. This includes cleaning the chimney to prevent blockages and inspecting for structural issues that could cause heat loss. Using seasoned hardwoods like oak or maple, which burn longer and produce more heat than softwoods, can significantly enhance heat output. Installing a fireplace insert can improve efficiency by up to 80%, as it circulates heated air back into the room rather than losing it through the chimney. Additionally, closing the chimney damper when the fireplace is not in use prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering, further conserving energy.

A vented log set generally has a larger, more impressive flame. In the case where you want to heat your home, the vent-free will provide more heat for your enjoyment, while providing good aesthetics, as well.

A direct vent fireplace takes combustion air from outdoors therefore it is efficient burning. It will have a beautiful flame and will always be behind a glass front. A vent free fireplace has an open flame and generally provides more heat to the house.

An insert, in the hearth industry, is a heating appliance that is installed in an existing fireplace. A log set can be installed in a fireplace but is not considered an insert. Wood burning inserts must be installed in a masonry fireplace.

There are two types of ignitions for gas logs, gas fireplaces, and stoves. A standing pilot type has a pilot that burns continuously but can be turned off out of season. The other type is an IPI which does not light until needed. 

The intermittent pilot ignition valve has an ignitor that produces flame when the valve is signaled to open. It may be more expensive but is more efficient.

Remotes can lose signal or have interference from other nearby wireless controls. A more common cause for failure to operate is that batteries must be replaced in both the remote and the receiver periodically—likely once per year.

Draft on wood burning stoves involves science. The flue must be sized according to manufacturers’ specifications. The flue must be sufficient height to be above the highest interior ceiling height. It must extend high enough to overcome any wind drafts associated with the roof or other obstacles such as nearby trees.

There are various methods to provide a little extra heat for your gathering place outdoors. A fire pit, either wood burning or gas fueled, are pleasant additions to your patio. A good choice can also be an electric infrared heater that mounts overhead or on a nearby wall. The infrared heater is a good choice because it heats you without attempting to heat the air around you.

Masonry fireplaces are expensive. There are several different types of zero-clearance fireplaces that provide the same experience as the masonry fireplaces with less money involved. These fireplaces will supply a significant amount of your heating needs and will require less wood than the conventional fireplaces.

A manufactured fireplace that is designed to burn wood and is safe to install according to specifications in a wood-framed structure is termed “zero-clearance”.

There are a couple of ways to lessen the danger of damage. One involves installing a mantle. There are non-combustible mantles that are very effective. In the case of linear gas fireplaces, there are heat kits available on some units that divert the heat to the space above your TV or other focal point.

Modern airtight controlled burn wood stoves do not need a grate like open fireplaces do. Air is introduced into the burn chamber in such a way that the fuel receives sufficient burning capacity.

Traditional fireplaces are thought of more as square, more rustic timeless look with logs. Contemporary fireplaces are more likely linear with a modern sleek look and may have media other than logs.

Yes, a firebox can be incorporated into your home and be aesthetically pleasing.

Yes, a millivolt gas valve requires no outside power source. The remote is battery-powered.

Yes, there are several open-front fireplaces that provide a full view of the fire and are zero-clearance. 

Some key features are a high-quality grill with stainless steel grates, a good-quality refrigerator, possibly a small sink, and a large, good-quality burner. Blaze grills have many very high-quality features.