Home Improvement » Fireplaces

Homeowners warm up to tax credit for wood- and pellet-fueled heat

Jennifer — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:26:24 +0000

(ARA) – For warmth and beauty in the home, it’s hard to beat the ambience of a real wood-burning stove or fireplace. Homeowners now have another reason to warm up to one – they may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500 if they purchase and install a 75-percent efficient wood- or pellet-burning (biomass) stove in 2009 or 2010. Thirty-percent of the total cost, including the appliance, installation and piping, can be claimed.

Also qualifying for the tax credit are wood- and pellet-burning fireplace inserts, which when installed into existing inefficient fireplaces quickly transform them into energy-efficient home heaters.

The tax credit is part of the federal government’s efforts to encourage homeowners to choose green, energy-efficient products for their homes. The choice is good for the environment and homeowners’ wallets, says Dan Henry, chief technical officer for Quadra-Fire and Harman Home Heating, which offer more than 30 products that qualify for the tax credit.

“Today’s wood- and pellet-burning units are considerably more efficient than dated models, producing more heat with less fuel to provide warmth and comfort for many hours,” says Henry. “They are thermostatically controlled, easy to maintain and feature advanced burn technology that produces less ash and low outside air particulate emissions. It is now more convenient than ever to heat your home with renewable fuels, save money on heating bills and contribute to a greener Earth.”

There are several advantages to supplementing your home’s heat with a biomass stove or fireplace insert, including:

* Controlled heating costs, since prices for wood and pellets are much more predictable than prices for propane, oil and natural gas, which can fluctuate greatly.

* Contribute to less greenhouse gases by burning wood or pellets for heat, which is considered carbon neutral since only the carbon the tree or plant absorbed when growing is released into the air.

* Eligibility for the tax credit if you purchase and install a qualifying high-efficiency product.

After the purchase is made, the homeowner obtains an Official Manufacturer’s Certificate from the manufacturer’s Web site or the retailer. The certificate validates that the product qualifies for the tax credit and should be retained by the homeowner for tax purposes.

It’s now possible to live green and save some money while enjoying the ambiance of a crackling fire in the comfort of your own home. Find qualifying products and visit a hearth dealer near you for details.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Modern Fireplace And Your Home

Author — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:07:24 +0000

A lot of people are starting to like the idea of having a fireplace in their home or even a few of them. Fireplaces not only help on heating costs but they are pleasant to look at and become a nice focal point for a room. They can quickly and easily spice up any room they are in and are places to set some photos or decorations on. Maybe even a nice plant or two as it is really up to the homeowner. Many people are finding that having a fireplace or two is well worth the money they invest into them.

But because of the way a lot of people like to decorate their homes, the old fashioned looking fireplaces are no longer appealing to most people. For the general public, the modern fireplace is what is most preferred. The modern fireplace adds that same touch of class but in a slightly different package is all. When the people who are used to the old fashioned fireplaces think of a modern fireplace, they believe they would not like it. But once it is seen in person, most people tend to change their minds and begin to see themselves owning their very own modern fireplace.

Installing The Safe Way

If you want to install a gas or electric modern fireplace and have never done it before, it may be well worth your safety to call in a professional. Having someone experienced do the work will ensure that there are no problems down the line. After all, gas and electric are no fun to mess with if you are unsure of yourself. If you are purchasing a real flame modern fireplace that uses the gel cans, then you can assemble that yourself and get it started in no time. Also, those are typically portable so you can also move them from room to room all by yourself.

Also, make sure that whatever work or prep work you do yourself, you are taking your time with. It has been said that your work is only as good as your preparation stage and that holds true when installing or putting together a modern fireplace. Take your time and read the instructions so that you will get a lot of good use out of your new modern fireplace. You and your family will enjoy and appreciate the time and effort that went into the project and all of the money you put into it for them.

Knowing How To Build A Fireplace

Author — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:04:33 +0000

There is a lot to love about fireplaces since they bring us so much warmth and comfort. It is hard to imagine a cold winters night without being snuggled up in front of one. Well, even cool summer nights are fun in front of the inviting fireplace. But what if you do not have one in your home at all? Then you should think about purchasing or building one as it will add a great deal of appeal to your home’s overall appearance and style. This is an investment that could have an excellent turn around for you in the end.

Knowing how to build a fireplace is important though if you are going to attempt it yourself. Also, knowing a little something about cutting and laying brick is important if it is a brick fireplace you want. Or you could always go for a wood fireplace mantel, but you would still need a different material such as brick on the inside because of flames. Even the ventless propane fireplaces will need bricks in the layout. So if you have never done this type of project before, make sure you learn how to build a fireplace before you are in the middle of it all.

Getting Assistance

If you have never tackled a project like this before, you must seek help so that you don’t get hurt and you do not waste money on materials that get messed up due to lack of experience. Knowing someone like a friend or a family member who knows how to build a fireplace is a great start. This is because the friend or family member will more than likely help you out for free instead of charging you like a professional would. Then again, sometimes it is worth the money of having a professional come in.

If that is not an option though and you are simply stern on not hiring outside help, then you need to make sure to read up on some books and Internet articles about how to build a fireplace. Start with the Internet as there is a ton of information just waiting to be read and you may even luck out with finding some clear cut instructions and even blueprints for learning how to build a fireplace. In the end, the time and effort you put into researching the project will pay off and show through the quality of work that you produce.

Having All The Right Fireplace Tools

Author — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:02:49 +0000

As with anything that you have in your home, you need to make sure that you have all of the right fireplace tools to make your experience with it more fun and easier. Also, this is the best way to make sure that you remain safe while dealing with the fire and some of the fireplace tools such as the gate that goes across the front to help keep everyone such as animals and children safe from harm. Not to mention, fireplace tools can come in a wide variety of styles and designs and can serve not only as functional pieces but as decorations too.

If you have a fireplace you need fireplace tools, as there is just no way around it. Not having the proper fireplace tools in place is not only a hazard but it also looks a little out of place. Everyone is used to seeing these sitting right next to the fireplace. It adds that little bit of a finishing touch, which pulls it all together. So whether you are someone who uses their fireplace everyday or just once or twice a year, you need to have all of the properly working fireplace tools.

Where To Buy Them

Just about everywhere you look there are fireplace tools for sale and you will often have a wide variety of styles to pick from. Depending on your taste and your budget, you can find fireplace tools ranging in price from fifty dollars to several hundred dollars for a set. The investment is a wise one and one that is well worth it, as you cannot have a fireplace without a set of fireplace tools. Make sure you consider the overall theme and style of the room that the fireplace is in so that you are picking the right style.

Make sure you keep an eye open at your local department stores or even your local home improvement stores as these are the most common places to find fireplace tools for sale. If you do not like the selection there or are looking for something different than what everyone else will have, there are other options. You could always check out some auction sites as you can often get a bigger selection there and maybe even something that is used if you like the worn-in look. Either way, no matter where you go, make sure you get all the fireplace tools that you need so that everything matches in color and style.

The Importance Of Proper Fireplace Screens

Author — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:01:05 +0000

There is no doubt about it, when it comes to fireplace safety, fireplace screens rank on the top of the list. It is important for everyone and every pet in the household to understand that they must stay away from the fireplace while it is burning and even for a while afterwards. This is because the hot ashes are hot enough to still cause some serious burns on people. Make sure that young children fully understand the dangers so that they can be safe from fire at home and at other places.

To make sure that everyone is safe, it is important to make sure that all of the right tools are in place and the fireplace screens are up and stable. This is to protect the family and maybe even your personal belongings so it is important to really take time everyday to check the fireplace screens. It is not enough to leave them alone once you have placed them up because over time they can move or be adjusted in ways that are not truly safe for everyone. This is true no matter which type of fireplace screens you end up going with.

Buying Screens

When heading out to buy fireplace screens, it is important to know what size you truly need to cover the fireplace. If the fireplace screens are not the right size, it will not protect the way it should and it will also look out of place. If you want an older looking screen or something used that has history with it that is fine as long as you really inspect the framework and that it is still in good working condition. If it seems too worn out, then you need to look somewhere else, no matter how pretty it is.

For something that is new, just head out to your local home improvement store, as they will have a few to pick from. Again, you are still going to need the size your fireplace requires because not all fireplaces are the same size. If you really do not like the selection you are finding there, you can always turn to auction sites or web stores for your purchase of fireplace screens although you will be stuck paying for shipping fees. But if it is something that you are going to have for a long time, you do want to make sure it is something you like so the shipping fees may be well worth it.

The Basics Of A Fireplace Heat Exchanger

Author — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:57:38 +0000

There are a lot of people starting to run their fireplaces during the winter to save on their gas bill. This is generally a great thing as long as they remember to be safe but some people are noticing that they are not getting the heat that they feel they should be receiving out of their wood burning fireplaces. In fact, many people claim that rooms are becoming colder than normal and that the only way to be warm is to sit in front of the fireplace. This leaves people wondering how other houses get that toasty warm feeling throughout because of the fireplaces set in place.

The answer is both simple and complicated all at the same time. If you are experiencing that extra coldness in other rooms when you have your open wood burning fireplace running, you simply need a fireplace heat exchanger. That is the simple part of the answer but the more complicated part is understanding exactly why you need it because to purchase a fireplace heat exchanger, you are going to spend somewhere around five hundred dollars. Also, you will need to purchase a set of nice glass doors or that five hundred for the fireplace heat exchanger will just be wasted.

Why You Need One

The fact is, when you are dealing with a wood burning fireplace that is open, the fire will consume a lot of the extra air in the house that was already heated to the current temperature of the room. If the fireplace is taking up that air, it will replace it, but it will be with cold air from the outside. This is why a lot of people complain that their house is actually colder when they are burning a fire in their open fireplace. All they really need is a fireplace heat exchanger to solve the problem.

When you install a fireplace heat exchanger with a set of glass doors, you will eliminate that cold air in the rest of the house. A fireplace heat exchanger is a must have with any open wood burning fireplace and yet so many people go without them because they just do not know any better. In the end, they end up staying cold or wasting more time and money trying to heat a house that is always being hit with cold air from the outside. Without a fireplace heat exchanger, the homeowner is basically fighting a never-ending battle, and one that they will never win.

The Real Flame Fireplace And Its Benefits

Author — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:09:30 +0000

It is pretty easy to say that almost everyone loves the look of a fireplace in a living room or in a bedroom, whether or not they make a lot of use of it. It is a great piece to have as it ties the room together and adds an overall sense of warmth to the room. Also, it is fun to decorate and hang holiday stockings from so fireplaces make sense for families for many different reasons. But the reasons why many people do not use their fireplaces is because they are afraid of actual fire from burning wood or they do not want to deal with the mess of clean up.

There are also the people who live in homes that do not already have any fireplaces. These reasons are excellent reasons for owning a real flame fireplace. A real flame fireplace can be purchased in some stores and in a lot of online websites. Depending upon the size and design of the real flame fireplace you want, you are looking at spending anywhere from four hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. Even at the low end of the price range, the real flame fireplace is made to look like it has always been apart of your home. Hardly anyone will be able to tell the difference, which is a nice bonus.

How They Work

These units are generally portable which means once the real flame fireplace is against your living room wall, it is not stuck there. All you need is a screwdriver and you will have the real flame fireplace up and running in minutes. The flames that come up are not toxic as they come from a gel that is a grain-alcohol gel. With the real flame fireplace, you will never have to deal with fumes, smoke, soot, or messy cleanup. You simply place the gel cans down behind the ceramic logs. The logs are designed to look real and with the gel can right behind the logs burning, it gives the effect that the logs are burning.

The fact that the real flame fireplace can be moved around gives someone a lot of flexibility. There is no chimney required for it to run and the gel is environmentally safe. There is no reason why someone should pass up a real flame fireplace if they want the look of a natural burning fire for those cozy and relaxing nights at home. For a small investment of a few hundred dollars, you will be adding tremendous value to the look of the lucky room that gets the real flame fireplace.

Exploring Fireplace Gallery

Author — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:55:31 +0000

For over two decades now, Fireplace Gallery, Inc. has served the community, its retailers, its contractors, and its valued customers in a manner of excellence. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, it is one of Canada’s largest distributor and retailers. They continue to grow and improve, always striving to be the best in Canada.

All of the products from Fireplace Gallery, Inc. come with different BTUs and styles to fulfill all the variety of needs. They employ only the most highly trained and experienced installation technicians to ensure the safety of their valued customers.

Fireplaces can now be a piece of art in your home. Choose from a large selection of fireplaces, stoves, and inserts from Regency, Heatilator, Canadian Heating, Kozi, Kozy Heat, and Selkirk.

Fireplace Gallery – Regency

Regency’s exceptional fire, custom elegance and controllable heat are just a few reasons to make Regency a part of your family. You can choose from a large selection of gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts in a wide range of styles to fit your home. Designer accessories and fireplace mantels are available to customize your Regency.

Fireplace Gallery – Heatilator

The first heat circulating-fireplace was built by Heatilator in 1927. U.S. Industry Today, America’s leading trade magazine for fireplace manufacturers, recognizes Heatilator as an industry leader in manufactured fireplaces for over 80 years.

Heatilator has also been voted the most used and most recognized fireplace brand by readers of Remodeler magazine, the premier magazine for home remodelers.

Fireplace Gallery – Canadian Heating Products / Montigo

This company has been in business for 32 years and originally got its start as a distributor of wood-burning stoves. Montigo has grown into one of the leading manufactures of gas fireplaces in North America.

They offer the gas fireplace industry’s most comprehensive line of single-sided and multi-sided fireplaces, freestanding stoves, masonry fireplace inserts, and direct vent pipe systems.

Fireplace Gallery – Kozi

You can feel the warmth, discover the secret, and experience the romance with products from Kozi. They offer a complete line of gas fireplaces, plus wood and pellet stoves. Each one offers a realistic log set, large golden flames and optional trim packages.

Fireplace Gallery – Kozy Heat

Kozy Heat offers a complete line of gas and wood fireplaces, unique cabinets, and stylish accessories to complement any modern décor. This company offers excellent prices and furnishes top quality service to its customers.

Fireplace Gallery – Selkirk

Selkirk products create clean burning wood fires. Low emissions are achieved through a modern design to reduce maintenance and cost. Model HE40 contains many impressive design features, such as a cast iron front face, single or double door options and the ability to duct heat to other rooms. Selkirk also produces a chimney and venting for your fireplace.

Vent Free Fireplaces – The Controversy

Author — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:12:34 +0000

Vent free fireplaces are a controversial topic among builders and interior decorators today.

Supporters Of Vent Free Fireplaces

Those who recommend vent free fireplaces tout their many advantages. A vent free fireplace can be installed virtually anywhere. A fireplace can be the focal point in the center of a room, without having to be attached to a wall or a ceiling.

Vent free fireplaces often have up to three see-through walls, making them a spectacular design feature for any home, particularly a winter home. The top of the fireplace can also be left see-through, or an insulated top can be added, providing a valuable, functional horizontal surface on which to place a TV set, books, accessories, or framed photographs.

Surrounds for vent free fireplaces can be adapted to fit virtually any interior design style, from traditional to modern to country, and everything in between.

Opponents Of Vent Free Fireplaces

Those who oppose the use of vent free fireplaces say they are unsafe and unhealthy. These opponents point out that, while natural gas fireplaces may not emit particulate emissions, combustion of natural gas produces gas by-products that can be harmful to the environment. When these gas by-products are released indoors, the environment that they are harmful to is the air homeowners are breathing in their homes.

In addition to emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulphur dioxide, a vent free fireplace also emits water vapor. In a damp climate, water vapor can collect inside the house, leading to problems with mold and condensation. In fact, the amount of water that goes into a home from a vent free fireplace for every 100,000 BTUs of gas burned can be up to one full gallon of water. Unless homeowners have a system in place for handling all this water vapor, their vent free fireplace might be doing them more harm than good.

Direct Vent Fireplace – A Good Alternative

A direct vent fireplace can be installed in nearly every application where a vent free fireplace would also work. Furthermore, a direct vent fireplace can be installed in a corner unit, so two sides of the fireplace are see-through. Direct vent gas fireplaces are sealed, so all the harmful gases are released outdoors through the product’s venting system. In the outdoor environment, these gases can mix with other environmental gas naturally present in the atmosphere, reducing the harmful effects of these gases in your home.

In summary, vent free fireplaces should not be seriously considered by anyone who wants their fireplace for more than just looks. A direct vent gas fireplace is a safer alternative.

The Many Different Fireplace Designs

Author — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:53:55 +0000

With so many people starting to take advantage of what fireplaces have to offer, it is no wonder that more and more fireplace designs are hitting the market. After all, we are people who love to have options and the more options there are the happier we are. People tend to like a lot of choices when it comes to fireplace designs. It gives them a feeling like they have a little more control over what style of work is coming into their home. It also means that they have a greater chance of not getting the same one as everyone else on the block.

There are many different types of materials being used in the fireplace designs as well. Some are all brick, or all wood, while some are a mix of both. There is also a lot of tile and slate being used now in the different fireplace designs. Now once you have figured out all of the different materials that can be used, we can start to filter through the many different styles each type of material can be transformed into. Of course, I am not sure anyone could really list and describe all of the fireplace designs out there, but that is a good thing.

Pre-Designed Or Do It Yourself

There is a lot to say about selecting one of the many upon many fireplace designs that are pre-made. With all that is available, you are most likely not going to pick out the same exact design that your neighbor has. But then again, for those who feel bad luck always runs on their side, they may want to build and do some fireplace designs all on their own. This is the best and only way to be completely sure that no one else will have what your fireplace has.

When trying to determine how to go about doing your own fireplace designs, it is important to sketch it out first as this is much better then just starting a project and winging it. You may find that you keep scratching out ideas and redoing them. While this may be irritating to you, you will see that it is actually good because you will be able to end with something that you really like and put a lot of hard work into. Just give it a try and start drawing up some ideas because if you never come up with something you like, you can always pick out something already made.