TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR FIREPLACE? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A gas insert fits into the existing cavity to provide a beautiful flame and warmth
There’s nothing cozier than sitting by a fireplace on a chilly night, enjoying the dancing flame as you bask in its warmth. It’s no surprise that Hamilton homeowners are increasingly looking to upgrade their existing fireplace, as well as add new ones, to beautify their spaces, improve energy efficiency, add value to the home and, of course, improve the overall experience of sitting by the fire.
The question for many people is, which type of fireplace is right for me? We spoke with Gary Green, general manager for Chadwicks & Hacks on Fennel St. E. in Hamilton to get the lowdown on what’s hot in today’s fireplaces.
While a woodburning fireplace is beautiful to look at, Green explains that it is very inefficient. When burning, this style takes heat from your room (which your furnace has worked hard to provide) and passes it up the chimney. That’s why many homeowners switch to gas inserts.
“A gas insert fits into the existing cavity to provide a beautiful flame and warmth,” says Green. “It doesn’t take air from inside the house, so there are no cold drafts like you’ll get from a wood burning fireplace.”
Conveniently, many inserts come equipped with a remote to set the temperature of the room so that the fireplace adjusts to prevent the space from getting too cool or too hot. A premium feature even allows the height of the flame to be raised and lowered with the touch a button.
Today’s gas fireplaces don’t necessarily need a chimney, thanks to direct vent technology – as long as the fireplace is set in an outside facing wall. For many, this means more fireplaces can be installed throughout the home. With that comes a wide variety of choice in size and style.
“There are modern style fireplaces with glass and stones, some have driftwood logs for a beach-style look and then there’s the traditional style.” He adds that the latest technology in premium fireplace inserts are cool enough to touch the glass, as well as to be safely surrounded by combustible material. In fact, the Chadwicks & Hacks showroom has a fireplace surrounded by barn board. This technology also enables a TV to be placed directly above the fireplace without being affected by heat – a real bonus to small spaces.
Staying toasty warm on a chilly day is easier than ever thanks to today’s amazing array of fireplace options to suit most budgets. A basic direct vent fireplace cost approximately $2,200, installed; whereas, a cool touch glass insert fireplace can be as much as $10,000.