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March 2, 2010
You’ve made the decision to improve your home with the installation of a fireplace insert. Now you need to decide what type of fireplace insert fuel option fits your needs.
For a sense of tradition, wood fuel is tops. New fireplace insert technology makes wood burning ecological and economical with high efficiency and low emissions.
For easier handling of fuel, turn to pellets. Efficient burners and simple to use, pellets are perfect for a “true” flame without the possible messiness of wood.
For the ultimate in convenience, choose a gas fireplace insert. With the flick of a switch (or a remote control), your home will be warmed by a gas flame. Gas fireplace inserts can work in many different home designs.
Contact Fireplace Village to decide which of the fireplace insert fuel options is best for your home. Fireplace Village sells, installs and services a large selection of wood, gas and pellet inserts. We sell and service inserts from Hearthstone, Heat & Glo, Jotul, Napoleon and Vermont Castings.
March 1, 2010
Homeowners sometimes don’t know what to do with a traditional inefficient fireplace in their home. They may light some logs on occasion for the ambience of a fire but when extreme weather conditions and low temperatures are present, homeowners know they are sending heat up the chimney when they burn a traditional fireplace.
Some are worried about safety issues of falling logs or knotholes in the wood that may spray sparks into the room. At the end of the day it can be worrisome to go to bed when you know there are burning logs of a banked fire that will burn for several hours without anyone to watch it.
Maintenance is another concern for a fireplace as creosote buildup in the chimney can cause chimney fires. A chimney fire may simply burn off the creosote and die down on its own but it may also spread sparks or fire to the roof and present a real fire hazard to homeowners.
Adding a fireplace stove insert or freestanding wood stove to your wood burning traditional fireplace is very common today. The fireplace insert sits partially inside the opening of the fireplace with panels that cover the opening of the fireplace completely. A steel exhaust pipe attached to the top of the insert sends smoke outside through the chimney of the existing fireplace. Most fireplace insert installations require chimney lining and insulation which completely seals and insulates the chimney. Chimney heat loss costs the average homeowner $10-$15 per month.
Hearth stoves are designed a bit differently. These wood stoves sit on the hearth outside your fireplace opening and the exhaust pipe connects to the back of the stove. A tee connection routes the exhaust up through a steel chimney liner that extends to the very top of your fireplace chimney.
A fireplace stove insert more readily provides heat into the room as it does not transfer as much heat to the surrounding masonry fireplace. The freestanding wood stove that is located just out of the fireplace opening allows more heat to be lost to the cold brick of the fireplace and to the hearth stone or brick.
In the U.S., all wood burning fireplace inserts comply with EPA Clean Air Regulations (Phase II). They are tested for emission of particulates and EPA approved fireplace stove inserts are exempt from “burn bans” imposed by local authorities.
By installing a freestanding or fireplace stove insert to your fireplace, you will more effectively heat your room without losing heat up the chimney or damage to the environment. If you have a traditional inefficient wood burning fireplace you can turn it into a heat producing wonder by adding a free standing wood stove or a fireplace stove insert.
February 9, 2010
While the atmosphere and aroma are second to none, a traditional wood burning fireplace can be much more energy efficient once a fireplace insert is installed.
Fireplace inserts fit into your existing fireplace, either mounted flush with the hearth or at times extending out slightly. Inserts often include upgraded stone or tile finishes, cast iron features and glass doors. They are extremely attractive and complete the look of even the more barren of fireplaces.
Besides the aesthetics, fireplace inserts add energy efficiency to your heating system, whether it’s wood, pellet burning or utilizes natural gas. Inserts have tight fitting doors and feature air circulation systems built right in. They ensure that the majority of heat generated from the flames is not lost up into the chimney and produce the most efficient burn using controlled damper systems. Fireplace inserts also gather combustion air from outside of your home. The combustion efficiency of an insert depends on whether wood, pellets or natural gas are burned. Regardless, the construction of an insert improves the efficiency significantly when compared to a traditional fireplace.
Another benefit of fireplace inserts is the inclusion of a built in fan. Fans don’t affect the combustion efficiency, but they do distribute the heat into your home well, sometimes from 50 to 75% better than without an insert. If your fireplace is in a small room a fan may not be necessary, but a fireplace insert and fan can heat a large area very comfortably.
Fireplace inserts come in either single or double-walled construction. Double-walled is more efficient because of the way that heated air is distributed through and around the insert. This type is more common and safer than single-walled, which pulls air from the room into the fireplace, up along the back and then back out the top.
Be sure that your fireplace insert is connected to the existing chimney system. The NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) and many building codes require a direct connection between the fireplace insert and the flue liner to prevent creosote build up.
Always have your existing fireplace inspected by a licensed professional who will determine whether an insert is suitable and which type would be best. Professionals can make sure that all of the elements work together to produce maximum efficiency. A certified chimney sweep should also clean the existing chimney in preparation for an insert.
Continue to enjoy the look and feel of your existing fireplace with an energy efficient and convenient fireplace insert installed right in. Your home will be warmer and produce fewer emissions – making your family feel better all around.
January 28, 2010
A fireplace insert is a metal fireplace made to fit inside an existing masonry fireplace. Because of the double walls around the fire box, warm air is trapped and circulated around the room; making fire place inserts an extremely efficient and economical solution to any old masonry fireplace. Fireplace inserts can heat most, if not all of a house because of their efficacy.
Older masonry fireplaces are an inefficient way to heat a home, as much of the heated air goes right back up the chimney, and the head cannot be felt unless right in front of the fireplace. Fireplace inserts transform existing fireplaces into a great way to heat a room or a home.
Fireplace inserts are available in a variety of fuel options, including gas and pellet. One reason many people opt for a fireplace insert is to switch their fuel from wood burning to gas burning. If tired of splitting, hauling or storing wood, or worried about sparks and dirt around the fireplace, a gas fueled fireplace insert might be right for you. Gas fueled fireplaces often come with great accessories such as a remote control, to raise or lower the intensity of the flame from anywhere in the room.
For those who enjoy the natural feel and sounds associated with wood burning, a traditional wood burning insert is a great way to update an old fireplace. Because of great accessories, such as a blower, wood burning fireplace inserts are extremely efficient. A blower is attached to the fireplace insert and circulates warm air around the room. The best part of a blower is that it uses no electricity, which means in the event of a power outage the fireplace insert will continue to provide light and heat in the home. Wood burning fireplace inserts also come with glass doors, which keep the fire contained and safe in the presence of children or animals. These doors prevent ash and sparks from flying into the room and keep the area surrounding the fireplace insert clean.
Be it gas, or wood burning, fireplace inserts can transform the use of an existing fireplace. Fireplace inserts are extremely customizable, and can fit with almost any existing decor. Paint that can withstand high temperatures allows for fireplace inserts to be customized to the room. Inserts also come in a variety of metal finishes, and can be inserted flush with the fireplace, curved models are also available.
Fireplace Village carries a wide variety of wood burning, gas and wood pellet fireplace inserts. Please visit us online or one of our New Hampshire locations.
January 20, 2010
Fireplace inserts are a fantastic way to increase the efficiency of your old masonry fireplace. Fireplace inserts are made up of a fire box which is surrounded by a steel shell, which sits inside of an existing fireplace. Air from the room then moves into the space between the steel shell and the firebox and is circulated around the room. Because this air cannot escape up the chimney it is one of the most efficient ways of heating a room.
When choosing a fireplace insert the first decision to make is which kind of fuel you are choosing to use. If natural gas is an option for your home there are many gas burning fireplace inserts available. There is a wide variety of gas log types and many come with realistic looking glowing embers, for the wood burning fireplace feel.
If looking to get away from wood burning, and natural gas is not an option, there are always pellet burning fireplace inserts which are a very efficient way of updating an old wood burning fireplace. Pellets are made from compressed saw dust from wood mills, burning recycled byproducts is a great idea instead of burning non-renewable fuel sources.
Most masonry wood burning fireplaces are extremely inefficient. By installing a wood burning fireplace insert you can update the look of an old fireplace. The space between an existing masonry fireplace and the fireplace insert is covered by a faceplate, which come in a variety of decors to fit any room.
Despite the fuel type there are other accessories which can be added onto a fireplace insert to make it more attractive or more efficient. Glass doors can be added as a way to enjoy the look of the fire without over heating the room. These need to be cleaned often, however, as they get covered in soot and can be very unattractive. A blower can also be added, which takes the heated air from the fireplace insert and disperses it around the room. These are extremely cost efficient and a great addition to any fireplace insert.
Once the fuel type is decided it is time to chose the model. There are many existing conditions that need to be taken into consideration. In order to determine the size and type of fireplace insert, it is important to measure the existing fireplace, and examine the damper opening. It is a good idea to have a chimney sweep come in to examine the fireplace and determine it safe to put in a fireplace insert. Many times the inside of the chimney needs to be relined.
To install the fireplace insert it is advised that a professional come in to complete the job. Fireplace inserts are not only extremely heavy, but also need to be installed perfectly to prevent risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and damage to the existing fireplace.
Fireplace Village is the largest fireplace insert store in New Hampshire and New England. We carry a wide selection of wood burning, gas and pellet fireplace inserts. Fireplace Village installs fireplace inserts and chimney liners. Stop by one of our New Hampshire locations to view our burning fireplace insert displays or buy Napoleon fireplace inserts online.
January 14, 2010
Napoleon Fireplace is North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of quality wood and gas fireplaces, wood and gas stoves, gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products and waterfalls. Fireplace Village is a proud retailer of both gas and wood burning Napoleon fireplaces and stoves, including fireplace inserts and pellet stoves.
Napoleon has a unique line of gas fireplaces, ranging from traditional hearths to contemporary inset units and even see-through options. Many of the gas fueled fireplaces come with an optional heat circulating blower, which moves the warm air generated by the fireplace around the room. This is an efficient way to heat any size room while enjoying the comfort and feel of a fireplace.
Napoleon’s wood burning fireplaces and stoves are also energy efficienct, each one going above and beyond the EPA’s (Environment Protection Agency) efficiency rating.
Visit one of our New Hampshire locations to view the Napoleon Fireplace burning display models or buy Napoleon gas fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace inserts online.
January 11, 2010
In general, a fireplace is a structure to contain fire and heat. It has many varieties including type and whether it is operated by naturally with logs or electronically. Historically, fire pits were used for cooking either outdoors or inside a hut. With modern technology, fireplaces and mantels are now more decorative center pieces found in homes regardless of functionality.
A fireplace may be made up of many different parts depending if you have a gas fireplace, wood burning fireplace or an electric fireplace. A masonry fireplace is a brick or stone structure and is generally not very efficient or environmentally friendly. A manufactured fireplace is popular in new home construction and when remodeling or putting an addition on homes for its easy construction and installation. It can be made for many types of fuel uses including wood burning, natural gas, and propane. There are also ventless fireplaces that are gas operated.
If you are considering adding a fireplace, wood stove or fireplace insert to your house for decorative or functional reasons there are many things to consider. First, the fuel type, whether electric, gas, wood pellet or wood makes a difference. The type of fuel you choose to operate your fireplace or wood stove will determine the options that will be available. Consider if you would like an outdoor fire pit for chilly evenings or a see through remote gas fireplace that is visible in two rooms. If your home already has a fireplace you may be able insert a wood stove or a fireplace insert into the fireplace, which will increase efficiency and significantly decrease smoke emissions from your fireplace.
There are many efficient, clean burning and functional additions to your fireplace that can lower your energy bills while increasing satisfaction and home value. There are also many fireplace accessories that provide for safer more efficient fireplace operation. We suggest doing research before buying.
Fireplace Village is the largest fireplace and wood stove dealer in New Hampshire and New England. We carry a wide selection fireplaces and fireplace accessories including fireplace gloves, screens, ash buckets and tool sets. Visit one of our locations in New Hampshire or buy online.
January 8, 2010
Fireplace Village gets lots of questions from customers purchasing wood stoves, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves about the current federal tax credits. Here are the questions that we hear the most:
What is the Biomass-Burning Stove Tax Credit?
This federal tax credit encourages people to make energy-conscious purchases that improve the energy efficiency of their home. It is an up to $1,500 credit you can get for buying a qualifying biomass-burning stove or fireplace insert between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Biomass simply means the stove uses wood or pellet fuel.
What is the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit?
A deduction is an expense or amount you can subtract from your taxable income. A tax credit lowers your actual tax bill dollar-for-dollar, in this case by up to $1,500.
How is the value of this tax credit determined?
When you buy a qualifying biomass-burning appliance between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, you get a tax credit of 30% of the total price, up to $1,500 dollars. So, for example, if your wood or pellet stove cost $5,000 (which can include installation), you can deduct $1,500 from the taxes you owe the government.
What hearth appliances qualify for the tax credit?
Any wood stove, wood burning fireplace insert or pellet burning stove that meets the 75% heating efficiency rating qualifies for this credit. This means that 75% or more of the stove fuel is converted into heat. This efficiency rating is usually included with the specifications and on the back of the stove or insert.
Are biomass stoves installed in new or vacation homes covered by this tax credit?
No. The credit only applies to your existing principal residence. New homes and vacation homes don’t qualify, nor do homes owned as rental units
How do I ensure that I can collect on my tax credit?
Save your receipt that proves you purchased the qualifying hearth appliance between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. You’ll also need a manufacturer’s certification statement that states your product meets the 75% efficiency rating needed to qualify for this tax credit.
Fireplace Village or your authorized retailer will give you the manufacturer’s certification statement that must include:
o The name and address of the manufacturer.
o Identification of the class of qualified energy property (e.g., biomass-burning stove or insert).
o The make, model number and any other appropriate identifiers of the stove or fireplace insert.
o A statement that the hearth product is an eligible qualified energy property.
o A signature of a person able to bind the manufacturer to the above standards.
Are installation costs included in this tax credit?
Yes. Installation costs are included as long as professional installation is required for the proper and safe operation of the stove. We recommend using NFI certified installers or licensed chimney sweeps.
Where can I research and find more information about the energy efficiency tax credit?
Check out the IRS guidance relating to energy property and energy efficiency improvements as it relates to certified wood stoves, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves.
Fireplace Village is the largest wood stove and fireplace stove insert retailer in New Hampshire and New England. We are an authorized dealer for many leading stove and fireplace insert manufacturers such as Jotul, Hearthstone, Napoleon and Vermont Castings. Stop by one of our New Hampshire locations to view our extensive wood, gas and pellet fired insert displays or visit us online.
January 7, 2010
Nothing beats the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fireplace. If you are looking at purchasing or upgrading a fireplace, wood stove or fireplace insert (or any hearth appliance) there are lots of choices. Depending on the style and features of your home, your energy needs, design preferences and budget there are many hearth options to choose from.
Masonry Fireplaces
New masonry fireplaces have come a long way since the days when they provided more ambience than warmth. Today’s models are much more energy-efficient and some European models can even heat an entire small home. The cost of a masonry fireplace varies, depending on a number of factors, including type of material used (particularly on the fireplace face, which could be composed of marble, granite, brick, etc.), the hearth (brick, stone, concrete, tile, marble or wood) and other factors such as chimney liners and chimney caps.
Gas Fireplaces
Housed in their own metal casing, gas fireplaces can be installed just about anywhere. Inside the gas fireplace you will find ceramic logs, fiber gas logs or glass or crystal elements and a burner that produces a glowing natural gas-powered flame. These new gas fireplaces are not the old gas fireplaces. The quantity and quality of the flame has been dramatically improved and most now have the look and feel of a traditional wood burning fireplace. Many gas fireplaces now have flames that are difficult to distinguish from wood burning fire flames. Modern gas fireplaces also come with electronic remote controls and automatic fans to better circulate the heat. The new remote controls are relatively sophisticated with touch screens, child safety locks and automated temperature control operation.
There are three different styles of gas fireplaces: the direct vent model, the top vent design, and the vent-free model.
The direct vent gas fireplace uses two vent pipes that lead directly to the outside. One pipe uses combustion air from the outside while the other vents the exhaust gas.
The top vent gas fireplace design can be installed into existing fireplaces and uses the metal or brick chimney as the exhaust vent. The combustion air for top vent fireplaces is drawn from inside the home while the chimney vents the exhaust gas.
The vent-free gas fireplace model uses no exhaust vent. This style includes an oxygen-depletion sensor that turns off the gas if it senses a dangerous lack of oxygen inside the house. While fireplace manufacturers claim that vent-free fireplaces burn clean, are energy-efficient and don’t threaten indoor air quality, be aware that a number of states do not permit the installation of vent-free fireplaces. In the New England states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut installation of vent-free gas fireplaces is permitted. Massachusetts has in the past not authorized the installation of vent free gas fireplaces for safety reasons.
Prefabricated Fireplaces
Prefabricated fireplaces, also known as zero-clearance fireplaces, are highly insulated, so they can be installed within an inch of combustible materials, such as wall framing. They are preferred in new construction because they’re much lighter in weight, are faster and easier to install than standard masonry units, and are energy-efficient. Many newer prefabricated fireplaces are prefabricated from metal and installed in wood-frame walls. They generally have a metal shell and a realistic brick-lined firebox.
Wood Stoves
A wood stove is essentially a metal container for a fire. Made from cast iron or brick-lined, welded plate steel, a wood stove has an inlet for combustion air and an outlet for combustion gases, or smoke. Most modern wood stoves are airtight and allow the amount of combustion air that feeds the flame to be controlled. This control allows a wood stove to burn far more efficiently than a traditional open fireplace.
Wood stoves built during the 1970s and early 1980s offer efficiencies of 50 to 60 percent. Those built since new governmental requirements were put in place in 1988 offer 75 percent or higher overall efficiency; that is, they convert up to 75 percent or more of their fuel into heat. Concern about particulate emissions or air pollution carried by wood smoke have also forced changes in wood stove designs. Although old wood stoves gave off up to 50 grams of particulates per hour in smoke, new certified stoves give off only about 5 grams.
Most new wood stoves are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and come in many styles and colors. If you thought that wood stoves only came in black and belched smoke then think again. The new wood stoves are energy efficient, clean burning and there is a wood stove to fit any home or life style.
Fireplace Inserts
If you have a masonry fireplace but don’t like the associated, draftiness, energy costs or overall inefficiency, you should consider purchasing a fireplace insert, sometimes referred to as a fireplace stove insert. A fireplace insert is basically a wood stove designed to fit into a fireplace. Fireplace inserts are usually constructed of cast iron or steel just like wood stoves.
Installing a fireplace insert will typically require the installation of a chimney liner. The chimney liner essentially narrows and insulates the chimney vent and connects directly onto the fireplace insert creating a closed highly efficient system. No more opening and closing the damper. Fireplace inserts can use various fuel options and are clean burning (minimal smoke and particulate emissions). Fireplace inserts like wood stoves are heavy, usually weighing upwards of 300 pounds. This means delivery and installation are better left to certified installers or professional chimney sweeps.
Gas fireplace inserts utilize natural gas or liquid propane as the fuel source and consist of a gas log set installed into a steel or cast iron stove and are usually sealed on the front with glass. Most gas inserts have fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat. Gas inserts are available with remote controls, wall switches or wall-mounted thermostats.
Wood-burning fireplace inserts use firewood as the fuel source. Wood inserts come with fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat. Wood burning inserts would typically include an operable glass door in the front to allow for loading of firewood and flame viewing. Wood inserts vary in size of flame viewing area (the bigger the better) and maximum log length that can be inserted into the stove for burning.
Pellet fireplace inserts use wood pellets or other types of pellets (corn based, soy based, etc.) as the fuel source. Pellet fireplace inserts come with fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat.
Pellet-Burning Hearth Appliances
Pellet-burning hearth appliances are simpler to operate and more convenient than other wood-burning appliances. In fact, they are almost as easy to use as gas, oil or electric heaters. Pellet stoves and pellet inserts burn wood pellets or compressed wood. Pellet-burning hearth appliances are loaded with pellets through a hopper and the rate of burn is controlled by an electronic circuit board that is typically controlled by burn settings or a thermostat. Most pellet appliances have at least two burn settings and some new models use thermostats to control the fire. They also use a forced-air system to distribute the wood pellet heat. Pellet-burning appliances are highly efficient, clean burning and environmentally friendly.
Pellet stoves burn wood very efficiently and many do not need chimneys. Rather, they can exhaust fumes by venting directly through a wall to the outdoors. Pellet-burning appliances need to be refueled less frequently than most other wood burning appliances. Refueling varies from once a day to twice a week, depending on the model and your heating needs. Most pellet stoves require electricity to operate.
Customizing Your Fireplace
Your fireplace can be customized with a variety of functional and stylistic options.
Gas fireplaces, for instance, feature three different kinds of logs: vented logs that provide a realistic burning wood look with less heat; ventless logs, which produce a yellow flame with a high degree of efficiency; and partially vented logs which provide a middle ground option in warmth, appearance and efficiency. Each type of gas log is available in many different gas log set styles including types of wood (oak, cedar, northern oak, etc.), flame size and color and other unique and interesting styles (camp fire, beach fire, glass, crystal, etc.).
Gas fireplaces, gas stoves and gas inserts can all be used with remote controls, wall switches and wall mounted thermostats.
Other options or accessories for fireplaces include a wide array of hearth rugs, custom glass doors, ash containers and buckets, wood holders, fire starters, flame enhancers, fireplace screens, tools and fireplace gloves. There are many accessories and options available for wood stoves as well. The most popular options include tool sets, hearth rugs, stove scents and steamers.
January 6, 2010
Whenever you burn firewood or wood pellets in your wood stove, fireplace, or fireplace insert, you will create ashes that need to be properly removed. These ashes must be removed periodically as they can impact both performance and life of the hearth appliance.
When removing ashes always exercise caution, small bits of hot coals may be mixed and buried within the ashes. This represents a potentially significant fire hazard. These hot coals can stay dormant for many hours and possibly days when buried in ashes. The ash acts as an insulator keeping the coals from burning out. These coals can flare up when they are exposed to more oxygen. For this reason, fire departments often return to the scene of a fire to place more water on smoldering timbers.
Proper Ash Removal & Storage
Safe removal of ashes and coals from a wood stove or fireplace, and from inside the home are a must. The proper type of ash “holder” or bucket, for ash removal and storage should also be sheet metal. Never store ash in a plastic bucket. The bottom of the ash bucket should be slightly offset from the bottom so that the actual bottom does not make contact with flooring. The edge will and should make contact, but the majority of the bottom of the ash bucket should be elevated. The bucket should have a large wire handle for easy carrying and a metal ash shovel for safe ash removal from the hearth appliance. And, most importantly, the pail should have a lid that closes tightly. Lastly, do not place the ash holder directly on a wood porch, they should only be placed on non-combustible surfaces such as stone, concrete, brick, or slate.
The New Hampshire Fire Marshal recommends:
Coals in a pile of wood ashes can stay live for many days. Store wood ashes in a covered metal container set on a dirt or concrete surface at least 36″ from any combustible surface or materials.
Improper Wood Stove Ash Storage and Removal Story
Seven Displaced in Wood Stove Fire
Manchester, New Hampshire
January 5, 2010
Seven people were displaced after a basement fire caused $50,000 in damage to a Brown Avenue home. The fire started in a living room area of a finished basement near a wood stove. Fire Prevention investigators have determined the fire happened because of the improper disposal of ashes. Cardboard was located near the wood stove as was a plastic bucket containing cold ashes. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 40 minutes and contained flames to the basement area but the entire residence was damaged by smoke. Damage was estimated at $50,000 and the home was rendered uninhabitable.
Luckily no one was injured. This fire could have been easily avoided if proper wood stove safety precautions and proper ash storage and removal procedures had been followed.
Fireplace Village sells high quality Ash Holders and Ash Shovels. Our ash holders and buckets are constructed of sheet metal, the bottoms are elevated from the ground, have safe handles and include lids. Stop by one of our New Hampshire stores today or purchase ash buckets and shovels online.
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