The ins and outs of propane fireplaces
A propane fireplace is not only a great way to add an extra heating source to your home, but they are an aesthetically pleasing addition to any cozy space. Before deciding on what type of fireplace or where to place it in your home, there are a few things to consider.
Courtney Clarke, general manager of Atlantic Fireplaces in St. John’s, says when choosing a fireplace it’s important to think about why you are looking for a fireplace. Reasons such as revamping a space for décor reasons or requiring a secondary source of heat will affect what type of fireplace you might want. She also says to think about the location that you are looking to put the fireplace and how much heat will be provided. If the fireplace gives off a great deal of heat, you will want to put the fireplace in a room with a larger square-footage.
If you are stumped on what look you want for your fireplace, Clarke suggests taking photos of the space in your home and bring them to the showroom.
There are different units to decide upon when searching for the right one. Zero clearance fireplaces are inserted into a cabinet mantle or into a wall, either by building the wall inwards or creating a “bump-out” on the outside of your home, then framing the fireplace within it. There are also fireplace inserts, which can be used if you have a brick chimney once used for wood or coal burning — and liners are used to convert the home heating to propane. A wall mount unit needs no preliminary framework. Lastly, a freestanding unit, which looks similar to a freestanding wood stove but uses propane, also not requiring any no preliminary framework.
There are also some other considerations, according to Clarke, which may affect the placement of a fireplace.
“Installing your fireplace directly out of an exterior wall is the most cost effective and highly recommended method for customers,” says Clarke. “Know the square footage of the room you are installing the fireplace in and whether or not your area is considered open concept.”
If you live in a home that already has a coal burner fireplace, a propane unit can easily fit in the space with some adjustments — and Atlantic Fireplaces has a number of aesthetic options to choose from. The fireplace units come with arched or rectangular details, a variety of mantles and are available in an array of
Atlantic Fireplaces, they want to make sure customers have a top-notch experience with their fireplaces and offer a variety of tips and tricks to ensure your fireplace is working for you.”
colours to suit your palette. The fuel bed could offer a serene look with driftwood or beach stones, or a more traditional look with logs or coals, depending on your décor or taste. The background liner options include red bricks, a matte fluted back or a modern reflective glass background.
No matter what your décor, there is a fireplace to match your style and your needs.
Clarke says at Atlantic Fireplaces they want to make sure customers have a top-notch experience with their fireplaces and offers a variety of tips and tricks on their website to ensure your fireplace is working for you.
For more information and tips on propane fireplaces, visit www.atlanticfireplaces.ca.