Learn More About Zero Clearance Fireplaces
It doesn’t matter if you are building your dream home, putting on an addition, or remodeling – there is a fireplace out there that will perfectly meet your needs. If you are looking for a primary heat source, the professionals at Handy’s Heating Inc will help you find exactly what you need.
It is important to remember that wood burning zero clearance fireplaces come in four different heating ranges:
- Radiant – Open-front fireplaces are designed to allow the finished materials to come to the fireplace opening. Like many masonry fireplaces, they don’t produce much usable heat.
- Radiant with grilles and an optional blower – These units give the impression that they will add some heat. However, in reality, they only add about 5% efficiency.
- Mid-range heater – Built with ceramic glass gasket doors and an optional blower (plus open or closed burn doors), these units have a short burn and time will give off an appreciable amount of heat. These units also consume large amounts of wood.
- Units built to perform like wood stoves – With smaller glass areas, these units have higher heat outputs and longer burn times that can reach up to 18 hours (and heat an area up to 3,500 sq. ft.)
A few design tips:
- Floor-level fireplaces give a traditional, more formal look to any room.
- Raised-hearth (or bench) fireplaces create a more casual and comfortable feel.
- Consider your fireplace wall in thirds. The bottom third will be your firebox, the second third will be your mantle, and the upper third will consist of a blank wall or negative space.
If you are looking for more information concerning wood burning zero clearance fireplaces, Handy’s Heating Inc is the only stop you will ever have to make. We understand whole-house heating and will work with you to find a comfort system that will compliment your existing central system. Our “HEARTH” certified technicians can help with design, installation, and ongoing service (all without the help of subcontractors) to ensure continuing quality, so get in touch with us today.
Visit us in Mount Vernon 6 days a week to check out our showroom.
Wood Burning Fireplace Brands
- Ambiance
- Hearthstone
- Napoleon
- Valcourt
- Enerzone
- Majestic
- IHP
Gas Fireplaces
Perfect for new homes, remodels, or additions, gas fireplaces are extremely versatile. Whether your gas fireplace is meant to be a primary heat source, an additional heat source, or just for looks, we can help you find the right unit for any need.
Incredible designs you will get fired up about
When gas fireplaces became popular in the 1980’s, they were black holes with louvres at the top and bottom, cement everywhere, and a candle. However, with a new generation of designers adding form, style, and function, the industry now has plenty of amazing models to offer. Plus, hearth products are now designed for nearly every room in the house.
To heat or not to heat
Depending on your needs, you will want to decide whether you are looking for decorative, heater-rated, or furnace-rated design. Decorative models offer a 10-50% range, meaning you will get 10-50% of every dollar you spend on fuel that you put into the model back. Heater-rated units are 50-60% efficient and furnace-rated units are 67-80% efficient.
It is important to remember that furniture placement can affect how well the room is heated. If your furniture is close to a decorative or heater-rated unit, warmth will be added without overheating. Heater-rated and furnace-rated models will provide heat even when the power goes out. Some furnace-rated models can heat most of your home.
Focus, focus, focus
Your fireplace should be the focal point of the room. However, it is possible that you just invested in a massive flat-screen TV or a new view – depending on the existing design of your room, you will have to think about the location of your new hearth. For some design tips, reference those at the top of the page.
Gas fireplace
We Carry the Following Gas Fireplace Brands
- Ambiance
- Mendota
- Majestic
- Ortal
- Napoleon
- IHP