Our Company Blog

Fuel Makes all the Difference When Choosing a New Fireplace

When you are ready to choose a new fireplace there are many things to consider. The size of your space, your home decor, and cost may affect what you choose to install. One of the major factors a home owner should consider is fuel. What will you use to fuel your heating system? When choosing a new fireplace you will choose between wood, gas, and alternative fuels. These are all great options, but each home and family’s needs vary.

Choosing Wood

It’s important to note that wood fuel includes pellets, which is a manufactured product that works only with pellet stoves and inserts. Some individuals prefer these appliances because they are some of the most efficient on the market right now. If you’ve never experienced a pellet stove, stop by our location and see one in action!

The more traditional wood fuel that has been used for centuries is split wood and logs. It fuels a natural fire and offers the aesthetics many homeowners hope for when choosing a fireplace. It is also quite economical for people who can cut and split their own wood. Unlike pellets that are manufactured specifically for an appliance, however, split wood can be troublesome if not cut or seasoned properly. The wood can affect the safety and efficiency of a wood-burning fireplace or stove. While wood fireplaces have been less-than-efficient in the past, there are some great high efficiency fireplaces on the market which we offer at Beach Stove and Fireplace.

Choosing Gas

When looking at gas fireplace options there are a couple of things to note. Choosing gas is a great option if you are renovating and can’t use your chimney. In this case you can install a vent-free gas log set, which has a more artificial-looking fire with a blue frame, but burns hotter and cleaner. Gas inserts work similarly and more efficiently.

Other gas products include gas stoves and fireplaces. Gas stoves and fireplaces can be used with an existing chimney, and a gas stove is a great option if there is little space to work with. Gas appliances work when there is an electrical outage, and they don’t require wood splitting or hauling. They’re as easy as the press of a button, or flip of a switch.

Choosing Alternative Fuels

When a wood or gas fireplace is not an option, a bioethanol, or “alcohol” burner is a great option. They are perfect for small spaces, produce a beautiful flame, and need no maintenance. Beach Stove and Fireplace recommends and installs these burners with the same professionalism and safety standards as other fuel burners.

Before you decide on a new fireplace, contact Beach Stove and Fireplace today and find out what fuel is right for your home.

Converting to Gas: Direct Gas Insert or Gas Log Set?

When you consider converting an existing fireplace to gas, it is important to educate yourself so you’re aware of your options, recognizing the pros and cons of each option, and decide on the best possible appliance for your home.

If you are seeking a gas appliance there are a couple of good options, and although both use gas as fuel, they operate differently.

Converting Your Fuel Source

First, both a direct gas insert and gas log set can be used with your existing fireplace. Before deciding which type of appliance is right for you, make an appointment with a certified gas fireplace technician. A certified technician will look over your fireplace and make you aware of any changes that will need to be made to convert to gas fuel. This is an important step in the process. Also, most home owners insurance will require a level two inspection following a change in the type of fuel used in the home heating system. Your system will most likely pass the inspection if a professional has advised you during the process of converting your fuel source.

What’s the Difference?

All gas appliances are not created equal. Popular gas appliances that we install and service at Beach Stove & Fireplace are direct gas inserts and gas log sets. We carry these trusted products, install them, and insure our work. We stand by these products, but they work differently.

Direct gas inserts are installed directly into the existing fireplace following possible modifications, including a flue liner. They are typically used to convert an inefficient fireplace into an efficient room heater. Direct gas inserts are more efficient at home heating because it burns steadily instead of cyclically, like a wood furnace. Also, a fireplace releases a lot of the heat into the chimney, and a lot of particle matter and smoke into the home. This isn’t a problem with gas inserts. Gas burns cleaner than wood. Also, a direct gas insert draws air from outside the home, so it doesn’t pull from the room’s heated air. It draws air from outside, and vents exhaust out the chimney, so the air inside the home is unaffected, except that it’s heated.

Gas log sets are often preferred simply because they are a cheaper conversion, however it depends on what kind of log set you use. Ventless gas log sets draw from the air inside the home, and release it back into the home, so there is no need to repair the chimney, as they are only approved for use with the chimney damper closed. This is a good option for home owners who are looking for a simple way to add ambiance or equity to the home without any major repairs. Since these “blue flame” log sets don’t vent they are called “vent-free”. This vent-free system has raised questions among consumers and professionals about air quality in the home.

If this is a concern for you, you can consider the “yellow flame” log sets which look more like a real flame, but are less hot, and need the chimney to vent. Use of the chimney may mean more money for you, and more headache during spring cleaning.

If you think fuel conversion is for you and are interested in using gas heat, call and schedule an appointment with Beach Stove & Fireplace today.