The luxury of comfortably sitting by the hearth in Chantilly is one that everyone should be able to enjoy; however, this luxury comes with hidden consequences if you burn wood in your fireplace . Fortunately there are several other kinds of fireplaces that can provide the aesthetics and outdoor heating you are looking for. Here is a brief overview of some of the alternatives to wood-burning fireplaces.

Gas

Wood-burning fireplaces present a number of hazards and drawbacks that other types of fireplaces do not; in addition to the fact that they hurt the environment by contributing to global warning, they also create toxic smoke that is harmful if inhaled. If you are really in love with the look of a traditional fireplace but not in love with the threats they pose, a gas fireplace may be the right choice for your home . Gas log fireplaces are safe and effective alternatives that can be just as aesthetically pleasing as their traditional counterparts. They are composed of gas burner modules and gas logs, which are made to look indistinguishable from real wood. These fireplaces are not completely infallible as they do produce small amounts of pollution, but the smoke is directed through a vent and out of the house; they are much less harmful to the environment than wood burning fireplaces.

Alcohol Gel

Individuals who place a heavy emphasis on aesthetic appeal over warmth and function may gravitate towards alcohol gel fireplaces. This type of unit can replicate the sounds and scents of a traditional fireplace, and different scents are available for purchase. Odorless fuel is also an option for those who do not enjoy the classic fireplace aroma.

Electric Insert

If you are especially concerned with your carbon footprint and environmental impact, an electric fireplace might suit your needs. Unlike gas and alcohol gel fireplaces, this type does not create any pollution at all. It is powered by electricity and newer models can create realistic looking flames with the help of advanced lighting technology. Electric insert fireplaces are also likely to enjoy a substantially longer working life than gas fireplaces.

If you recently installed a new fireplace near Chantilly , it’s important to keep up with maintenance so that it looks and performs well for years to come. At Home Living Fireplaces, we have more than 45 years of experience in fireplace installation, maintenance, and service. In this article we will take a look at some of the most important maintenance tips to follow. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an annual inspection, please give us a call for more information.

Remove Buildup

Some gas fireplaces experience debris buildup. Ceramic logs, in particular, have been known to slowly deteriorate, which clogs vents. If the outside chimney is cracked or the mortar joints are falling apart, moisture can enter the chimney, which causes the flue tiles to break and fall into the hearth. To reduce the chances of this happening, have the fireplace thoroughly cleaned once per year—inside and out.

Test Functionality

Over time, the equipment in a gas fireplace might start to show signs of deterioration. This is why it is important to have the valves and connections inspected regularly for leaks. The thermopile, thermocouple, and logs should be checked to be sure they are in correct placement and in working condition. If you ever turn the switch of your gas fireplace on, and notice that the pilot light is on but that the fireplace doesn’t ignite, turn it off right away. This indicates a malfunction that should be handled by a fireplace service professional.

Inspect Ventilation

Gas fireplaces burn clean, so they never create any creosote or soot buildup in the chimney. But the ventilation still needs to be inspected annually, because moisture problems can cause a serious safety hazard due to improper ventilation.

Follow Safety Precautions

Only clean your gas fireplace after it has cooled down sufficiently. Wiping down the fireplace glass door with a damp cloth while the unit is hot can crack the glass. Install a carbon monoxide detector next to your fireplace so that you know ahead of time if there is a malfunction that could potentially be life-threatening.

Although traditional wood-burning fireplaces add luxury and comfort, they aren’t very efficient. That’s because fireplaces pull warm air out of the room and into the fire, and most of that energy is lost up the chimney and through the material that surrounds it. A fireplace insert is basically a fireproof box surrounded by steel or cast iron and fronted by insulated glass. This closed combustion system is much more efficient at zone heating than gas, propane, and wood-burning fireplaces. Here are some important things to know when shopping for fireplace inserts in Chantilly.

Fuel Source

Fireplace inserts can be powered by electricity, gas, propane, wood, or coal. Electric fireplace inserts are the simplest types of inserts on the market, but gas and propane offer more control and better efficiency. A gas fireplace insert typically generates between 25,000 and 40,000 BTUs of heat, which is enough to comfortable heat a medium-sized room.

Venting System

The majority of fireplace inserts feature gas venting systems that exhaust vertically or horizontally. For new installation, a concentric pipe with an inner liner and air space between the inner and outer liner that brings combustion air to the fireplace; for fireplace conversions, a co-linear vent system that incorporates two smaller flexible liners. These venting systems eliminate many draft issues that plague traditional fireplaces.

Optional Features

A fireplace liner greatly improves zone heating and efficiency, but there are optional features that can provide even greater comfort and convenience. Blowers, heat exchangers, and thermostats can be used in conjunction with gas and propane fireplace inserts to provide greater warmth and provide you with more control over your comfort level.

Gas and propane fireplace inserts are a terrific way to convert an ordinary fireplace into an efficient and attractive space heater. You can work with a fireplace designer in Chantilly for additional design options that will give your fireplace insert a unique look.