So how do you go about finding the gas fireplace that’s just right for your situation. Your WE LOVE FIRE® expert is the one to speak with, but until then, here are a few pointers to consider for locating a gas fireplace in your home.
- Decks, patios, outdoor living spaces: Many manufacturers have developed gas fireplaces for outdoor use. Make sure the model you select is suited for the elements. These are typically not vented, so you’ll need to make sure there is plenty of fresh air for the exhaust to dissipate. Look for weather resistant finishes and stainless steel components, wind deflectors and gas safety valves.
- Bedrooms: Most people like their bedrooms a little cooler than the rest of the house, so look for a smaller BTU unit that won’t cook you out of the room! Wall space can be at a premium too, so give some thought to the size of the fireplace. Linear fireplaces and smaller portrait style fireplaces are a good option in a bedroom as the unit can be installed a bit higher on the wall, so when you’re lying in bed, you’ll want to be able to enjoy the flames.
- For maximum heat: BTUs is the name of the game here. The more, the better if you’re looking for a lot of heat. Look for a gas fireplace with a burner size of 35,000 BTU’s/hour or more. Give some thought about how you might move the heat around the room(s) to avoid getting too warm. Some larger BTU fireplaces have the capability of being ducted, so you can literally run ductwork from the fireplace to an adjacent room. Ceiling fans and a vertical oscillating floor fan will be a great aid to help circulate the warm air.
- In basement rooms: Probably a mid to larger burner is in order for basements in colder climates. Even well insulated basements have a tendency to be a bit chilly in certain winter conditions. This might be from a lack of return air ducts from the forced-air furnace or just poorly insulated walls and sill box areas. Go for a big burner in the fireplace. You can always adjust the amount of heat output, down. Also, be aware that venting a gas fireplace out of a basement can be tricky at times.
- Mobile homes: This can be a tough one because in many mobile homes, the living room is on one end and the bedrooms and bathroom on the other end. Keeping the air circulating is very important. Oscillating or ceiling fans can be effective. Depending on the age of the home and the quality of the insulation, turning the furnace fan to the “on” position instead of the “auto” position is often an effective way to move air. A good choice here is a fireplace with a smaller frame size, but a larger burner size.
- Small spaces: Again, the key is this scenario is to look for a fireplace with a smaller burner and lower BTU’s/hour. It’s also important to keep air moving to prevent a smaller space from being uncomfortably overheated.
Your nearby WE LOVE FIRE® expert has dozens of fireplaces and lots of options to show you in their beautiful showroom. Remember that we install and service what we sell. We work hard to earn your trust and confidence. And, we think you’ll appreciate our professionalism as we help you with your gas fireplace project.
