Our Company Blog

Choose Natural Gas to Heat Your Home

The use of natural gas as a fuel to heat homes has become increasingly popular in recent years. As of 2008, over 70 percent of homes are built with gas heaters such as gas furnaces. If your home has access to a natural gas fuel line and you still utilize an alternate source of fuel, consider switching to natural gas. Natural gas offers several advantages over fuels like wood, coal, electricity or propane, including financial savings, less damage to the environment and the home, and fewer safety risks.

Natural gas offers the highest energy efficiency of any type of fuel, which results in big savings compared to using other fuel options. In 2013, natural gas cost 59 percent less than propane to heat a home and 67 percent less than electricity. Additionally, natural gas furnaces can function with up to 98 percent efficiency, meaning they burn up to 98 percent of the fuel. On the other hand, heating units with any other type of fuel function at 87 percent efficiency at best.

In addition to financial savings, another benefit of natural gas heating the limited damage it causes to the home and the environment. The new pilot-less furnaces offer countless options for home placement and natural gas furnaces will last up to twice as long as furnaces that use any other type of fuel. Natural gas furnaces also create the fewest emissions compared to other fuels, which helps protect the environment. The exhaust primarily contains water vapor and a small amount of carbon dioxide, which cuts the carbon emissions by 40 percent when compared to heating oil furnaces. Also, natural gas is non-toxic and will not contaminate soil or groundwater. Conversely, heating oil must be stored in a tank and could leak, causing serious damage to nearby groundwater and soil.

Using natural gas means the homeowner can count on a consistent, constant supply of heating fuel. Oftentimes, other fuel sources rely on a regular delivery of the fuel such as a new tank of heating oil or another cord of wood. These deliveries are usually reliable, but when they come late, it can be devastating. New York winters are notoriously harsh and running out of fuel could create a dangerous situation for the family and could cause water pipes to freeze and burst. Natural gas is supplied through a pipe running underground directly from the source to the home, meaning the fuel supply is instant and always available.

If your home has access to these natural gas lines and you have not tapped into their potential yet, consider a natural gas furnace to heat your home. Natural gas furnaces have the highest efficiency of all fuel types, the lowest emissions, and the fuel is always available. You can call Beach Stove and Fireplace if you live near Westhampton Beach, New York to speak with a professional about having a natural gas furnace installed in your home.

Outdoor Patio Heaters Enhance Any Outdoor Entertaining Event

For people who love warm weather, being outdoors and enjoying the summer is the best part of the year. In New York, summer tends to come to an end more quickly than most people want and the chilly weather inevitably sets in. To combat the invasion of cool fall weather, an outdoor patio heater makes an ideal addition to your outdoor area. There are several types of outdoor patio heaters on the market, and the type of heater you choose depends on the space that requires heating.

What is an Outdoor Patio Heater?

An outdoor patio heater is used to heat up an outdoor area and comes in different styles and sizes to suit the space. Different types of outdoor patio heaters include standing gas heaters, portable electric heaters and overhear infrared heaters.

Standing gas heaters are a common type of heater and are often referred to as “mushroom” or “umbrella” heaters due to the metal dome at the top of the heater design to direct heat downward. These heaters stand between six and seven feet tall and heat a four to five foot radius around the unit. Most heaters have a gas tank in the base to power the unit.

Another type of outdoor patio heater is the portable electric heater. These handy heaters produce heat rapidly upon being turned on and do produce some light, which may serve as a benefit in some outdoor spaces.

The third type of outdoor patio heater is the overhead infrared heater. These units can be built into the ceiling or mounted on a wall, so they don’t take up floor or table space. In addition, these units offer improved safety, because their overhead nature prevents contact with skin and combustibles as compared to other types of heaters. The infrared energy used to power these heaters emits very little visible light – a plus for some outdoor spaces.

Who Needs an Outdoor Patio Heater?

Anyone with an outdoor space that could use some warming up can benefit from the addition of an outdoor heater. Some outdoor spaces – depending on the size and use – can better utilize a standing gas heater, an electric heater or an overhead infrared heater.

Standing gas heaters serve medium to large sized outdoor spaces the best. They require some clearance, particularly from potentially combustible materials, so more space is better. Popular in large personal patio settings, these make suitable options for residential gatherings or more intimate evenings in the backyard. Standing gas heaters are also common in outdoor patios in restaurants, giving them commercial uses as well.

Electric heaters perform well in small spaces, so they best suit small, residential outdoor patios. Because they do not emit any gases that need continuous air flow, three-season rooms or other indoor/outdoor spaces can benefit from electric heaters as well.

Overhead infrared heaters serve every type of space well. From small backyard decks to large restaurant patios or outdoor banquets, these heaters ensure a warm experience, even late into an autumn night. These heaters can meet both residential and commercial needs.

How Can I Get an Outdoor Patio Heater for my Space?

Outdoor patio heaters can bring life and contentment to an otherwise cold, uncomfortable area, but choosing the right heater for your space can feel a little intimidating. Guidance from an expert in the business can ease any fears and answer any questions you may have. If you live in the Westhampton Beach, New York area, contact Beach Stove and Fireplace to receive a professional consultation.

The Science of Combustion

Have you ever wondered about the process going on inside your chimney? Learn here about how burning happens.

Gas Logs F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Logs

At Beach Stove & Fireplace we find that gas log sets continue to be a bestseller for us. Our customers love them for their ease of installation and ease of use. Plus, gas logs are better, warmer, and more realistic-looking than ever. Still, that doesn’t mean that people don’t come into our showroom with plenty of questions about whether gas logs are right for them, as opposed to all the other options out there. With more than 12 years invested in our Westhampton Beach, New York, business, we now consider ourselves pros at weighing the pros and cons of different heating options for our customers, with concern given to everything from budget to heat, ambiance to safety.

Have questions about whether or not gas logs are right for you? We hope our FAQ may be of some help:

You have questions about switching to gas logs and we have answers.

What are the advantages of gas logs?

Most of our customers who prefer gas logs do so because they’re much easier to deal with than wood, which needs to be chopped or purchased, hauled inside, and then scooped out after the fire has died. Gas logs also allow you to turn off your fire when you go to bed or leave home, instead of waiting for the fire to go out naturally. Plus, many types of gas log sets can be activated by a remote control. You also should not have to have your chimney cleaned annually if you use only gas logs in your fireplace.

Can I install gas logs in my existing gas or wood-burning fireplace?

Gas logs actually aren’t safe to install in gas fireplaces. Instead gas logs are made to install in wood-burning fireplaces as a way to convert them to gas. It is very important to follow all installation rules so as not asphyxiate yourself or put yourself at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. If your existing fireplace was designed to burn wood, there’s a good chance that you will be able to burn gas logs in it.

What is the difference between vented and vent-free gas logs?

Vented gas logs require the use of a chimney and a fully functioning wood-burning fireplace to operate safely while vent-free (ventless) logs can be installed in either a wood-burning fireplace or a fireplace specially designed for ventless gas logs. Ventless gas logs create more heat, but vented gas logs look more realistic.

How much do gas logs cost to burn?

The cost will vary greatly depending on which type of fuel you use—liquid propane or natural gas—as well as the BTU rating of your gas logs, but by most accounts you will spend between 55 cents and $1.15 per hour to use your gas logs. The national average cost of natural gas is about half the cost of propane.

Live in the Westhampton Beach or the Long Island area and have questions about gas logs? Beach Stove & Fireplace is here to serve you. Reach us at (631) 998-0780.

Bioethanol: Saving Energy

The Benefits Of Bioethanol Products

Beach Stove and Fireplace carries hearth appliances  that burn all types of fuels — wood-burning products , gas products and pellet-burning products included. But your home or your preferences might make more traditional combustion appliances a poor fit for you. If that’s the case, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace — we can show you a variety of Bioethanol fireplaces and burners that’ll work perfectly even if your heating appliance installation options are highly limited.

There are many different ways to save energy around the home. Installing a bioethanol fireplace is a fantastic start.

How Do Bioethanol Products Work?

When you use a Bioethanol fireplace, you’re still having a real fire — you’re just using a liquid fuel that burns efficiently and cleanly, with no smoke or sparks. The renewable fuel is made from agricultural by-products, and you can refill as you need to.

A Few Reasons You Might Want A Bioethanol Fireplace Or Burner

Your Installation Options Are Limited

Wood-burning and vented gas fireplaces need to be attached to a chimney, so that chimney can vent the harmful byproducts of their fuels’ combustion out of your home. But for some people, installing a fireplace just isn’t an option — maybe you’re in an apartment or condo that doesn’t leave you space or access for the chimney installation, or the condo board doesn’t allow wood- or gas-burning units. Maybe you want to add a hearth appliance to an interior room that, location-wise, makes a chimney installation complicated or impossible. When your installation options are limited, a bioethanol fireplace can solve your problems — these don’t need a flue or a chimney, so you can have them installed just about anywhere you want.

You’re Looking More For Ambiance Than Heat

While bioethanol fireplaces do provide some heat, it’s not the kind of heat you’ll expect from a wood, gas or pellet unit. So if you’re really not looking for heat — either because you don’t need auxiliary heating, or because you want to enjoy the look of your fireplace year-round — bioethanol units can provide vibrant orange flames and cozy moods with a minimal amount of heat.

You’re Looking For Low To No Maintenance

Wood-burning fireplaces are beautiful, but they require a fairly decent amount of work, from collecting and storing fuel to building fires and cleaning up after them — along with the regular professional maintenance they require. Gas units ask for less maintenance, but there’s still work (and regular chimney inspections) involved. If what you really want is the vibe of a real fire with minimal upkeep, bioethanol can be a great choice — these are maintenance free, so you won’t be cleaning up ash or calling to schedule for costly repairs.

Those are just a few of the reasons we think bioethanol products are great. If you think a new bioethanol fireplace might be right for your place – or if you’re thinking about any other kind of hearth product – stop by our showroom in Westhampton Beach, or give Beach Stove and Fireplace a call!

What is a Pellet Stove?

It’s not really new, but some might say it’s hot right now. Interest in wood pellet heat is growing once again as oil prices keep hovering above $3 per gallon. While pellet stoves require up front costs and cannot be used as a sole heating source, the savings are substantial and allow consumers to cut their overall energy usage and costs. We urge you to continue reading to see why adding a pellet stove or insert to your home could be a huge money saver in terms of your future heating costs.

Today you can choose from a new generation of wood- and pellet-burning appliances that are cleaner burning, more efficient, and powerful enough to heat many average-sized, modern homes.

Why Should I Choose a Pellet Stove?

In colder climates, heating costs account for approximately one-third of a homeowner’s annual utility bill, which is why many are seeking thriftier ways to stay warm and toasty. Freestanding pellet stoves and inserts that fit inside an existing fireplace are an increasingly popular solution for homeowners. Pellet stoves create a tiny fraction of the ash produced by an older wood-burning stove or fireplace, so cleaning s much less frequent. If used daily, you’d probably find yourself emptying the ashpan once a week.

How Does a Pellet Stove Work?

Pellet stoves and inserts look like traditional wood stoves but operate more like a modern furnace. You need only fill the stove’s hopper with pellets made from compacted sawdust, set its thermostat, sit back, and get cozy. A mechanical auger deposits the pellets into a burn pot, where they are incinerated at such a high temperature that they create no vent-clogging creosote and very little ash or emissions, which keeps both indoor and outdoor air cleaner. The best part is that they are about twice as efficient at warming your home as older wood stoves that have not been certified by the EPA and are vastly more efficient than fireplaces.

Is a Pellet Stove a Good Option for my Home?

Depending on your home’s size and layout, a pellet stove could supplement the current heating system or be used as the sole source. And, despite its workhorse reputation, pellet stoves come in a variety of designs to complement any interior style. Unless you’re comfortable with cutting holes in your house for the venting, however, it is best to leave the installation to a professional. Pipes can run horizontally out an exterior wall, vertically through the roof, or up the chimney if adding an insert.

Pellet stoves are a great way to heat your home. The beauty of a fire, with the added advantages of a pellet stove, mainly better efficiency. With the fluctuating costs of home heating oil, a new pellet stove or insert might very well pay for itself in one winter. Depending on the particular model or style of the unit you select, you could own a pellet stove and the pellet fuel to heat your home for the winter for less than half the price of heating oil.

Whether you prefer the convenience of shopping online or would rather get up close and personal with your potential new pellet stove or insert, Beach Stove & Fireplace has you covered. Want to know more about a product or see and feel it for yourself? Simply call us at (631) 998-0780 or stop in and see us today.

Keeping Water out of Your Chimney and Fireplace

Perhaps the best thing you can do to extend the life of your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney is to keep water out of it. As you can imagine, because of its location, there is no part of your home that is as subject to driving rains and wind pressure as your chimney. Of course, condensation may also cause water to collect within your chimney, and chimneys are especially vulnerable to condensation because water vapor is a component of flue gases.

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. All plants and animals must have water to live. Your chimney, on the other hand, can be destroyed by water intrusion.

Water can get into even the tiniest cracks and go on to wreak the worst havoc on your chimney—damaging everything from the top of your chimney (cap or damper) on down (mortar crown, flashing), and into your chimney’s interior (liner) and finally reaching your heating appliance. This is why your chimney requires an annual inspection. Each year a professional needs to check it for leaks, blockages, and damaged components.

Help—There’s Water in My Fireplace!

If you find water in your fireplace or stove, something is wrong. Likewise, if you hear the sound of rainwater dripping down your chimney, your chimney and heating system need attention. Never attempt use a fireplace or stove that appears to be collecting water. It is no longer safe for use.

Both gas and wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, as well as outdoor hearths, will show signs of premature age because of water exposure. Water has also been shown to greatly compromise the efficiency and safety of these appliances.

There are a number of ways to keep water out of your fireplace and to prevent it from entering in the future, including:

• Installation of a chimney cap or top-sealing damper
• Repair of faulty chimney crown or chimney flashing
• Masonry repair to remedy hairline cracks, incompletely filled mortar joints, and other flaws
• Professional masonry waterproofing

Located in Westhampton Beach, New York, Beach Stove and Fireplace can be counted on to install your fireplace or stove correctly so that you can enjoy it with complete confidence. We’ll also make sure that you have all the needed components to keep water out of your appliance so that it will perform well for you for the long haul and be eligible for any applicable warranties. Contact us today.

Thinking About an Insert?

We know you love a roaring fire on a chilly night. We also know you may be really tired of chopping, carrying and purchasing fire wood. You may also be worried about missing the sights and sounds of a fire.  The thing is, some of these inserts are strikingly realistic.  The professionals at Beach Stove and Fireplace can help you in choosing the perfect fit for you and your home.

Do inserts create heat?

Fuel options for an insert include wood, propane or pellet. Call us with questions…we are here to help!

To most people’s surprise, an insert can create a significant amount of heat – and the heat is consistent and evenly distributed.  There are many types of inserts that you can get, the first being a wood-burning insert, which is basically a wood stove without legs.  This can fit inside of the fireplace you already have and still burn real logs.  You can also get a pellet insert which is a type of prefabricated convection heater that you pour pellets into to create a fire instead of logs.  The best part is that these pellets are made of recycled materials.

The newer types of gas inserts are much different than old decorative fireplaces.  Today’s gas inserts use propane or natural gas, fake logs, and other decorative pieces.  They can be installed in any type of fireplace and vented thorough an existing chimney.  These are the easiest inset to use because they require very little maintenance.  They also run off a switch, so it is easier to control the fire.  To learn more about the installation process, click here.

Does it cost a lost to switch over?

When you buy the insert it may seem a little pricey but always remember you’ll be saving money each day in lower energy costs. Even though the initial cost of an insert may be high, it has been estimated that you could save hundreds of dollars a year on fuel prices.

Fire Up the Fire Pit

After the origin of controlled fire, you have to believe that the creation of fire pits followed shortly thereafter.  And now here you sit with an empty backyard, with the exception of a grill and/or some outdoor furniture on your patio.  Now is as good a time as any to add that fire pit you’ve been thinking about since last summer.  Fire pits have become increasingly popular in recent years—they’re the #1 requested backyard design feature according to the American Society of Landscape Architects—and the trend shows no signs of losing steam.

Setting the Tone in your Backyard

Make sure all family members know basic fire safety, particularly children.

Keep in mind that fire pits don’t take up a lot of space, and combined with their functionality, can be featured almost anywhere in unlimited shapes and sizes.  The warmth and joy that radiates from the open fire can make parties, intimate gatherings, and simple marshmallow roasts the most sought-after and enjoyable activities of the spring, summer, and autumn months.  However, fire pits are wrought with dangers, and to ensure everyone’s safety, there are important safety tips every fire pit owner should know.

Fire Pit Safety Basics

As with any situation involving fire, there are many safety measures homeowners can take to ensure that you and yours remain safe.  The following safety protocols are a good jumping off point:

• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand for any accidental burns.
• Don’t light a fire in windy conditions.  One stray spark can cause a large fire in no time.
• Don’t light a fire if a fire warning has been issued in your area.
• Don’t allow children to light or play near the fire.  Closely supervise children at all times around your fire pit.
• Always use seasoned wood and kindling to light your fire.  Avoid using soft woods (e.g., pine or cedar) because they can pop and throw sparks.  Do NOT use accelerants (e.g., gasoline, lighter fluid, or alcohol) or trash to light a fire.
• Put out the fire completely before leaving the pit unattended or before going inside for the evening.  Even the smallest fire can become a large fire quickly; as such, embers should be completely extinguished.
• Safely dispose of all ashes.

Fire Pit Positioning

You should set up your fire pit in an area that is well away (at least 10 feet) from adjacent walls or building overhangs.  You’ll also want to make sure the area is free of combustible materials and on a noncombustible surface.  Move all outdoor furniture at least 3 feet away from the fire pit as well.  Keep an eye out for low-hanging branches and drooping power lines overhead, and place the pit well clear of them.

Fire pits are very popular, but you need to keep fire pit safety in mind when using one.  The tips listed in this blog will help you get the most out of your enjoyable outdoor addition and reduce the likelihood of injury and/or damage to your property.  The professionals at Beach Stove & Fireplace are ever ready to meet and exceed your expectations.  Give us a call (631-998-0780) or contact us via our website to see how we can assist you with all of your outdoor living projects.

Making the Switch to Gas

Converting to Gas

You have a wood-burning fireplace that you would love to use more often, but it is so inconvenient for you to operate. You forget about opening the damper, and smoke gets in your house, leaving you with a gigantic mess to clean, along with the normal ash residue that you get from burning a wood fire. Not to mention bringing in the firewood, and the heat and energy you lose with a wood-burning fireplace — is there any way you can easily convert that wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace? If you already have natural gas heating in your home, it is simple and relatively inexpensive to convert to a gas fireplace with a gas insert. Beach Stove & Fireplace can assist you in this conversion from selection of your insert to its installation, so contact us today to get started on your new gas fireplace insert.

According to a Washington Post article, “How To: Convert a fireplace to natural gas,” while a true gas fireplace insert eliminates the possibility of having an open fire, the positive is you do not have any of the worries of an open fire. More energy-efficient than any fire in a fireplace, you can leave this fire running for as long as you want. Your fire chamber will be sealed, and all the combustion air is piped in, and the exhaust air piped out. Also, the glass doors on your fireplace will always be shut. Gas fireplace inserts are so much more energy-efficient that the Environmental Protection Agency offers incentives to consumers for buying certain brands and types of inserts.

Not only will you be converting your old wood-burning fireplace to gas, but you will also be completely renovating its appearance. When you see the different options of styles and looks of gas fireplace inserts that Beach Stove & Fireplace has to offer you, you will not believe the gorgeous choices available to you. We carry many different brands, from Kozy Heat Fireplaces to Regency Fireplace Products. Taking a look at these inserts gives you a whole new perspective on converting to gas as now you can reimagine your living space in an entirely new way.

While the wow factor of the appearance is important, it is worth repeating how much energy you will save when you convert your wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace with an insert. The overall efficiency of your fireplace will be increased up to 75%! And, controlling your fireplace with a remote control is an out-of-this-world experience. If you are ready to convert to gas, contact Beach Stove & Fireplace today. Our experienced sales professionals are ready to guide you through your purchase, and our NFI-certified, in-house installers are here to install your insert, with a one-year labor warranty on all installation work.