smartbuyer`sguide

SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
CONTENTS
A Guide to Choosing
The Right Fireplace for Your Home
Natural Gas Burning Fireplace Products
Gas Fireplaces
Gas Logs
Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas Stoves
Costs, Operating Costs, Care & Maintenance
Wood Burning Fireplace Products
Wood Burning Fireplaces
Wood Burning Inserts
Wood Burning Stoves
Costs, Operating Costs, Care & Maintenance
Electric Fireplace Products
Costs, Operating Costs, Care & Maintenance
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1
GAS PRODUCTS
Natural Gas Fireplace Products
Provide the rich, warm flames and comfort of traditional fireplaces
but with distinct advantages
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
Homebuyers consistently rate fireplaces as
a “must have” in consumer preference
surveys. However, many homeowners do
not often use their wood-burning fireplaces,
because it can be time-consuming and
messy to collect wood, build a fire, tend it,
cool it down and clean up the ashes.
It is no surprise that gas hearth product
shipments zoomed up 600 percent between
1992-2000, while sales of traditional
cordwood appliances rose only 11 percent
during the same time period, according to
the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.
Families who already have a masonry
fireplace and a chimney in good shape can
easily add a gas log set or gas insert. And
new manufactured gas fireplaces can be
installed without a conventional chimney –
making some gas hearth products
appropriate even for high-rise apartments.
Natural gas fireplaces, stoves, fireplace
inserts and gas log sets burn more cleanly
than wood fireplaces. This means no ash
build-up, no creosote in chimneys and no
sparks or flying embers that could burn
holes in carpets or furniture. Natural gas
hearth products are so clean, in fact, that
they can be used anytime in areas of the
country that have “no burn” regulations for
wood fireplaces and stoves in an effort to
reduce air pollution.
I
had
compared
the
-ireplace
insert
options
at
several
other
stores.
While
other
stores
sold
the
same
brand
of
insert
ultimately
selected,
many
stores
did
not
show
the
same
level
of
customer
concern
such
as
sending
out
a
technician
to
con-irm
the
-ireplace
measurements
prior
to
appliance
purchase.
I
would
highly
recommend
Woodburners
Two.
by
Steven
Gas Fireplace
Clean Face Revolution
by Fireplace X
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GAS PRODUCTS
Gas Fireplaces
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
Gas fireplaces are factory built,
prefabricated units that contain a gas fire
within a prefabricated metal firebox. They
come in a variety of sizes and styles,
including see-through, three-sided, linear
and traditional fireplace configurations.
The size of the firebox, the interior where
the fire burns, typically varies from 32 to 45
inches in width. The fireplace can be placed
along inside or outside walls, under
windows, as a peninsula between rooms, in
bookcases and media centers or in corners.
These units can be vented up through the
roof or through a side wall, or can be
unvented. Some models use a fan or blower
to circulate warm air from the fire into the
room. Because no masonry work is needed,
natural gas fireplaces are economical to
install.
All gas fireplaces feature realistic gas logs
with burning flames, and most can be used
as supplemental heat. Gas fireplaces that
are classified as “decorative” appliances are
designed primarily for their appearance
with some radiant heat for the room. Some
of these fireplaces can be equipped with
blower assemblies that increase the amount
of supplemental heat.
Some types of fireplaces are classified as
vented space heaters and are given
efficiency ratings like furnaces and other
types of vented space heaters. The
efficiency rating is called its Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. The AFUE
for a fireplace takes into consideration the
energy used while the fireplace is operating,
any energy lost in start-up and shut down,
and any fuel used in a standing pilot light.
We
love
our
wood
stove
insert
and
think
Woodburners
Two
was
great!
We
looked
at
different
stoves
online
but
wanted
to
see
them
in
person
before
we
bought.
The
showroom
has
lots
of
models
and
we
changed
our
mind
when
we
saw
them
in
person.
by
Chris
From left to right:
Gas Fireplace
HZ42
by Regency
Gas Fireplace
Greenbriar
by Mendota
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3
GAS PRODUCTS
Gas Logs
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
Gas logs are available for existing wood
burning fireplaces. They are constructed of
ceramic fiber or concrete with a gas burner
underneath. They are available in a variety
of designs crafted to resemble real wood.
The gas burner assembly creates a pleasant
effect that suggests lively glowing embers.
There are two types of fireplace log sets:
• Vented decorative gas fireplace log sets
require leaving the fireplace damper
open during operation. These sets are
used primarily for ambience, since
only about 10 percent of the log
appliance’s heat is retained in the
room. Building codes require that the
fireplace damper (the metal flap at the
top of the firebox, leading to the
chimney) be opened permanently with
vented gas logs. As a result, glass doors
are recommended for the firebox
opening in order to hold heat in the
room when the fireplace is not in use.
• Vent-free log heaters can contribute to
heating a room, and can be used with
the fireplace damper closed. A sensor
in the unit monitors the percentage of
oxygen in the room and automatically
shuts the log set off if the level drops
beneath its set point. Local building
codes vary on installation of these
units.
We
were
handled
professionally
and
the
end
result
was
great.
We
are
very
happy
with
both
the
gas
logs
and
the
gas
insert.
Judy
Miller
at
Woodburners
Two
was
terri-ic
in
helping
us
select
appropriate
products
and
troubleshooting
any
glitches.
by
Deborah
From left to right:
Gas Logs
by Peterson
Flambeau
by FireGear
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4
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
GAS PRODUCTS
Gas Fireplace Inserts & Stoves
Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas Fireplace Stoves
Another option for an existing fireplace
is a gas fireplace insert. These units can
upgrade an inefficient wood fireplace
into a high efficiency zone heater for
your home. They are an excellent source
of heat during a power outage.
Gas stoves are good substitutes for more
polluting wood-burning stoves. These
units are freestanding, come in
traditional and contemporary styles, and
are available in vented and vent-free
models. The stoves offer realistic flames,
good heating capacity, high efficiency
and an attractive appearance.
An insert is composed of a set of gas
logs built into a steel or cast iron box,
usually with a fan and heat exchange to
move heat into the room. Inserts can fit
into almost any existing fireplace and
come in a wide variety of styles and
sizes. Vented decorative models come in
an airtight metal cabinet with sealed
glass door. They require chimney liners
to ensure proper venting. Units can be
controlled by a switch, remote control or
thermostat.
The heat output of gas stoves can be
adjusted by turning the burner up or
down, by linking the unit to a thermostat
or by using a remote control. Theses
stoves work during power outages and
will provide excellent zone heating.
From left to right:
Gas Fireplace Insert
Horizon Series
by Regency
Gas Fireplace Stove
Greenfield
by Lopi
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5
GAS PRODUCTS
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
Additional Facts to Consider
When choosing a direct vent gas
product– Direct vent products are
available in gas only. They are the perfect
solution for homes that don’t have an
existing chimney. They always have a
sealed glass front and provide reliable
heat. Direct vent products offer the
opportunity to place a fireplace in just
about any room – provided venting can be
run to an outside wall or through the roof
(maximum venting distances apply). Venting terminations will appear on the
outside wall or roof, so this is an aesthetic
consideration for your home’s exterior.
Visit our showroom to select the right
product, cabinet and accessories for your
décor and heating requirements.
When choosing a B vent / natural vent
gas product – B vent products are
available in gas only and are similar to a
direct vent products in that they are
installed when an existing chimney is not
available. The difference is that a B vent
draws combustion air from inside the
home and has an open front. They are
decorative products.
When choosing a gas stove product –
Freestanding gas stoves add an air of
stylish tradition to any room. They are
available in direct vent or B vent models.
Crafted from durable stainless steel or cast
iron and available in both leg and pedestal
base styles, those stoves offer multiple
venting options and can go virtually
anywhere in your house. To find the
perfect stove for your home, visit our
showroom to select the right product for
your home.
When choosing a gas log set – Gas log
sets fit easily inside an existing wood
fireplace – masonry or manufactured steel
firebox - and provide an alternative to
wood burning fires without a lot of
modification to your existing fireplace.
Gas logs DO NOT require the installation
of liners in side the chimney ! Perfect for
when less heat and less mess are needed,
gas log sets are available in many sizes
and come with a grate, lava rocks and
glowing embers.
You should visit our showroom to select
the gas log set that best fits your fireplace
and arrange for installation if needed.
When choosing a vent free gas product
– Vent free products are available in gas
only. Offered in both stove and fireplaces
styles, and with no venting required, they
can be installed just about anywhere
(except in bedrooms or bathrooms).
Stylish and efficient, vent free products
add heat and ambience with little hassle or
expense. Please visit our showroom to talk
to our staff to determine if a vent free
product is right for you. (Vent free
products are not available in Canada and
some US states.)
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6
GAS PRODUCTS
Costs, Care & Maintenance
Cost
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
Gas fireplaces range from $ 1500 - $ 3500
depending on manufacturer, size, style and
accessories. Gas inserts and gas stoves
start at $ 2000.
Additional costs for the gas line
installation, venting, and electrical line
need to be factored in as well.
To ensure a safe and reliable installation
we have certified, professional installers
on staff.
We obtain permits for all our work.
Therefore you can be assured that your
installation will meet all local and state
codes.
Operating Costs
Gas fireplaces are generally cheaper to
operate and more efficient than wood
burning fireplaces. There are many
variables in determining the actual costs,
such as location of your home, how air
tight the house is, the room layout and the
cost of gas in your area.
Liquid propane gas contains 2,500 BTU's
per cubic foot, natural gas contains 1000
BTU's per cubic foot.
Care & Maintenance
Gas fireplaces are clean burning and
require little maintenance. We recommend
an annual inspection by one of our
certified technicians who can inspect the
burner, fan, venting, pilot light and
thermostat and even clean the glass.
Alternately, check with your owner's
manual for instructions for cleaning glass
doors. Typical glass cleaners are not as
effective as products specifically made to
clean the stains on the inside of gas
fireplace doors.
Gas Fireplace
See Thru Fireplace
by Town & Country
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7
GAS PRODUCTS
Costs, Care & Maintenance
In Summary gas fireplaces are:
Cleaner
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
•
•
Clean and environmentally
friendly.
Compared to old-fashioned wood
burners, natural gas fireplaces have
lower outputs of:
◦ Carbon monoxide.
◦ Toxic pollutants.
◦ Harmful particulate
Safer
•
•
•
Avoid creosote buildup
No chimney cleaning
Free from sparks or long-burning
embers
Convenient
•
•
•
No wood storage space needed
Get rid of messy ashes
Eliminate wood chips, bark and
bugs
Economical
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Up to 80% efficient
Costs less than buying, hauling and
burning wood
Add value to your home
Several types
Fireplace gas inserts
New gas fireplaces
Direct-vented systems that use
outside air for combustion and
vent out the wall
New top-vented or rear-vented
freestanding stoves
Gas Fireplace
8000 Modern
by Heat n’ Glow
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8
WOOD PRODUCTS
Wood Burning Fireplace Products
Wood burning Fireplaces
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
The traditional wood burning fireplace
is used as an open appliance. It can be
accessorized with glass doors, andirons,
screens, mantels, marble, etc. The fire is
beautiful and comforting, but
unfortunately it is not an efficient source
of heat because most of the heat if going
up the chimney. Wood burning
fireplaces can be all masonry or factory
built with metal chimneys. Wood burning Inserts
A wood burning fireplace insert is a
convenient and affordable way to
convert an existing masonry wood
burning fireplace to a more efficient
source of heat. Inserts fit into your
existing fireplace opening and use the
existing chimney. A stainless steel liner
will be installed inside the chimney for
better performance and safety.
To determine the size you will need,
measure the opening of your existing
fireplace - (width x height x depth) and
visit our showroom to select the right
product for your home.
Wood burning Stoves
Airtight wood burning stoves are high
efficiency products that can be installed
freestanding in most rooms. They are
vented into existing masonry chimneys
through a thimble or are installed with
Class A metal chimneys. Some are
installed in front of an existing fireplace. They are made of durable steel or cast
iron and come in many sizes and colors
to accommodate your heating and
decorating needs. From left to right:
Wood Burning
Fireplace
Rutherford
by Heat n’ Glow
Wood Burning Insert
Montpelier
by Vermont Castings
Wood Burning Sove
Camano Isle
by Avalon
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9
WOOD PRODUCTS
Costs, Care & Maintenance
Cost
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
If you build a masonry fireplace your
installation costs will be higher due to
labor and the higher cost of stone or
brick. Manufactured units are faster and
easier to install. They range in price
from $ 1200 - $ 3000. Labor costs for
the venting and a possible electrical line
need to be factored in as well
To ensure a safe and reliable installation
we have certified, professional installers
on staff.
fireplaces are clean burning and EPAcertified. They are more technologically
advanced and offer a substantial amount
of heat. These fireplaces are good
choices in areas with frequent power
outages, or where the cost of home
heating is an issue.
The average cost for a cord of wood is $
200.
Care & Maintenance
We obtain permits for all our work.
Therefore you can be assured that your
installation will meet all local and state
codes.
Operating Costs
Open wood burning fireplaces are 10%
efficient or less. Airtight, high-efficiency
In order to prevent creosote build up in
your chimney, only burn harder,
seasoned woods and keep monitoring
your flue. We recommend that your
fireplace and chimney be inspected and
cleaned annually by a chimney sweep
certified by the Chimney Safety Institute
of America.
Wood Burning Insert
Elite Flush
by Fireplace X
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10
SMARTBUYER’SGUIDE
ELECTRIC PRODUCTS
Electric Fireplace Products
Electric fireplaces, logs and stoves that
are excellent options for condo units,
bedrooms, and small areas where you
cannot run gas lines or chimneys.
Operating Costs
These appliances have flame patterns
that are often mistaken for real flames,
and most are available with heaters.
Most units use approx. 1400 Watts.
The fireplaces can be installed in a
prefabricated mantel cabinet which
makes for an easy installation. No mess,
no gas lines needed!
Costs will depend on your electric rate
from your provider.
Care & Maintenance
Virtually care free. Offers "fire" in the
summer by turning off the heating
element.
Installation Costs
An electric fireplace may require an
electrical line to the unit. It may also
require for baseboard to be cut out or
carpet to be removed.
The firebox can be installed in a
prefabricated cabinet or framed wall.
The perfect choice for a small office,
apartment or where ever you cannot
have a flue.
From left to right:
21E Looking Glass
by Lopi
21E Bungalow
by Avalon
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11
At
Woodburners
Two,
we
take
pride
in
our
showroom,
where
all
of
our
products
are
beautifully
accessorized.
Our
expert
sales
staff
is
available
to
answer
questions
about
our
products
and
services.
Everything
for
the
Hearth
of
Your
Home…
Come
visit
our
beautiful
showroom
with
over
32
burning
displays.
Woodburners Two focuses on selling and servicing the best quality hearth products in the
country. Our 2500 square foot showroom has over 32 burning displays and a large selection
of custom glass doors, mantles, and marble surrounds in addition to screens, fireplace tool
sets, bellows and other fireplace accessories. All installations are done in house and permits
are obtained for every installation to ensure our work meets all code requirements. We
pride ourselves on our excellent product lines and our commitment to customer service.
703-241-1400
www.woodburnerstwo.com
The Woodburners Two
6600 Arlington Blvd.
Falls Church, VA 22042
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
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12