For Additional Information
Buck Stove Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.buckstovecorp.com Fireplace Products Intl. Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . .www.regency-fire.com Gas Products Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . .www.gasproductscompany.com Harman Stove Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harmanstoves.com Heat-N-Glo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.heatnglo.com Lennox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.lennoxhearthproducts.com Napoleon Fireplaces . . . . . . . . . . .www.napoleonfireplaces.com Robert H. Peterson Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rhpeterson.com Temco Fireplace Prod. . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.temcofireplaces.com Vermont Castings, Majestic Products . .www.majesticproducts.com
inches, depending on the type of stove.
If you haven’t visited a hearth retailer recently, you owe it to yourself to check out the wide variety of sizes and styles of freestanding gas stoves. The appliances can be constructed of steel, stone or cast iron, with porcelain enamel finishes and high-temperature paint in an array of colors to match your décor. Available styles include contemporary, colonial, traditional, mission, art deco, early American, French country and many others. Brushed metals and high gloss porcelain enamel in dozens of colors are frequent desig n elemen ts on gas stoves, while granite, marble or soapstone panels add textural interest.
nance costs also should be factored into your hearth appli- ance purchasing decision. Ultimately, though, adding to the beauty, comfort, style and value of your home begins with the selection of a new gas hearth appliance.
The amount of heat output and level of ornateness of appliances can vary widely, so matching a hearth appliance to its intended use is important. Do you want to watch a pretty fire, heat part of your house or both?
“What’s better than turning on a gas log or fireplace with the flip of the switch to have great ambience?”
Freestanding Stoves
For increased energy efficiency in your home and the am- bience of a cozy fire, a freestanding gas stove is a perfect fit.
A versatile freestanding gas stove can be installed in nearly any room for added warmth on a cold winter’s day, which would allow you to lower the thermostat in the rest of the house. Living rooms, kitchens and other gathering places are especially conducive to the warmth of a free- standing gas stove.
Advanced burner technology has helped manufacturers develop gas stoves that feature large, dancing yellow flames and glowing red embers that closelyresemble a wood fire. In- tricately molded and hand-painted logs that look like fresh-cut wood also improve this authentic “wood-like” appearance.
existing chimney, though a flue liner or other modification may be necessary. Vent-free natural gas and propane fireplace inserts require no chimney or flue modification.
Manufactured gas log sets can be installed into existing fireplaces with few modifications except the addition of a gas line. Log sets are a popular way to upgrade wood-burning fire- places so homeowners don’t have to purchase wood, store it, scoop out ash and try to coax a fire out of reluctant logs on a cold day. Gas logs — which realistically mimic a wood flame and glowing embers — are designed to mimic actual wood and are available in many varieties, including oak, birch, man- zanita, pine, and walnut.
Gas stoves, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and log sets offer a wide range of control options, including manual controls, remotes, wall thermostats and remote thermostats. Most offer blowers to help circulate the heat more efficiently. Gas inserts and log sets can provide an alternative to existing wood-burn- ing fireplaces without the hassle of logs. Gas stoves, fireplaces, inserts and log sets can burn either natural gas or propane.
“Owning a gas hearth appliance isn’t as expensive as homeowners think it is — especially if they have gas on site,” Wheeler says.
Anytime Installation
Although many gas hearth products are installed in new con- struction or as part of a remodeling project, that doesn’t have to be the case. Depending on the model you choose, the heat generated and local building codes, gas hearth appliances are appropriate for every room in the house — even bathrooms and kitchens. Be sure to have an experienced hearth installer put in your gas log set or fireplace.
If you’re thinking of addinghearth appliances as part of new
Freestanding stoves are the most versa- tile hearth product and are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and styles for diverse decorating tastes. Stoves heat quickly, and many feature ceramic glass view- ing areas to offer a glimpse of flames.
In areas that experience power outages dur- ing the winter, a freestanding gas stove can give you piece of mind by being able to heat at least part of the house should an outage occur.
Stoves are classified by the way they are vented — top vent, direct vent or vent-free. Within these classifications you can find a wide range of available sizes and heating capabilities. Gas stoves can range from small to extremely large, but choosing a size is based more on the amount of heat the stove needs to generate. One key to se- lecting the right stove is determining the desired heat level in the rooms that will require heat. A gas stove must be installed a specific distance away from combustible materials such as drapes and doors, but that distance can be as little as four
home construction or remodeling, your architect or builder can help you determine the best location in each room for an appliance. A specialty hearth retailer is your best resource to show you the variety of products available, discuss your heating needs and help you make the best choice
based on your appliance preferences, decorating goals and budget.
Before actually purchasing a hearth appliance, you should assess your needs and do a little homework to narrow your choices. In addition to a building professional or specialty retailer, you can find a wealth of ideas on the Internet or in the fall/winter issues of home and lifestyle magazines.
The first consideration should be where an ap- pliance will be located. Another factor should be how the unit will be used. Operating and mainte-
10naturalLiving ❙ Fal - Winter | naturalLiving ❙ Fal - Winter11 |
