Our Company Blog

Make a Stylish Statement with a New Fireplace

Before you close out your chimney system for the off-season, pay attention to how it’s working and what you’d like to change next year. Installing a new fireplace this spring can mean a new fuel-type for next year, more heat output, higher efficiency, and better safety features. Whether you’re looking to replace an old fireplace, upgrade and update your living space with a new fireplace, or bring up your property value for a sale or refinancing, you can choose a stylish new fireplace to get the job done.

Fireplace Without the Chimney

You may decide to install a fireplace for the ambiance, supplemental heat, or style. There are many great and beautiful options at Beach Stove and Fireplace. We sell and install gas, pellet, and wood stoves and factory-made chimneys. Our fireplace experts can also show you many great options that don’t require a chimney. Vent-free gas log sets, stoves, and direct gas inserts don’t require a major construction. Stoves are a popular option because they can be free-standing and vented through the wall, ceiling, or floor.

Fireplace Inserts

Installing a fireplace insert is a popular option for new homeowners and home sellers because it is a quick and easy way to beautify an old masonry fireplace. Hiring Beach Stove and Fireplace to install your new fireplace insert means the job is done right, the fireplace is safe and ready for use, and you can enjoy a stylish new hearth all summer. Even when the fire isn’t lit, the fireplace is the focal point of the room it’s in. We sell gas, pellet, and wood-burning inserts that come in a variety of styles and colors, and that are efficient and eco-friendly.

Fireplace Face-Lift

There are plenty of fireplaces that work perfectly well while being an eyesore. You don’t have to spend money on a new appliance in order to have a new, stylish fireplace. Our technicians at Beach Stove and Fireplace can take a look at your fireplace and create an upgrade plan that will revitalize it in no time. Some popular ways to update an old fireplace is to add custom glass doors which also raises efficiency. Our sister company, Guaranteed Chimney Service, completes masonry re-facing in which you can choose the new brick, design, and pattern.

It may be that you aren’t aware of the options for a new fireplace. An expert who is CSIA-certified and who has field experience like our technicians can do almost anything with your fireplace. Visit our showroom to find deals and expert advice.

Starting the process now can mean your new fireplace is ready to use this spring. You can save money by shutting down the furnace and using a fireplace.

Call 631-998-0780 today!

All About Inserts: What to Know Before Purchasing

According to the National Association of Home Builders, fireplaces are among the top 3 most desired features in a new home, and it’s easy to see why. A fireplace provides a home with a hearth, a gathering place for family and friends and comforting warmth during the colder months. A fireplace is also an expensive investment that requires much research before making a decision.

A fireplace can also be a huge responsibility during the winter months, when the efficient heating of your home is a necessity. A traditional fireplace can require a lot of work to maintain a comfortable level of heat, while also causing a possible spike in your electricity bill.

Fortunately, there is a way to improve the efficiency of your fireplace: the installation of an insert.

Are you interested in improving the efficiency and heating capabilities of your fireplace? .

Why You Need an Insert

In the often grueling New York winters, heating one’s home can be a serious expense, and having a fireplace can be a real comfort.

Unfortunately, many fireplaces, especially those with open-hearths, don’t heat very efficiently.
A fireplace insert is a great option for improving these efficiency problems.

A fireplace insert is essentially a sealed, energy-efficient box that is retrofitted into an existing fireplace; they do not open directly into the home, preventing the waste of energy that is generated by fireplaces that do.

Make the Switch from a Traditional Wood Fireplace to Gas Log

A masonry fireplace, while beautiful and traditional, isn’t as efficient for heating a home as one that uses gas logs. A fireplace insert can allow you to make the switch from a traditional, wood-burning fireplace to a gas log unit that will heat your home more efficiently.

It’s also important to note that switching to a gas log fireplace will save you the time and energy of acquiring, storing and seasoning wood to be burned in your fireplace when it gets cold. With a gas log unit, you won’t have to make trips out into the snow or a blizzard to retrieve more firewood.

Talk to a professional fireplace installer to see if your traditional fireplace can be converted to a gas unit.

Get More Use Out of Your Masonry or Factory-Built Fireplace

Installing an insert in your masonry or factory-built fireplace could cut your energy bills by as much as 40%, while still providing you with the warmth and ambiance that you deserve.

Installing a fireplace in your home is an expense in and of itself; you deserve to enjoy its features in the most energy-efficient way possible.

Hiring a Professional to Handle Your Fireplace Inserts

Making the leap towards a fireplace install is an expense. Depending on your fireplace, you could be looking at an investment of a few thousand dollars, especially if you’d like to convert to a gas log unit from a traditional masonry model.

It is essential that you entrust the installation of your insert to a professional. Most fireplaces are unique, and installing an insert requires training and precision, to ensure that your purchase provides you with the energy efficiency and heating abilities that you deserve.

Beach Stove and Fireplace is the premiere destination for all of your stove and fireplace needs in the Long Island Area. Contact us today for more information on our fireplace inserts, purchasing and installation.

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.

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.

Pellet Stove vs. Wood Stove

With snow already falling in many parts of the country, now is the time to figure out how to stay warm in the upcoming cold months. Effective and inexpensive home heating options are in high demand right now, and many homeowners face the question of which type to choose. For those looking to stoves to heat the home, another question comes up: wood-burning or pellet-burning stove? Both have great advantages with some downsides as well, so you should take into consideration how you intend to use it, the amount of heat you need, the availability of fuel in your area, and other factors.

How do Pellet and Wood Stoves Work?

Pellet stoves have gained popularity in recent years because they efficiently burn renewable energy. Wood pellets are made by debarking, grinding, drying and compressing wood, and then the pellets are electronically fed into the burning chamber. Wood stoves work just like any other wood-burning unit. Split logs start and maintain the fire and the heat in place of the pellets in a pellet-burning stove.

What Makes Pellets Better?

For one, pellets burn very efficiently, meaning more of the material burns and creates heat. This leads to warmer, more sustainable fires and fewer harmful emissions. Wood pellet fires can burn for as long as 16 hours without requiring a refill, which is ideal for working families who spend long hours away from the home during the day. Compared to a wood-burning stove, pellet stoves are highly efficient.

Another benefit to a pellet-burning stove is purchasing and storing the fuel. First, in the built-up Westhampton Beach area, forests and firewood are harder to come by than in more rural areas, making split wood logs scarce. Wood pellets are ideal options for this situation because they can be shipped into urban areas more easily and economically. Next, wood pellets take up one-third less space than traditional wood. A cord of wood takes up 128 cubic feet, and one ton of pellets takes up just 80 cubic feet. These volumes create the same amount of heat but take up vastly different amounts of space to store. For tight New York homes, this could be a determining factor.

What Makes Wood Better?

Conversely, wood-burning stoves have some advantages over their pellet-burning counterparts. One major factor is that wood-burning stoves do not require electricity to function. In the case of power outages, as is common in winters when ice builds up on power lines, the wood-burning stove continues to run, while the pellet-burning stove simply runs cold. Although battery back-ups can be installed, they only last up to eight hours, making this issue life-threatening depending on the length of the power outage.

Another advantage of burning wood is the cost of the fuel. On average, one cord of wood costs less than $200. Because pellets require significantly more processing, a heat-equivalent amount of pellets might start at $200. The price of fuel, in addition to the price of electricity to run the pellet stove, might make the wood-burning stove more attractive.

For more information and help deciding what type of stove best suits your home and lifestyle, contact Beach Stove and Fireplace of Westhampton Beach, New York. These experts can help you make the most informed decision.

High Efficiency vs. Zero Clearance Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Fireplaces have enchanted homeowners for many years. The allure of a softly crackling fire in the background has made fireplaces a must have for countless home buyers, and thus, many homes now feature them. With the advent of the movement for environment-friendly energy sources, fireplaces have received recent appeal as a practical source of heat, in addition to their aesthetic benefits. Because technology is constantly evolving, homeowners have a wide variety of fireplace styles to choose from. A decision some homeowners must make when looking to add or update a fireplace is installing a high efficiency wood-burning fireplace or a zero clearance fireplace.

A high efficiency wood-burning fireplace provides a suitable heating option for homes with enough space to accommodate them. These fireplaces feature a firebox separated from the interior of the home by a sheet of ceramic, heat resistant glass. Instead of being open to the home, the smoke and toxic gases from the fire are vented directly up through the chimney. The heat from the fire is shuttled into the home through a separate vent above the glass. This air flow construction keeps hazardous fumes from entering the house and keeps precious, heated air from escaping through an open fireplace.

There are a few downsides to a high efficiency wood-burning fireplace though. These fireplaces cost at least double the price of a factory-built inefficient fireplace. While the costs will quickly be made up as a result of heating bill savings, the upfront expense can be hard for some homeowners to manage. Additionally, these fireplaces do take up some space. For tight spaces that do not already have a fireplace in the floor scheme, a high efficiency fireplace may pose some spatial challenges.

On the other hand, zero clearance fireplaces are ideal for small spaces, particularly when installing a fireplace in a room that was not originally designed with a fireplace in mind. Zero clearance fireplaces are special because they can sit almost directly against combustible materials like walls, floors, furniture and wood. Their design includes fire-resistant bricks inside the firebox, so the installation does not require any masonry structures to protect combustibles from the heat of the fire.

The downside of zero clearance fireplaces is that they are generally pretty inefficient. They are almost always made with a traditional open design, meaning the doors are open when the fire is lit and the doors are closed when there is not a fire. An open fireplace with a lit fire allows toxic fumes to seep into the home and expensive, heated air to escape up the chimney. While you may be able to squeeze a zero clearance fireplace into your home, you should not rely on it as an efficient heating source.

If you are ready to add a beautiful new fireplace to your home, get in touch with an expert fireplace provider to help you make the best investment. Contact Beach Stove and Fireplace for a professional consultation on your new fireplace today.

Try a Fireplace Insert for Big Savings

With homeowners everywhere trying to save money on heating costs, many have turned to using fireplaces for zone-heating instead of paying to heat the entire home throughout brutal New York winters. Traditional fireplaces come equipped with a damper that stays closed when the fireplace is not in use and opens when a fire is lit to expel harmful gases. This means whenever a fire is burned to keep the home warm, a significant amount of hot air actually escapes through the chimney along with the smoke. Even when the damper is closed and no fire is burning, the imperfect seal still allows air to leave the home – expensive, furnace-heated air. In order to address this issue, more homeowners have turned to the option of a fireplace insert.

Fireplace inserts consist of a sealed, energy efficient box retrofitted into an existed fireplace. These boxes do not open directly into the home, meaning warm air inside the home will not be wasted through the chimney. Instead of a traditional fireplace, which opens directly into the home, inserts feature a glass pane to keep warm air in the house and a fan to direct the heat from the fire into the house. Fireplace inserts come in vented or vent-less varieties, but most experts recommend having an insert installed with a properly fitted vent to effectively release toxins. In addition, inserts work off an assortment of fuels, but the most common are wood-burning and gas.

Wood-burning fireplace inserts function much the same way as traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The fire still produces the beloved crackling sound and the cozy smell of a wood-burning fire. These inserts can burn up to ten hours before needing additional wood, and wood is a relatively inexpensive fuel averaging under $1,000 per year to heat a home.

Gas fireplace inserts have grown largely in reputation. They burn very efficiently, especially for zone heating, with 65 to 99 percent efficiency. This means gas fires produce very little pollution or smoke, making it safer for your home and the environment. These inserts also produce no ash or toxic creosote, so aside from a yearly checkup, they are very inexpensive to maintain. It is no wonder 70 percent of new heating appliances sold utilize gas fuel.

While the purchase and installation of a fireplace insert runs $5,000 to $6,000, the cost is made up quickly in savings on utility bills. Heating costs will drop by 10 to 40 percent with the addition of a fireplace insert. Note that proper installation of a fireplace insert requires a professional analysis. Oftentimes with older homes, the original fireplace has an unusual size, so retrofitting the insert takes expert precision. If you live in the Westhampton Beach, New York area, call Beach Stove and Fireplace for a professional consultation. These experts will provide you with the best heating options to suit you and your home.

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.

Tax Credits: 2013

Who doesn’t like saving money?  We wanted to make sure that you were aware of a soon-to-be expiring tax credit relating to wood and pellet stoves as well as fireplace inserts.  It’s not too late to invest a little money to do some last minute improvements to your heating system before heating season really gets ramped up. Every dollar you save can go toward a summer trip to the beach.

On January 1, 2013, Congress passed a bill addressing parts of the now infamous fiscal cliff.  This bill included a reinstatement of the $300 tax credit for biomass heaters; the tax credit initially expired at the end of 2011.  The provision allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit for the full cost of the equipment and installation up to $300 for stoves bought in 2013 and is retroactive, which makes it possible for stoves purchased in 2012 to also get the credit.

The credit applies to energy efficiency improvements including but not limited to the purchase of high-efficiency heating, cooling and water-heating equipment.  The efficiency improvements or equipment must be for a home in the U.S. that is owned and used by the taxpayer as his/her primary residence.  The maximum tax credit for all improvements in 2011, 2012, and 2013 is $500.  The cap includes tax credits for any improvements made in any previous year.  If a taxpayer claimed $500 or more of these tax credits in any previous year, any purchases made in 2011, 2012, or 2013 will be ineligible for a tax credit.

The are a few conditions associated with the tax credit.  The equipment must be at least 75% efficient and have been purchased in 2012 or 2013.  The taxpayer cannot have claimed an aggregate of more than $500 in previous years for this same tax credit; this means that every new EPA-certified stove purchased is eligible for the full $300 tax credit, as they all meet the 75% efficiency threshold and cost more than $300.  However, a taxpayer could not collect the full $300 if they have already received tax credits under this provision in previous years and the total amount was over $500.

Numerous websites have reported that the credit is only for 10% of the purchase price, up to $300, but this is incorrect.  As long as you know that you haven’t claimed this tax credit in previous years, feel free to do your pellet stove and/or fireplace insert shopping knowing that, there’s going to be a $300 credit waiting for you at the end of the rainbow when tax season rolls around.

Gas Logs Advantages

Converting a Wood Burning Fireplace to Gas Logs Is Easier Than You Think

In the wintertime, there are few things cozier than curling up next to a nice, warm fire. These days, many homeowners are making the choice to enjoy a fire via gas logs rather than their wood burning fireplaces. Some think that the conversion is complicated or overly expensive and haven’t researched its viability.  However, changing from a wood burning fireplace to gas logs is surprisingly simple and can be done in an affordable manner.

There are some homeowners who like the smell and sound of a real fire and cannot imagine why they would want to change to gas. One reason you may consider a switch is that a wood burning fireplace does not create much heat, while a gas fireplace heats more more efficiently. This is a great way to save money on the energy bill, which can often spike during the winter when the heat is running around the clock.

Another reason that many people prefer a gas fireplace is that it is simply more convenient than a wood burning fireplace. There is no need to wait for wood to season properly and no need to go to the backyard or the garage to gather logs for a fire. With many models, starting a warm fire only takes seconds and is as easy as hitting a button on a remote control. After a long day, many homeowners value the convenience and simplicity of this choice.

For those who are afraid that gas logs are out of their price range, vented gas logs are a very affordable option. They come in varieties that simulate many different types of wood and do a great job of simulating the experience of a wood burning fire. If someone has a bit more money to spend on the conversion, they may want to consider a gas fireplace insert for their home. They do not require electricity to run, which means that they can be used even in the event of a power outage. For many people, the ease and the heating power are worth the extra investment.

Before installing a gas fireplace insert or vented gas logs, it is important to do a bit of research. In many towns, there are permits necessary to do any work on an outline and restrictions that must be carefully adhered to. The technician doing the work may have information about this, but it is still a good idea for homeowners to contact their township and research the necessary requirements on their own.

Installing a gas burning fireplace in place of a wood burning option is a change that many homeowners find to be a positive addition to their homes. In addition to the quickness (and lack of ashy mess)  of starting a fire with the push of a button, many people enjoy cutting energy costs by heating their entire home with the fireplace. If a gas insert is out of the budget, vented logs are a great, affordable option. Here at Beach Stove & Fireplace, we will be glad to discuss which option is best for you.