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There are so many stoves, fireplaces and inserts to choose from, which one should I choose?

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First Decision Your first decision in determining which type of system best fits your needs should be the type of fuel you would like to use: gas, wood, or pellets. Wood is traditionally used for supplementary heating. We offer woodstoves and inserts that will produce warm, lasting heat. The large viewing glass allows a clear view of glowing coals and flickering flames. The advantages of burning wood are: Independent from utilities in the event of power outages Efficient and inexpensive Helps protect winter air quality due to low particulate emissions Impact on global warming is reduced since firewood is carbon neutral and all wood stoves must meet strict EPA guidelines Gas is a convenient, labor-free fuel. You only need to set a thermostat or press a button and your fire is started instantly. Break-throughs in burner technology now provide fires that are realistic enough to fool experts. The advantages of burning gas are: Abundant and widely available Economical means of heating Propane (LP) gas is ideal for rural homes Not limited by natural gas service areas Will operate during power outages Pellets are made of compressed wood waste are another popular fuel. Pellet fuel is sold in bags and can be purchased at most hardware stores, feed stores, lumber yards, large grocery stores as well as hearth products stores. The fuel is stored in a hopper inside the appliance and metered by automatic controls into a small cup in the stove called a burn pot where air is forced through the burning pellets, producing a hot, almost smokeless fire. The advantages of burning pellets are: Pellet appliances are self igniting Fuel is widely available and easy to purchase Can operate from a thermostat Almost smokeless fire Second Decision The second decision you must make is what type of system to purchase: a freestanding stove, a fireplace insert or a fireplace. We offer freestanding stoves that burn wood, gas or pellets, fireplace inserts that burn wood, gas or pellets and fireplaces that burn wood or gas. Freestanding Stoves can be positioned in a variety of places within the home. Freestanding stoves are normally vented straight up using a manufactured steel chimney pipe. Freestanding stoves can also have an elbow to direct the chimney horizontally through a wall or into a masonry chimney. A freestanding stove can also sit on the hearth of a masonry fireplace and be vented up the chimney. Freestanding wood stoves require a hearth pad for floor protection. The advantages of freestanding stoves are: Radiating heat from all sides Natural and fan assisted convection Placement versatility in the home Fireplace Inserts are an easy means of converting an existing, inefficient, steel or masonry open fireplace into an attractive, efficient heat source. Flexible pipe directs the flue gasses up the existing chimney. The advantages of fireplace inserts are: Heat recovery in the form of radiant heat Impressive natural...

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