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

Pros and Cons: Gas Logs vs. Gas Inserts

If wood is not an option for your household, or you’re looking for an appliance that has higher efficiency and less mess, you might choose gas. Beach Stove and Fireplace offers great options for gas fuel including gas inserts and gas log sets. All of our staff are well-experienced with installation, inspection, maintenance, and repairs of all of our products, and we can help you decide what is right for you.

Gas Log Sets: Benefits

  • Minimal Adjustments
    Oftentimes you can convert to gas log sets without adjustments or repairs to the chimney or fireplace. You don’t even have to use the chimney for a gas log set! As long as your gas logs are professionally installed, your chimney sweep can assure you they’re properly installed and up-to-code.
  • Realistic Flame
    Gas log sets offer a realistic flame that provide the aesthetics homeowners look for in a fireplace. The flames have a blue tint, but it doesn’t detract from the experience.
  • Low Maintenance
    Once your gas log set has been professionally installed, you can use it regularly with very little worry or work on your part. Be sure you schedule regular maintenance for all of your heat appliances.
  • High Efficiency/Reasonable Cost
    Once properly installed your gas log set should offer heat even during an electrical outage. Gas is separate from your other utilities, and no matter how oil costs may fluctuate, your gas logs will heat efficiently for it’s life. Pros and Cons: Gas Logs vs Inserts Image - Westhampton NY - Beach Stove and Fireplace
  • Environmentally Friendly
    While wood fires produce byproducts such as particulate matter. Gas log sets only produce water vapor and carbon monoxide. They are not subject to burn bans that may be implemented by states and municipalities because they don’t pollute the air in the home or around the home.

Gas Inserts: Benefits

Gas fireplace inserts offer the same benefits that a gas log set, and more.

  • Higher Efficiency
    While gas log sets are more efficient than a wood fireplace, a gas insert is even more efficient. They use less gas to produce even more, steady heat.
  • Higher Heat Output
    If you’re looking to heat an entire room an insert is a good choice, with a cost of about 40 to 45 cents per hour.
  • Versatility
    While gas log sets require a fireplace to house the log set, an insert can be installed in an existing fireplace, a prefab fireplace, or free standing.

Downsides to Both:

Gas-burning appliances are highly cost-effective compared to other kinds of home heat. However, because natural gas and propane are both expensive resources it is not cost-effective to use these products to heat an entire home.

The only other downside is that you don’t get to experience the pop and spark of a wood fire. For an occasional fire, though, this is not an issue for many homeowners. You also have to decide what product is best for your home, what venting system, or what color flame you’d like. If the benefits are right for your family and home, consider converting to gas today!

Call Beach Stove and Fireplace at 631-998-0780 or contact us online.

By Julie Dismore on October 6th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Pros and Cons: Gas Logs vs. Gas Inserts

The Benefits of Glass Fireplace Doors

If you want to make your fireplace safer and more efficient, Beach Stove & Fireplace recommends installing glass fireplace doors. Not only do these doors improve the performance of a fireplace, but they also give you an easy way to update the look of your hearth. If you do not have glass doors installed in front of your fireplace, we would like to tell you more about the benefits of this fireplace accessory.

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SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY

Without glass fireplace doors, cooled and heated air can easily escape through the chimney, which is a big waste of both money and energy. When you install these doors, you will be stopping the air from leaking out of your home. In the winter, your home will be warmer, and in the summer, your home will be cooler because your fireplace will be sealed shut by glass doors. We know you will see your utility bills decrease after installing glass fireplace doors.

IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR FIREPLACE

Don’t be afraid that glass fireplace doors will keep the heat from the fire from spreading into your home. These doors actually improve the heating efficiency of a fireplace. The heat from the fire will radiate through the doors into the room.

MAKE YOUR FIREPLACE SAFER

If you have children and/or pets, keeping them safe can be a main concern. When you install glass fireplace doors, you are protecting your loved ones from getting into the fire accidentally. You still need to teach your children not to touch the glass doors as they become very hot. Glass fireplace doors also keep hot sparks and embers from jumping out of the fire into the room where they could possibly ignite a fire. They also prevent burning logs from falling out of the fireplace onto the floor.

GIVE A NEW LOOK TO YOUR HEARTH

If you would like to update the appearance of your fireplace but are on a budget, glass fireplace doors are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to do that. Beach Stove & Fireplace offers a wide variety of styles and designs of glass fireplace doors that will give you several options to give your hearth a new look.

REDUCE CHIMNEY DRAFT PROBLEMS

Draft problems in your chimney can lead to downdrafts that cause smoke to come into your living space through the fireplace. Glass fireplace doors do not allow smoke to come in, and they can even eliminate any draft issues you may have.

Interested in installing glass doors on your fireplace? Contact us at Beach Stove & Fireplace to learn more about how we can help you improve the function, safety, and appearance with glass fireplace doors.

By Julie Dismore on December 13th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Benefits of Glass Fireplace Doors

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

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

Reasons to Avoid Vent Free Gas Products

As the most recent fireplace fad, vent free gas logs have drawn a lot of interest based on their high burning efficiency of up to 99 percent. Companies also emphasize the ability to burn these logs with the flue closed, which only further entices consumers. These impressive features make this product seem like an obvious choice, but in reality, vent free gas logs actually pose some serious hazards.

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Vent free gas products use natural gas as fuel and require no ventilation. Rather than utilizing the air flow up through the chimney, or the draft, of a traditional fireplace, vent free fires consume the oxygen in the house. Designed specifically to burn without any type of venting, these logs should not be substituted with any other types of logs for use in a vent free system.

Any time combustion occurs, imperfect burning always results in the production of some type of waste. Even though the vent free gas logs boast a nearly perfect efficiency, they can still leave up to eight percent of the fuel incompletely burned. This incomplete burning produces harmful waste materials, such as carbon monoxide. Fatal in high enough concentrations, the inhalation of carbon monoxide and other fumes is a real threat when using vent free products because the system offers no escape for these gases. In fact, there have been reported claims of aggravated asthma, allergies and other respiratory issues by people living in homes that use vent free gas logs.

In addition to harmful gases, vent free units also produce excessive amounts of water vapor. All types of fires produce water vapor, but because the vent free systems offer no escape, the vapor ends up condensing inside the house. This is evidenced by moisture on walls, floors, and furniture, which can also lead to a variety of problems. Water damage can ruin the walls and furniture, and the home will become uncomfortable humid. Mold growth throughout the house also becomes a valid concern.

For all the claimed efficiency, vent free gas logs cannot be relied on as a source of heat. Marketers promise the production of a lot of heat, but they fail to mention that the vent free units should not stay on for more than a few hours at a time. Burning for lengths of time beyond this recommendation can lead to a depletion of oxygen levels, an increase in toxic fumes, and an increase in humidity.

Another issue is in newer houses, where the airtight build can cause interference with the combustion process. When the house is sealed tight, air cannot enter quickly enough to provide the amount of oxygen needed for the fire to burn and this lack of oxygen will extinguish the fire. Some manufacturers suggest fixing this issue by opening a window, but this defeats the purpose of investing in a vent free system in the first place.

Vent free gas products might sound great in theory, but the problems heavily outweigh the benefits. Rather than investing money into a dangerous and unhealthy vent free unit, consider high efficiency traditional fireplace inserts or direct vent fireplaces. If you live in the area of Westhampton Beach, New York, contact Beach Stove and Fireplace for more information on fireplace options.

By Julie Dismore on December 29th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Reasons to Avoid Vent Free Gas Products

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.

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.

By Julie Dismore on June 25th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Gas Logs F.A.Q.

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!

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.

 

By Julie Dismore on April 29th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Thinking About an Insert?

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.

Making the Switch to Gas - Westhampton Beach NY - Beach Stove & FireplaceAccording 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.

By Julie Dismore on March 29th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Making the Switch to Gas

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.Gas Log Advantages - Westhampton Beach NY - Beach Stove and Fireplace

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.

By Julie Dismore on September 19th, 2013 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Gas Logs Advantages

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)