381-8 Old Riverhead Road

Westhampton Beach, NY

Tel. 631-998-0780

Hours: Tues. - Thur. 9am to 3pm / Fri. 9am to 12pm (or by appt.) / Sat. - Mon. Closed

Our Company Blog

Choosing a Fuel Source: Finding the Right Fuel for Your Needs

When it comes to maintaining and enjoying your fireplace, it’s important to select the fuel source that best meets your needs. There are several options available, all of which offer different levels of effort and maintenance, and ultimately, different benefits.

Being informed is the most important step you can take before selecting the fuel source for your fireplace; here’s the lowdown on the different types of fuel sources available, as well as a few benefits and drawbacks they present homeowners.

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Traditional Firewood

There’s nothing quite like a wood crackling fire. The atmosphere created by burning wood logs in your fireplace is associated with comfort, coziness and relaxation.

The glow and crackle of a fire is something we can all appreciate. No other option offers the signature fireplace experience that is offered by wood logs.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to choosing this fuel source.
Burning wood can create pollution in your home and lead to the formation of creosote in your chimney. Without a professional chimney cleaning on a regular basis, creosote can cause chimney fires.

For many people, the biggest drawback to wood logs is the work of splitting, seasoning and hauling the logs. You’ll also need to create a space to store the firewood that is out of the elements, since moist wood will not burn.

Choosing wood logs can lead to challenges for people who don’t have the time, energy or physical stamina to maintain a supply of seasoned firewood for their unit.

Pellets

An increasing number of homeowners and consumers are choosing pellet stoves to reduce utility costs and supplement the use of their furnaces. These stoves can be freestanding or can function as a fireplace insert, making them versatile as well as efficient. In fact, pellet stoves can heat your home with an efficiency rate as high as 90%.

The fuel for these stoves, pellets, are small pieces of matter composed of things like sawdust, wood shavings, and similar biomass wastes; they are often made using materials that would otherwise have been dumped into a landfill.

Because of the pellets’ consistency, they burn hotter and more cleanly than wood logs. The compression of the pellets during manufacture reduces the amount of moisture inside, allowing the pellets to give off more heat and release fewer particulates than cord wood. Additionally, pellet-burning stoves or inserts allow you to enjoy the ambiance of a traditional fireplace, without the hassle of gathering, seasoning and hauling firewood.

Fireplace pellets are also great for homeowners who do not have a gas hookup or do not want to invest in having one installed.

One of the drawbacks of choosing pellets as your fuel source can be the work of hauling and dumping the pellets (which often come in 40 pounds bags) into the auger; pellets also need to be stored inside to maintain optimum dryness.

Gas Logs

Of all of the fuel-source options, gas logs are the most user-friendly. After all, you can simply flip a switch and enjoy an instant fire.

Additionally, gas logs provide more efficient heating than pellets or wood logs; they also reduce the likelihood of a fire-related hazard in your home, since there’s no chance of a crackling ember escaping the fireplace.

There is also no chopping, storing, seasoning or hauling of firewood as with traditional wood logs. There is no hauling, storing and dumping of pellets for a pellet stove. You also won’t have to clean out ashes after using your unit.

Of course, there are a few downsides to gas logs. Gas units don’t offer the crackling and aroma associated with a traditional wood fire, and many homeowners don’t want to spend money on propane or natural gas.

If these drawbacks don’t bother you, gas logs are still the most practical fireplace fuel source for those who want a low-maintenance, user-friendly experience. For elderly people or those with physical disabilities, transitioning to a gas log fireplace can dramatically reduce the frustration and effort of enjoying a fire.

Beach Stove and Fireplace of Westhampton has professionals on hand to answer all of your fireplace fuel source questions; contact us today!

By Julie Dismore on July 28th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Choosing a Fuel Source: Finding the Right Fuel for Your Needs

We Can Help Plan Your Outdoor Space

When you look outside do you wish you had the beautiful outdoor living space that you see in magazines? Do you wish you had the design capabilities and product knowledge to create a special outdoor space that your whole family can enjoy? Contact Beach Stove and Fireplace if you ever wondered about how you can achieve the full potential your outdoor space offers. We will help you design the space of your dreams whether it is within a small confined space or sprawling acreage.

Blurring the lines between inside and outside living continues to add value, convenience, and quality of life for homeowners. It was once thought adding a deck was all you needed to extend your outdoor living space. Today, the availability of outdoor heating, furniture, entertainment, lighting, and cooking centers make outdoor living the perfect annex to the living space inside your home. Imagine four seasons of outdoor living in a vacation like oasis right in your own yard. The possibilities are limitless.

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Lounge seating, an outdoor kitchen, lush garden, and water features have been recognized as the most popular additions and trends in 2015 for outdoor living. When you turn unused space or want to enhance your existing property it’s important that you consult with a design professional who can help you evaluate your existing space and work with you on creating a space that fits your property, intended use, and achieves those objective within your budget.

According to Fortune Builders, “Outdoor lounge space has proven, time and time again, that it can help increase property values and investor spreads. Even adding something as simple as a wooden deck can retain value at resale…However, it is no longer enough to stop there. The deck or patio needs to feel like an extension of the interior. That means it must boast comfortable furniture that looks like it belongs inside, but can also withstand the elements it will be subjected to. The addition of a wall-mounted flat screen TV and a cozy fireplace will also go a long way in helping you bring the indoors outside.” Adding an outdoor kitchen to your property can provide up to a 200% return on your investment according to some real estate advisors.

The popular website Think Glink, helps you make smarter decisions with your money, and advises “Next to energy efficiency, perhaps no other market trend is changing the landscape of new-home design than outdoor living,” according to David Barista, editor-in-chief of Professional Builder. “They also increase your home’s value; 51 percent of buyers surveyed by Realtor.com said that outdoor living space was the most attractive quality in a home, over even open floor plans and curb appeal. To that end, more than half of homeowners told Houzz.com they would be improving their home’s outdoor footprint this summer.”

It doesn’t take much to transform your outdoor space to a beautiful oasis for the entire family to enjoy. We’ve helped homeowners with all types of property and budgets to achieve the ambiance and functionality they never thought possible. Envision being able to cook outside under decorative lighting with fans to help cool you in the heat, and heaters to warm you in cool weather…see you and your family relaxing on comfortable furniture, and looking out over a beautiful yard while listening to a state-of-the-art music system or watching your favorite movie outdoors. All that and more is just a phone call away. Visit our website to view our products or call us at 631-998-0780 and we work with you to bring the designs and blueprints to life into a backyard oasis you will enjoy for years to come.

By Julie Dismore on June 29th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on We Can Help Plan Your Outdoor Space

All About Westhampton Beach

Westhampton Beach is a beautiful and idyllic group of towns and hamlets located on Long Island, the southern most part of New York State. Beach Stove and Fireplace loves to call Westhampton Beach home because of the beautiful scenery, gorgeous beaches and small-town feel.

Small Town Vibe At Westhampton Beach

There are plenty of local shops in the Westhampton Beach area, which makes shopping in the area both economical and exciting. There is also a vibrant farmer’s market that offers the best in produce and locally made goods.The local economy is sustained by the local shops owned by real families that live in the area. We love to shop and dine in Westhampton Beach because not only are the choices varied and exciting, but we feel good about supporting local businesses.

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Outdoor Fun At Westhampton Beach

Another asset to the Westhampton Beach area is the gorgeous outdoor scenery. Spring, summer and fall offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the gorgeous Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Swimming, camping and outdoor cooking are exciting ways to spend time with family and friends. At Beach Stove and Fireplace we have everything you need to enjoy the gorgeous sand and surf in Westhampton Beach.

Additional Facts About Westhampton Beach

  • 209 days of sunshine
  • July temperatures average 84 degrees
  • Arts and crafts festivals
  • Wining and dining for every palette

Outfitting Your Backyard

If you live in Westhampton Beach, you have already taken advantage of the beautiful scenery and wonderful beach living the area has to offer. Take your outdoor cooking game to the next level with a functional and gorgeous outdoor cooking area from Beach Stove and Fireplace. Even if outdoor cooking is not your thing, our qualified fireplace and stove professionals can outfit your backyard with a warm and comforting outdoor fireplace perfect for entertaining friends and family.

Enjoying The Cool Weather

Beyond gorgeous fire pits and outdoor grills, Beach Stove and Fireplace also offers a variety of patio heaters. Now you can entertain your guests when the weather is cooler during spring and late fall. Enjoy outdoor entertaining with the very best in heating and fireplace products that will not only beautify your living space but also create warm and inviting areas your friends and family will love. We have products for every taste, and every budget so amp up your backyard area with these beautiful outdoor heating and fire products from a local Westhampton Beach company.

With a robust economy, white sandy beaches and plenty of shopping and dining, Westhampton Beach is a perfect place to visit or live. If you love Westhampton Beach like we do, then take full advantage of the outdoors with a beautiful, functional outdoor cooking or entertaining area in your backyard. Beach Stove and Fireplace has technicians with years of experience recommending and installing outdoor fireplaces, stoves and grills to help you enjoy the warm weather and beautiful scenery. Small, serene and picturesque, we think Westhampton Beach is a wonderful place to call home. Contact Beach Stove and Fireplace to outfit your outdoor area today.

Custom Gas Fire Pits

There’s nothing like enjoying an outdoor fire during the warm summer months. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or just relaxing with a glass of wine while watching the sunset, custom gas fire pits allow you to bask in the warmth of an outdoor fire with a gorgeous centerpiece that is completely unique. If you are thinking of installing a custom gas fire pit in your backyard, it is important to consult with a professional to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.

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Planning Your Gas Fire Pit

When you work with a professional, you can be sure your fireplace is built in a location that is beautiful, as well as safe. Your professional fireplace technician and contractor will find a place that is free from overhanging shrubbery and trees, as well as any pergolas or other hanging outdoor furniture. By taking careful planning measures before your gas fire pit is installed you will avoid costly modifications down the line.

Installing

Having a professional contractor like those at Beach Stove And Fireplace will make sure everything is in accordance with fire laws in your area. For example, in West Hampton Beach, NY we only sell electronic ignition and push button ignition because match lit fire pits are not allowed in our area. You also want to make sure you get the correct size burner for your fire pit and how you intend on using your pit (cooking, recreational, decorative). We are familiar with the local fire codes in our area and can help you install a fire pit that is both beautiful, as well as in alignment with fire codes. A qualified technician will sell you the products right for your area, for your personal needs and for your budget.

Maintenance

Another benefit to hiring a professional to plan and install your custom fire pit is that you will be able to call them should any maintenance needs arise. When you install a fire pit in your backyard you must make sure it is kept clean and that the stones are all sealed and intact. Additional repairs may be required, especially if you use your fire pit on a regular basis. Having a professional fire pit technician to call can help maintain your fireplace as well as answer any questions that come up.

Additional Fire Pit Tips:

  • Be sure to extinguish fire completely after every use.
  • Cover your fire pit to protect the stones and keep it dry.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Only use your fire pit according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Call your professional technician if anything isn’t working properly.

Beach Stove And Fireplace is your one-stop fire pit shop with everything you need to enjoy a gorgeous fire night after night. Our professionals are on-hand to answer any of your questions, as well as help plan your new fire pit. We can help install your new fire pit and make ourselves available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to start planning your custom fire pit.

By Julie Dismore on April 24th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Custom Gas Fire Pits

Why Shop At Beach?

As a homeowner, you have a choice when it comes to where you shop for additions to your home. When you are ready to invest in a wood-burning stove or fireplace, you want to be sure you are doing business with a trusted company with years of experience. Beach Stove & Fireplace in Westhampton Beach, NY has over 15 years of experience selling and installing wood-burning appliances and our installers are well-educated and certified.

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NFI Certified Installers

The National Fireplace Institute is a professional certification that ensures your fireplace installer is well educated in all heating appliance systems. There are three main certifications including becoming a NFI Certified Gas Specialist, NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist and a NFI Certified Pellet Specialist. You want to hire a company like Beach Stove & Fireplace whose employees are certified in all three categories and have experience installing and maintaining all types of heating appliances.

Our Installers Are Employees, Not Contractors

What makes Beach Stove & Fireplace different from other companies is that our installers are our employees and we take great pride in making sure they are the most educated and experienced in their arena. A lot of our competitors hire subcontractors who come to your home and install your products, which alleviates them of any liability. At Beach Stove & Fireplace we invest in our employees so you can be sure when you purchase a wood-burning appliance from us you are not only getting the best products for your home, but also a certified and educated installer will make sure your appliance is installed correctly and working efficiently.

Unfortunately, a lot of our customers base their choice on which company has the lowest price. Remember, when it comes to investing in quality heating products for your home, you get what you pay for. Invest in products from reputable companies that not only take pride in their products but also take pride in their employees. Beach Stove & Fireplace can recommend the best heating products for your home because we have over 15 years of experience installing these products. Once you purchase your fireplace or stove a professional, certified installer will make absolutely sure it is installed correctly. Our customer service doesn’t stop there. Whether you need a cap for your chimney or a new firebox we make sure you have the best add-ons as well as the best in heating appliance maintenance for as long as you own your product. Come in to Beach Stove & Fireplace and ask about our premium line of heating products for your home today.

All About Pellet Stoves

As fuel costs rise and fall, many homeowners are uncertain about the best ways to heat their homes. With so many options including natural gas, electric and traditional wood-burning appliances like fireplaces and stoves it is no wonder consumers are overwhelmed by their choices. Couple the variety of choices with the growing desire of environmentally friendly choices and it is no surprise that pellet stoves are becoming more popular.

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How Do Pellet Stoves Work?

Rather than burning wood, pellet stoves burn pellets made of compressed sawdust and other unusable particles of wood. The stoves are easily lit and designed to burn freely, without the maintenance of traditional wood stoves. The stove is automatically and steadily fed pellets with little adjustment from the homeowner/operator. Simply pour pellets into a hopper and an electrical element pushes them into a firebox where the pellets are burned. A fan feeds the flame and blows the newly heated air throughout the house.

Benefits Of Pellet Stoves

There are many benefits to investing in a pellet stove. For starters, many homeowners prefer to heat their homes with pellets because they are affordable. Rather than wood that needs to be harvested, chopped and/or purchased, pellets are easily obtained at many supply stores. Additionally, pellet stoves are steadily fed pellets so these types of stoves don’t need to be tended to like traditional fireplaces or other wood-burning appliances.

Beyond convenience, pellet stoves are very efficient. In fact, pellet stoves are built to control the fuel-to-air ratio, so fires burn evenly and last longer. Additionally, because of the automatic feed system, you won’t waste pellets but will instead burn an even fire that maximizes heat output.

Environmental Benefits Of Pellet Stoves

Beyond the convenience and efficiency of pellet stoves there are several environmental benefits to investing in this type of heat. Pellets are made from wood, a renewable material. However, pellets differ from traditional wood-burning appliances because they burn the leftover materials builders can’t use such as sawdust and scraps. By using the parts of a renewable source that are typically wasted, pellet stoves are one of the more environmentally friendly heating options available on the market. Pellets are also considered a clean-burning source of heat, which emits less toxins and carbon monoxide into the environment.

Other Benefits Of Pellet Stoves

  • Pellet stoves have an attractive, sleek appearance
  • Choose from cast iron, stainless steel and other durable, attractive metals
  • Maximize heat output without taking up a lot of space
  • Low smoke output while burning
  • Once installed, pellet stoves are affordable to maintain
  • No chopping wood
  • Wood is difficult to come by in many regions

As with any new heating appliance, you want to purchase from a reputable stove specialist. The experts at Beach Stove & Fireplace in Westhampton Beach, NY have a variety of pellet stoves and inserts you can choose from. Beyond superior products we can also help you install your new pellet stove correctly. Invest in the very best when choosing a pellet stove that will save you money and efficiently heat your home.

By Julie Dismore on March 25th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on All About Pellet Stoves

Carbon Monoxide Is Odorless, Colorless & Deadly

Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous gasses that people are exposed to…right in their own homes! Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced as a by-product of your home heating system. When not properly directed outside your home via your venting system and chimney, the gas causes often misinterpreted aliments and can even result in fatalities. That’s why it is so important to have a yearly chimney professional inspect, clean, and make any necessary repairs to your chimney, it’s lining, venting, and masonry. Beach Stove and Fireplace is here to provide those services for you.

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Sign/Symptoms/Warnings of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Many people may not attribute or recognize that the headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, irritability, and trouble seeing clearly may be caused by toxic fumes leaking into their houses rather than being properly vented outside. And of course, as the concentration of carbon monoxide increases, so does the severity of its effects. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 20,000 people have to go to the emergency room due to the effects of carbon monoxide; 4000 people are poisoned so severely that they need hospitalization; and sadly, over 400 people die each year from toxic gas poisoning.

Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The most common and frightening reason for carbon monoxide poisoning is accidental exposure. Leaking and malfunctioning fuel burning appliances including furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, water heaters, gas and kerosene room heater all contribute to releasing the toxic fumes into your home and most of the time you don’t even realize it.

Today’s homes are built more airtight than ever in order to be more energy efficient. But, when heating systems are not properly vented outside, there is not enough fresh air in your home to dissipate the toxic gas and you, your family, and pets continue to breathe contaminated air. Those same poorly sealed window, doors, roofs, and attic that once drove up your utility costs also compensated by allowing the toxic fumes to escape.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) explains it further, “Manufacturers have designed new, high-technology heating appliances whose greater efficiency helps us save money, conserve natural resources and decrease environmental pollution. However, the new breed of high-efficiency gas and oil furnaces – when vented in to existing chimney flues – often do not perform at an optimum level. The differences in performance create conditions that allow toxic gases to more easily enter home living spaces.”

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to CSIA, “When gas and oil burn in vented heating systems – in order to produce household heat – the dangerous fumes that are by-products of combustion range from soot to nitrogen dioxide to acidic water vapors. None of these pollutants should be allowed to leak from the chimney into your living space.

In addition to carrying off toxic gases, chimneys also create the draft (flow of air) that provides the proper air and fuel mixture for efficient operation of the heating appliance. Unfortunately, many chimneys in daily use in homes throughout the country either are improperly sized or have conditions that make them unable to perform their intended function.”

Every homeowner should review the guidelines provided by the Chimney Safety Institute of America to learn more about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

Yearly Inspections & Cleanings

CSIA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Fire Protection Association, the EPA, and the American Lung Association are just a few of the many organizations that encourage homeowners to have a yearly cleaning and inspection of your chimney, flue, fireplace, and household venting (including your clothes dryer venting) by a trained and CSIA certified technician/chimney sweep.
The consequences of toxic fume poisoning, and fire risks justify the related cost of prevention.

Alternative Heating Choices For Every Home

As a homeowner you have plenty of choices when it comes to how to heat your home. Homeowners make decisions based on cost, environmental footprint and ease of installation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices you have as far as heating your home, here is a basic guide to several alternative ways to heat your home.

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Solar

Solar is a leader in energy production and can provide up to 80% of a home’s basic heating needs just by soaking up the sun’s energy. However, solar is expensive and if you don’t live in an area that is lucky enough to experience a lot of sun then your solar system may not be as efficient as you hoped, making your investment unwise. Before you invest in a complete, active solar heating system do plenty of research.

Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves burn compressed wood that’s been made into small pieces or pellets. Pellet stoves are growing in popularity because they require little maintenance. The pellets are long burning and don’t need a lot of control or maintenance once they are lit. Pellets are clean burning and when cleaned properly your pellet stove will not produce creosote (harmful residue left behind in many chimneys). After installation, pellet stoves are a viable and affordable way to heat most homes.

Wood Burning Stoves

Wood burners are a classic way to heat your home, and also create a luxurious and comforting atmosphere in your house. The benefits of a wood-burning fireplace include an affordable way to heat your home (assuming you have access to quality wood at a reasonable price) and the ability to choose the style, look and feel of your fireplace. Choose from standard designs or renaissance/detailed fireplaces to completely customize the look of your home.

High-Efficiency Wood Burning Fireplaces

If you love the look of a wood-burning fireplace but are interested in something a little more efficient, a high-efficiency wood fireplace could be the perfect choice. Unlike traditional fireplaces, these act more like wood-burning stoves and provide maximum heat output, low emissions and the capability to heat an entire home.

Gas Heating Stoves

Another interesting choice is the gas-heating stove. This alternative to a fireplace is a stand-alone unit, and appropriate in spaces where a fireplace may not fit. Attractive, gas stoves put out the same warm glow of a traditional fireplace without the installation overhaul (though some installation requirements should be considered. Small and compact, these stoves are a great option if you’re looking for an alternative heating choice.

When you’re researching heating options for your home, it’s important to consider all the options and weigh the pros and cons of every choice. Consider what’s important to you when researching heating choices.

Are You Looking For Heat That Is:

  • Efficient?
  • Affordable?
  • Requires Little Maintenance?
  • Is Attractive Inside The Home?
  • Is Safe?
  • Is A Viable Choice Where you live?

Beach Stove and Fireplace is happy to give you a professional consultation so you can begin your research with experts you can trust. Browse our products and ask us questions about all our heating options. We’re here to help you heat your home.

By Julie Dismore on February 8th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Alternative Heating Choices For Every Home

Fire Safety for Fireplace Owners

A fireplace can add impressive beauty and comfort to a home, particularly during the chilly winter months. Few can resist the allure of the crackling flames and soothing warmth, which makes fireplaces such popular additions to home. However, they come with their own set of risks, just like all other household appliances. Keeping safety in mind this season can help ensure a warm, happy winter for everyone.

First of all, fireplaces are built to contain live flames that can burn upward of hundreds of degrees depending on the type of fuel being burned. In just a moment of contact with flames, skin can suffer severe burns and flammable materials can ignite violently. One good measure to take to help avoid this type of damage is to maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from the fireplace. This concerns both people and combustible items in the home, such as furniture and decorations. To help maintain this distance, the fire should remain supervised at all times, especially with children or pets around.

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Children and pets are at the highest risk around the fireplace. In addition to close supervision, another way to keep them safe is to have heat resistant glass doors installed on the face of the fireplace. Designed to separate the home from the fire, the newer models of glass doors even stay cool to the touch while the fire burns, making them an ideal safety feature. For older children, teach them about fire safety, including the risk of burns and the danger of putting foreign objects into the fire.

Another crucial step to take to keep the fireplace safe is to have it serviced regularly. Fire code requires the chimney be swept at least once per year. This practice removes built up soot or creosote, which can block the proper ventilation of fumes from the home or even cause a devastating chimney fire. Additionally, an inspection must be performed annually to detect any potential safety threats like an obstruction, a damaged flue lining, or a malfunctioning damper, all of which can flood the house with poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

One final measure, which should be present in a house whether or not it has a fireplace, is the proper placement of functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be placed on each floor, outside the sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be on each floor and outside the sleeping area. Each detector should be replaced every five to ten years, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements, and the batteries must be tested every month and replaced if necessary.

For more tips on being safe with your fireplace this winter, contact the professionals at Beach Stove and Fireplace.

By Julie Dismore on January 24th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Fire Safety for Fireplace Owners

Comparing Gas and Wood Burning Appliances

With the abrupt arrival of winter and its frigid temperatures, most people have headed indoors in an effort to stay warm. For some, staying warm involves huddling around a fire, its bright flames rippling heat into the room. Few can resist the lure of an indoor fire in the winter time. The radiant heat, shimmering flames, and alluring flicker of light can feel very soothing after a long day, so people flock to fires whenever they have the chance. While most people agree that fireplaces and wood stoves have an inexplicable appeal, they likely have wide ranging opinions on whether the appliance use wood or gas for fuel.

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Wood burning fireplaces are what many people envision when thinking about fireplaces. The giant brick hearth is full of freshly split logs, and the fire crackles incessantly, even spitting an occasional ember. Throughout the night, the logs burn down to a pile of hot embers that glow and pulse a soft orange light from the residual heat of the fire. While all of this seems rather appealing, burning wood for fuel comes with some less attractive qualities as well.

For one, burning wood requires gathering or purchasing wood for fuel. In rural areas, homeowners may have the option to gather their own wood, which costs no money but does cost in time and energy expended. In more populated areas, the wood must be purchased from a dealer. Neither of these options promises good wood though. To burn most efficiently, the wood needs to have seasoned, or dried out, for at least one year. Freshly cut wood or wood that has been stored outside is likely too wet to burn safely. In addition, burning wood produces a substance called creosote that builds up in the chimney. If a chimney sweep is not performed annually to remove the creosote, it can cause a hot and dangerous chimney fire. Finally, wood fires produce ash in the fireplace, which needs to be swept or vacuumed out after each fire to prevent it from being blown into the house.

On the other hand is the option to burn natural gas as fuel. For homes with access to natural gas through piping, this fuel is readily available at any time. Gas fuel also burns very efficiently, with up to 99 percent of the fuel used to create fire and heat, while wood burns at a very low efficiency and produce significantly more harmful products. With this type of fuel, no messy wood splitting, creosote buildup, or ash removal becomes an issue. The only downside to gas fuel is that they require ceramic log sets in order to burn, which do not provide the same aesthetic appeal as wood logs burning down to a bed of embers. These logs never change appearance and do not crackle or spark the way wood logs do.

In general, wood burning appliances are becoming more historic and less applicable, despite their visual appeal. Burning gas is healthier, more convenient, and more efficient, so many homeowners are having gas appliances put into their homes, new or existing. If you have questions about wood fuel compared to gas fuel, contact Beach Stove and Fireplace to speak with an expert.

By Julie Dismore on January 5th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Comparing Gas and Wood Burning Appliances

Our Location

Beach Stove and Fireplace is located on Old Riverhead Road between Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway. From Sunrise Highway take exit 63 south, travel 1.2 miles and turn right at the 381 complex (just north of Gabreski Airport)