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Vanguard Fireplaces
October 6th, 2009 | 
Author: Vanguard has a reputation in the industry for providing a quality product that can be trusted. And they offer a full line of heating products. So why not come in from the cold with Vanguard fireplaces?
Vanguard versatility is certainly worth noting. It doesn’t matter what your budget is, what your heating requirements are, or the design of your room Vanguard has a style for you. This is a manufacturer that should not go unnoticed.
Vanguard gas fireplaces require no venting. This makes them a very popular choice for almost any home or environment. And you will find a full service dealer near you or online. These are the people who understand your needs and that’s why they provide such a wide selection of products. They have trained salesperson and technicians on staff so all your needs are covered.
Vanguard is well known for the Classic Hearth Total Control System the most advanced remote control technology in the industry and its vent free. So you no longer need to stoop down to light the pilot on your fireplace. Instead just a touch of a button and your pilot is lit and you can watch the dancing flames. How easy is that?
Other models you might want to look at are the Mini Hearth, or the Cast Iron Stoves. Oh yes and let’s not forget the ChaRealistic line.
The mini hearth is another vent free gas heater that is so classy and it costs a fraction of the price of many others. It incorporates heat circulating louvers combine that with the mesh fire screen and you’ve got a handsome heater cabinet that looks and acts like a fireplace.
The cast iron stoves are also vent free and they deliver a whopping 30,000 BTU to keep you warm and toasty. It will heat up to 1000 square feet for only pennies an hour. There is no need for a chimney, flue, or vent so it can easily be added into any room.
The ChaRealistic line offers one of the most authentic flame patterns of any gas fireplace. The full size split oak logs, glowing coals, and improved dancing flames make this a mesmerizing and authentic experience. It puts out 26,000 BTU perfect for a den, family room, or living room. There is also a smaller 10,000 BTU which is perfect for a bedroom.
It’s very easy to see why Vanguard became the most trusted name in zone heating. The energy savings can’t be beat and neither can the selection.
Vanguard also has a full line of fireplace inserts. This is a great way to turn an ugly mess sooted fireplace into an energy efficient vent free heat source. Comes with oak logs, and a remote control that can quickly adjust the louvers, blower, and temperature.
If you want a name you can trust, a price you can afford, and a quality you can depend on it’s time to start looking at Vanguard fireplaces. It won’t be long before you’ve found the right one.
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Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts
You have a beautiful rock fireplace that you wouldn’t part with for anything. They just don’t get any more romantic. Trouble is that it’s old and is definitely isn’t energy efficient. Not to worry. Check out wood burning fireplace inserts and you’ll have the best of both worlds.
So what exactly is an insert? An insert is a best compared as being a wood stove but it is designed specifically to fit inside an existing fireplace. Just like a wood stove must be EPA certified so must your fireplace insert. This means it must be highly efficient and clean burning.
Inserts are usually made from either cast iron or plate steel and then they have glass doors that let you see the flames. The insert can go either protrude onto your hearth or it can go directly into the fireplace opening.
Into the hearth is the most efficient method because you get additional heat from the top, bottom, and sides. Often the inserts will have blower which really increase the efficiency. These blowers can be mounted along the side of the insert or on the front and they can either be regulated by a thermostat or controlled manually.
In past years inserts were put into the fireplace with no chimney connection. Trouble is this sometimes allowed creosote to build up in the fireplace and present a serious fire hazard so the National Fire Protection Association now requires fireplace inserts to hook directly into the chimney. This reduces the risk.
New installs must connect into the flue liner which sends the gases and smoke up the chimney reducing the creosote build in the fireplace. Installs in new homes must also be able to draw the combustion air directly into the firebox from the exterior of the house. This eliminates a lot of health issues.
Inserts are extremely heavy usually weighing at least 400 pounds and often a great deal more. Now inserts have to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned which can create a real problem. To avoid this it’s best to install your insert with a full relining collar. Otherwise make sure the chimney sweep you hire will remove the insert.
A good quality insert is going to cost somewhere between $1500 and $2000. If you add on blowers, catalytic combustors, or glass doors expect the cost to climb.
Perhaps you’ve decided wood isn’t the right choice for you. Not to worry. You can purchase a gas fireplace insert. You will need to have this installed by a professional and of course you will need to have natural gas running to your home. But it’s definitely an option to consider if you are done with wood.
Whether you choose natural gas or wood an insert is definitely a terrific option for that beautiful fireplace that is just not energy efficient. There is something about these older fireplaces that just can’t be replicated with our modern fireplaces.
Wood burning fireplace inserts are readily available online. There are many sites so be sure to shop around for the best pricing.
Valor Horizon Fireplace – A Great Buy!
Since 1890 Valor has been building fireplaces. They started in England but today they are manufactured in British Columbia Canada. Valor has a reputation for being innovative and the Valor Horizon fireplace is proof of that innovation. What a great buy!
Valor fireplaces have fully automated controls which provide a low steady heat that requires no electricity. They are also designed to be very good radiant heaters and there is no noisy fan to put up with. Valor is recognized as the most effective and reliable gas fireplace on the market.
The Horizon is a direct vent fireplace that uses a rear exit vent. That means this is one very convenient choice. And speaking of choices you have a great selection of decorative front you can choose from. There is certain to be one that fits your décor whether you are looking for traditional or contemporary.
The Valor 534 Horizon is a zero-clearance fireplace so it can be built-in almost anywhere. The Valor 534 zero-clearance fireplace can be installed with the optional Cast Surround and Fender Fire to give it a traditional look. The Valor 530 Portrait Fireplace in the Windsor Arch curve is terrific! The look and feel of this particular fireplace is very different. Here are 10 other options.
1. Standard Louver Front, No Trim
2. Cast Iron Front, No Trim
3. Louver Front, 3 Sided Black Contour Trim
4. Cast Iron Front, 3 Sided Black Contour Trim
5. Louver Front, 3 Sided Champagne Contour Trim
6. Cast Iron Front, 3 Sided Champagne Contour Trim
7. Louver Front, 4 Sided black Contour Trim
8. Cast Iron Front, 4 Sided black Contour Trim
9. Louver Front, 4 Sided champagne Contour Trim
10. Cast Iron Front, 4 Sided champagne Contour Trim
The Horizon will provide a comfortable mix of convection and radiant heat that is built for any heating challenges you throw its way. And it can be turned down low enough to operate on those warmer days too. After all you should be able to enjoy that relaxing fire 24/7 right?
The large ceramic glass window provides a terrific view of those flickering flames and red hot embers. It also makes it easy to clean. You can buy a remote control for it if you like which means you can turn it on or off from across the room.
The ceramic brick gives a very authentic firebox look. You’ll fool even your toughest critics. The double heat exchanger is completely enclosed which makes it very efficient because of less heat loss.
There is no blower but it is designed to provide maximum air movement without it. No blower means less moving parts and less to break down, plus it operates extremely quiet.
You can adjust your fireplace from the wall switch or the handy remote control. All components are manufactured using the highest quality components.
You Valor Horizon fireplace will provide you with years of warmth, comfort, and ambiance. And if the Horizon isn’t right for you consider one of the other fine Valor fireplaces. Are you ready to start shopping?
Temco Fireplaces
A Temco fireplace is a wonderfully durable and lasting piece of art. Not only will a Temco fireplace keep you warm for years to come, but they are beautifully crafted fireplaces that will add beauty and value to your home.
Temco fireplaces are manufactured by the CFM Specialty Home Products Company, which is in turn a division of the CFM Corporation. With their headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario and numerous North American manufacturing facilities, CFM Specialty Home Products has a long standing reputation of innovation as well as top of the lien quality.
Temco fireplace products as well as the other families of products produced by CFM Specialty Home Products, have undergone vast amounts of testing and constant revisions to provide the best most sound products conceivable.
By carrying out very extensive research and development, CFM Specialty Home Products is able to produce some of the most creative and durable products available for your home or office. Known for their durability and long term functionality, Temco fireplaces are made mostly out of steel and cast iron. These materials make some truly stolid fireplaces, let me tell you.
I’ve owned a Temco fireplace for over twenty years now. It has never failed me once. Over the years al it has required is the usual maintenance -by this I refer mainly to cleaning of the smoke box, flue and chimney portions of the whole fireplace set up.
The Temco fireplace I own has not decreased in functionality or beauty over the many years that I have owned it. I use the fireplace very frequently too, so it’s not as though I’m speaking about my experiences with a fireplace that gets used once or twice a year. No, sir, as soon as it’s too cold for shorts, I’ve got my Temco fireplace going nearly nonstop.
I use my Temco fireplace as the primary heat source for my home. True, the heat from the fireplace does not reach the furthest rooms. For this reason, I do keep the central heat going only in those rooms. I accomplish this by closing off all the other vents in the house. I keep the thermostat set quite low, as I mainly occupy the main rooms that the heat from the fireplace does heat quite effectively.
CFM produces several different types of fireplaces, hearth pieces and other heating products, as well as barbeque and outdoor products and water filtration items. Honestly, I’ve had such success and enjoyment from my Temco fireplace that when it was time to replace my water filtration system, I opted for a CMS water filtration system.
Just like the Temco fireplace, I had nothing but praise for the CMS water filtration system that I purchased four years ago. All in all, I’m a loyal CMS customer and will continue to recommend and purchase these tried and true home products.
Superior Fireplaces
For as long as one can remember enjoying a cozy night around the fireplace on a cold winter’s night. Whether you want a fireplace for your living room, family room, or bedroom Superior can provide. Superior fireplaces are a reliable choice.
Superior offers a wide variety of fireplaces that don’t require venting. They are also certified to be 99% heat efficient. Why not start your own tradition with Superior and enjoy the great style, quality product, and terrific pricing.
The 24 inch Natural Gas Vented Manually Controlled Natural Flame Burner has a manual control and a safety pilot. The piezo igniter means no need for matches. The 4 piece fiber ceramic log set and 17 inch rear log make this ideal for any room size. The 50,000 BTU will adequately heat.
The 30 inch Natural Gas Vented Manually Controlled Natural Flame Burner
The Duzy 2, 4 piece fiber ceramic log set and fiber ceramic logs make for real realistic view. The manual control with piezo ignition means you can easily and quickly light your fireplace. The 65,000 BTU is ample for almost any room size.
Superior offers a full line of natural gas and propane fireplaces. Both the propane and the natural gas is available in the B-vent, direct vent, vent free, and vented systems.
Monessen LCUF Vent Free Gas Fireplace – the Herringbone refractory firebrick comes complete with hood and there are several face styles to choose from. It is CSA certified and has a 100% factory leak test completed.
Design Dynamics has introduced the Valiant Radiant Vent Free Fireplace that is fresh and it combines tradition and trendy together. It’s the perfect choice for a living room or family room.
The Vanguard Total Control vent free fireplace lives up to its name giving you total control. It’s available in either propane or natural gas and its presents it’s unique style nicely.
Superior offers a full line of natural gas and propane fireplaces. Both the propane and the natural gas is available in the B-vent, direct vent, vent free, and vented systems.
With Superior you get a vent free fireplace with a great deal of time an and energy that has gone into design meaning they are refreshing combining tradition with modern ideas.
The wonderful tall build and flush floor mounts fool even the toughest critics into believing this is a real masonry fireplace constructed with the house. And the refractory brick panels with the split profile add the finishing touches and enhance the flames.
Upon close inspection you’ll understand all about that quality we’ve been talking about. There are no short cuts taken here. This is a manufacturer that takes pride in the product they offer.
And it doesn’t get much more convenient than this. Because of the not venting it’s quick and easy to pick your spot and get your fireplace up and running in little time.
Superior fireplaces have plenty to offer for those on a budget and those with endless funds. So why not have a look now?
See Through Fireplace
You love the look of your room and you’re excited about installing a fireplace but wouldn’t it be great if you had a see through fireplace that you could see from both rooms? Wouldn’t that be the ultimate in ambiance?
Picture it. It’s rather like surround a sound. For 360 degrees you can enjoy that beautiful fireplace, watch the flickering flames, listen to the crackling wood burn and watch those red hot embers while enjoying some great conversation with friends and family. Now that’s perfection.
There are several choices on the market in both wood and gas styles. Recently Lennox Hearth Products introduced a smaller version that’s great for smaller rooms or for adjoining rooms like a kitchen family room combo. It might be small in size but it certainly is big in features. Need something bigger checkout the rest of Lennox’s lines. They have plenty of choices.
So when should you buy gas and when should you buy wood?
Buy a gas fireplace if:
1. You live in a condo, apartment, mobile home, or RV
2. You hate the idea of ash dust in your home
3. You don’t care that fuel costs are on the rise
4. If you broke a nail you’d be having a personal crisis
5. TV dinners are as good as a home cooked meal if not better
6. Wood chips scare you.
7. Your city has rules relating to burning
8. You don’t have anywhere to store firewood
9. You aren’t in physical shape so chopping wood could be a problem
10. You love convenience
Buy a wood fireplace if:
1. You love your flower and vegetable garden
2. You think stacking firewood sounds like fun
3. Self sufficiency is important to you
4. You love the look and feel of a natural fire – it’s mesmerizing
5. You think the idea of heat when the power goes out a great idea
6. You love staying in touch with mother earth
7. You live in an area where wood is readily available for cheap
8. Your area suffers from severe power outages
9. Chopping firewood sounds like a great way to get a work out
10. You love the smell of burning wood
This style of fireplace has so much potential. Whether you are consider it for your home or a lodge it’s a great way for people to feel comfortable and relaxed from all directions.
When purchasing you need to be sure that you are buying a CSA approved fireplace. This ensure you and your family will be safe because the fireplace meets all current regulations. Wood fireplaces must have a chimney properly installed and gas fireplaces may need to be vented correctly. Always have a professional do the installation.
A see through fireplace is the perfect way to add ambiance not only to one room but to a couple. With the 360 degree viewing you will create an atmosphere that will be hard to beat and you’ll have the perfect environment for some great conversation.
Regency Fireplaces
If you are looking for an elegant fireplace that’s exceptional in every element then you should be looking at Regency Fireplaces.
They’ve got a great selection which includes gas stoves, gas inserts, gas fireplaces, wood stoves, wood fireplaces, and wood inserts. They even supply manuals. Why not enjoy the quality of a Regency product?
And if you are looking for their most exceptional product then you must consider the Panorama. Just 3 steps and you can put it just about any place in your home because it doesn’t need a chimney.
Regency wood fireplaces are Environmental Protection Agency certified to meet the strictest of clean air standards. And engineers have spent a great deal of time designing a firebox where the airflow is around the wood so that it burns completely with hardly any smoke or ash.
Regency’s classic wood stove is a blend of classic design and high tech engineering. The wide door provides great viewing of your fire and the warmth and comfort you’ve come to expect.
The quality Regency gas stove is convenient and provides that fresh look of a traditional wood stove. You get controlled and constant heat even when there is a power outage. You can choose the more contemporary styling if you prefer.
And let’s not forget about the inserts which are very efficient and ever so elegant. If you’ve been trying to combat those ever increasing heat bills this is one way to help. Turn the thermostat down and use that wonderful fire to warm the rooms you use. You can install it into any existing fireplace.
So what are your options? Well here is a just a couple of choices:
1. Clementina
This beautifully carved fireplace mantle has a very French feel and it is ever so elegant from that regency era.
2. William
This French design has a very regent style as it stands ever so tall and majestic. Check out the William IV mantelpiece with its scrolled corbels made from solid marble.
3. Newbury
Have a look at the wonderful architectural that has a real Neo Classical look and feel with pilasters, block feet, and cornicing underneath. Look at the wonderful Arcadian bouquets along the entablature. It’s gorgeous!
4. Cheltenham
This is another beautiful Regency piece with crisp, clean line that instantly draw your eye to the decadent florals. The plain foot blocks are an effective counterpoint to the detailed flower bouquets. It’s quite a masterpiece!
5. Classic Regency
This is as graceful as it gets with this well proportioned and intricately detailed fireplace. The flat block feet with its unusual angle lend to the overall dynamics of this fireplace which also has a touch of Neo Classical lines.
6. Elegance
This gem combines the past with the present. Have a look at the wonderful concave and curved jamb columns and the intricate floral designs. There is definitely a Regency influence with the plain arched frieze and grey speckle marble. This is certainly going to get noticed.
These are only 6 of the Regency fireplaces has to offer. There are plenty of other great choices by Regency so be sure to check out all your options. One thing is for certain, they have the right fireplace or stove for your home!
Prefab Fireplace – Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it
Let me tell you how I ended up opting for a prefab fireplace. I was finally living out my dream and goal of building my house exactly the way I wanted things. I’d scrimped and saved for a number of years in order to afford the whole project. I’d purchased the land and had been working on the design and architecture of the house-to-be for a few years.
Everything went as according to plans as can be expected. Of course there were set backs along the way, there are always little hindrances and such to overcome along the way of larger projects. Especially with home building projects that incorporate several different contractors, there are going to be snags along the way.
That being said, things ran as smoothly as could be reasonably expected. With only a few minor set backs and rain days, everything went pretty much according to schedule. Now, as anyone that has performed in depth remodeling, this is where the estimated costs can get out of hand.
When I first set out designing the perfect living room, I had my heart set on a custom natural stone fireplace. Well, the fireplace was the last portion of the living room to be built. After the custom parquet flooring and natural stone pillars, I’d run quite a ways over budget.
Since I’d already gone in excess of $7500 over my original budget for the living room area, I had to reconsider my fireplace options. Would it still be worth spending even more money to incorporate the natural stone fireplace that I’d originally wanted?
After some deliberation, I decided I’d at least take a look at some of the prefab fireplaces that are available today. I was disappointed to even have to be looking at anything other than my dream limestone fireplace, but resigned myself to be open minded enough to have a look around at the various prefab fireplaces on the market.
Ok, the thing that really helped clinch the deal on a prefab fireplace was the price. I knew a prefab fireplace would be less expensive, but I had no idea how much money I could save until I had a look around various prefab fireplace stores online. We’re talking about saving more than a few thousand dollars.
And, I have to admit, the prefab fireplaces available today were not like what I’d envisioned. I think they’ve made some big advances as far as style and accents go on the prefab fireplaces. I was able to find a pretty little prefab fireplace that complimented my living room design quite nicely. It was also very easy to install.
Some of the other things I like about the prefab fireplace that I chose over a custom number is that I didn’t have to wait weeks and weeks for the thing to be built and installed before I could use it. I’m really glad that I decided to check out the prefab fireplaces because if I hadn’t I’d probably be kicking myself right now over the huge price tag of a custom fireplace.
7 Tips To Buying A Outdoor Fireplace
Before you head out to buy that terrific outdoor fireplace there are many things to consider starting with the safety of your home and family. Follow these 7 tips to buying an outdoor fireplace.
1. It’s all about the size
But you already knew that right? The most important measurement is the one that tells you the size of the fire area. If the box is too small you’ll be bogged down cutting wood small enough.
Look for the largest firebox you can afford and stay away from the tall thin ones. A larger firebox doesn’t mean you have to fill it up. You can use less wood but you won’t have to mess around resizing it.
2. Maintain It
In the early day’s aluminum and cast iron were the popular materials with both having an exceptionally long life expectancy. Today you’ll see more copper and sheet steel which doesn’t last as long.
You can buy sheet metal fireplaces and very affordable prices online. These are considered disposable. Use it until it rusts and then toss it out.
Cast iron needs to be maintained or it will rust. It’s a little tricky to maintain but when done it will outlast almost all the other material types.
Copper looks great when new but over time and exposure to the elements you will find it starting to turn rusty and green around the edges.
Cast aluminum is a great buy that’s very easy to maintain and it lasts forever. It doesn’t warp and it doesn’t rust and it’s much lighter than cast iron.
3. Weigh In
Watch the weight when comparative shopping. It’s the key reason for price differences so make sure you are comparing like items.
4. Aluminum It Up
Cast aluminum is a great choice for anyone just starting to have some outdoor fun. It’s easy to move around, maintain, and to buy. It’s also easy to store when you aren’t using it.
5. Clay
Is extremely affordable and it looks so natural but the trouble is it can fall apart with no warning. It can be messy so think about where you put your clay fireplace. It’s not quite as durable as some of the other materials and it can crack without any notice but it’s still a great look and a great buy.
6. Secure It
Lightweight fireplaces need to be secured properly to ensure they don’t tip over sending ash and embers into the grass. You need to always be sure you are operating your firepit safely. You’ll also want to make sure the ash doesn’t spread and cause a mess on your deck.
7. Burn It
Hardwood is a very popular choice because it has a wonderful, scent and burns slowly. Of course you can also use scrap wood, fire logs, or branches.
Outdoor fireplaces are a great décor item for your yard. After all this is an extension of your home and you want it to look great. Get ready to entertain!
Which Marco Fireplace Is For You?
Marco Fireplaces offers you a terrific selection of gas fireplaces and stoves to choose from to add ambiance and warmth to your entire room. But which Marco fireplace is for you?
Heat & Glo’s Pier Fireplace
This is a peninsula style three-sided fireplace that makes a great room divider providing an awesome view of the fire from all three sides. You can choose the polished brass glass doors if you like to add jus another level to the look.
This see thru wood burning fireplace has an incredible view on two sides and what really adds to the feel is the authentic masonry. You can choose from satin brass or polished brass door. This is a real classic look!
If you want a traditional look then the herringbone brick interior with the clean faced fireplace exterior is definitely the choice for you. This fireplace can take any living room from boring to bold.
Cyclone Fireplace
This takes fireplaces to an entirely new level and believe me the look of this baby is a real show stopper! That’s why it’s described as fire art. This 15,000 BTU fireplace is ample for smaller areas. The decorative face adds the finishing touches and you can choose from brushed copper, brushed nickel, or black.
ST HV IPI Fireplace
This is a fireplace that directly vents so very easy to install. It provides a beautiful look in any room and it will provide all year round enjoyment. The Mystifire burner will ensure you get an energy efficient source of heat. And the overall look will ensure that you add the finishing touch to your room. Outstanding!
PIER TVFL Fireplace
This three sided fireplace is perfect for a center of the room location where everyone can sit around and enjoy the campfire logs and burning embers with the flickering flames. This one’s hard to pass by!
FreshAir Fireplace
Combines the fireplace with the heat recovery ventilator which is a system that will help reduce the load on your furnace. A glass front includes the BTU by 6000. And it has a great look and feel that’s certainly stands out in the room. It has a relatively modern design but there’s still a traditional element to it.
Heat & Glo’s Escape Fireplace
This is the only gas fireplace on the market that has no exposed sheet metal producing the most beautiful look that could only previously be obtained from mason. This one is molded from the patented Firebrick technology complete with a seamless firebox with the illusion of dry-stacked brick. When it comes to aesthetics this one would really have to be considered one of the best choices on the market.
Marco offers a full line of fireplaces that will fit every room, every personality, and every budget. And if you decide a fireplace isn’t what you need then consider one of their stand alone stoves. Your choices are truly endless.
So which Marco fireplace is for you? Are you ready to choose?