Today's new fireplaces

Natural gas and propane fireplaces: easy as pie

A growing number of consumers are opting for these types of fireplaces. Rather than a chimney, they use an exhaust pipe or vent to expel combustion gases. When a house is already equipped with a natural gas distribution system, the fireplace can be powered by the same source as other gas appliances. Propane fireplaces require an outdoor tank that will need to be filled from time to time.

There are three types of gas or propane fireplaces:

• Inserts, which are installed in existing fireplaces. The gas burner and imitation logs are contained in a metal combustion box.
• Zero clearance fireplaces, which can be installed on interior or exterior walls where there is no existing cavity.
• Freestanding stoves, which look just like wood stoves. Because all sides are exposed, they usually produce more heat than other types of natural gas and propane fireplaces.

Pros

• They’re easy to use, can be controlled with a remote or thermostat, and produce consistent heat instantaneously. They can be programmed to turn on at a specific time or when the ambient temperature drops below a certain point.
• The fire goes out as soon as the gas supply is cut off.
• No cleaning is required, and you won’t need any firewood, so you’ll avoid messy woodchips, ashes, smoke, and logs!

Cons

• You don’t get the smell or crackling sound of burning wood.
• Natural gas and propane are more expensive than wood. Plus, they’re non-renewable energy sources that emit greenhouse gases.

Maintenance

The burners in natural gas and propane fireplaces should be professionally cleaned once per year. When the glass starts to turn brown, it’s time to call the cleaner.

If the power goes out

The electrical ignition system can be powered by a backup battery. Many models don’t require electricity at all. All you need is a pack of matches to get the fire going.

Good to know

• EnerGuide fireplace efficiency (FE) ratings indicate energy efficiency for gas fireplaces. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit.
• Powerful fireplaces aren’t always the best choice. They can overheat smaller rooms and consume fuel unnecessarily. Buyers should have a clear picture of their needs.
• Planning to buy a gas fireplace? Remember to check the appearance of the flames—they’re not all created equal.

Electric fireplaces: ecological and economical!

Clever use of lights and reflective surfaces make the “flames” emitted by electric fireplaces glow and dance. Many models have built-in thermostats and come with remote controls that allow you to adjust the intensity of the light and flames and turn the fireplace on and off. Electric fireplaces are usually rated at 1,500 watts and produce 5,000 BTUs of heat. They’re not comparable to wood or gas fireplaces that can throw out up to 30,000 BTUs, but they have enough power to heat a 3m x 3m (10ft. x 10ft.) room.

Pros

• They only require an electrical outlet, so they’re easy to install and can be moved from one room to another.
• Electric fireplaces create a pleasant atmosphere and give you the option of turning off the heat, so they’re a perfect option for summer evenings.
• They’re safe and don’t consume any fuel, release any harmful particles, or require a chimney or exhaust pipe. They’re also a good compromise if you live in a building where wood and gas heating is prohibited.

Cons

• Electric fireplaces don’t produce a lot of heat, so they’re better suited to small rooms.
• The flames they produce may appear fake.

Maintenance

You just need to change the bulbs every now and then.

If the power goes out

They run on electricity, so you’ll be out of luck in a power outage.

Good to know

Take the time to check whether you like the look and intensity of the flames before settling on a specific model.

Pellet stoves: efficiency first

Pellets are made of compressed waste wood and burn well because they are very dry. The pellets are put into a hopper and delivered to the burn chamber via an auger, so there is no wasted fuel or combustion time. The units stop on their own when they run out of pellets. Most pellet stoves are equipped with a thermostat to maintain the desired level of heat.

Pros

• When the hopper is full of pellets, the fire can burn for 12 to 24 hours without any intervention because the fuel is supplied automatically and the heat is regulated and consistent.
• These types of fireplaces are energy efficient, transforming about 80% of the fuel into heat. That makes them an environmentally friendly option.

Pellets are sold in bags and are easier to store than traditional logs.

Cons

• They cost more than the other options and require a lot of maintenance. They can fill up with ash quite quickly.
• They’re not the best option for people who simply want to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace. The pellets need to be heated to the maximum to get a good-looking flame, which may overheat your home and increase pellet consumption unnecessarily.
• They are somewhat noisy.

Maintenance

They require ongoing maintenance, including regular cleaning of the ducts, removal of ashes from the combustion chamber, annual maintenance of the motor and fans by a professionnal, and frequent washing of the glass panels. 

If the power goes out

The air circulation, combustion gas exhaust, and pellet supply systems run on electricity. Pellet stoves can’t be used for backup heating in the event of a power failure unless they are connected to a backup generator or battery.

Good to know

• Quieter models with self-cleaning glass panels are now available.
• You can get optional hot air distributors that help transfer heat to other rooms.

Make sure you get a quality unit

No matter what type of fireplace you’re looking at, make sure it’s certified by the Underwriters Labratory of Canada (ULC) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Gas-powered units should be approved by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA). If you want to make sure your unit is economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly, look for one that’s certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s proof that the unit was designed to minimize indoor and outdoor emissions of particulate pollutants.

Buying a fireplace and home insurance

Have you decided to purchase a fireplace for your home? Remember to tell your insurance company. If you file a claim for damage caused by a fireplace that your insurer was not notified about, it may reduce your benefit. Before you start shopping around, don’t hesitate to call the experts at CAA-Quebec’s Residential Advisory Services.

Our thanks to: Les Foyers Mirabel for their participation in this article.