Q–A new fireplace is in my immediate future. I don’t want to ruin the ocean view from my beach front house. Is it true that you can install a gas fireplace under a window without using a vertical chimney? If so, can I place the fireplace near the center of the room? Do the gas fires look real? What else is new with fireplaces?
A–Advancements in technology have touched many building products in the last 15 years. In my opinion, however, the fireplace industry has produced some of the most dynamic and dramatic changes. For example, who would have thought that you could have a gorgeous fireplace without an obnoxious chimney?
Guess what? It is possible. That orange glow you will see in the morning directly above the fireplace won’t be a reflection of the flames and embers. It will be the sunrise.
Fireplaces that do not require traditional chimneys incorporate direct-vent technology. These fireplaces do not burn wood. Natural gas or liquid petroleum (LP) gas are used instead. The use of this fuel source allows these highly efficient units to act as primary or secondary heating sources, depending upon the size of the area being heated.
Some large models have BTU inputs as high as 36,000 and an overall thermal efficiency of 70 percent. These numbers translate to a toasty warm family room, great room or living room.
If you have a small cabin or use these fireplaces in a room addition, this type of heat output can often easily heat the space with no help from a furnace. You can even purchase a fireplace and air conditioner in the same unit if you choose.
The direct-vent technology allows you to place these fireplaces in unique locations. Some models allow you to be 20 feet away from an exterior wall. As you might imagine, this allows you to install a fireplace in rooms and areas that previously were taboo.
Gas-powered fireplaces are so realistic that even I am getting ready to purchase one. Technology has also made huge advancements here. You will be amazed at the different types of log sets, wood species, configurations, and glowing embers that are available.
You can even purchase a log set that looks like a real campfire. I recently installed a set of gas logs that was so realistic that it fooled every person in the room into thinking it was burning wood.
Direct-vent fireplaces permit installation of these highly efficient appliances in basements. Newer top-vent models allow you to exhaust the fireplace upwards until you can pop the vent outside horizontally above grade. Even the toughest installation of a direct-vent fireplace can usually be accomplished in one day or less. Compare that to the ordeal of installing a traditional masonry fireplace.
If you happen to be a couch potato, you will love the new remote controls that come with many direct-vent fireplaces. These controls allow you to turn the fireplace on and off from afar.
Some will monitor the room temperature and shut the fireplace off when the room reaches a preset comfort level. The newest remote control allows you to adjust the flame height and blower speed. If you like late night fires, you can program the fireplace to shut itself off.
One of the best advancements in fireplace technology is the sealed combustion chamber. Many direct-vent models allow you to enjoy all the benefits of a fire without causing indoor air pollution. The sealed fire chambers get all of the necessary air for fuel combustion from the exterior of the home. Using special dual-walled pipe, they simultaneously exhaust 100 percent of all fireplace gases. This feature helps maintain the high level of energy efficiency you most certainly are striving for in that beach front house.
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Have questions about the remodeling process? Write to Tim Carter, c/o The Chicago Tribune, P.O. Box 36352, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236-0352. Questions will be answered only in the column.
For a list of direct-vent fireplace manufacturers, 10 unique fireplace locations, installation suggestions, and other tips on gas logs, send $2 and your name and address to Tim Carter at the above address. Ask for Builder Bulletin No. 197.
For a list of past Builder Bulletins and a wide variety of individual job bid sheets, send a business-size, stamped, self-addressed envelope to the same address.
Ask the Contractor can also be accessed via the Internet at http://www.chicago.tribune.com/homes/articles/askcon.
