Publication date: 01/14/2012

Learn ins and outs of upgrading fireplace

 

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of maintaining your fireplace to ensure it is safe to use. But now that we have settled into winter, you might want to find ways to upgrade your fireplace "system" or even make it fit the décor of your home better.

For a traditional wood-burning fireplace, one solution is to convert it to a vented or direct-vent gas-burning system. You could also consider a vent-free fireplace insert, which draws its combustion air from inside the home and is designed to burn so efficiently that it eliminates the need for venting.

The downside to a vented gas log system is that you are losing most of the radiant heat from the fire right up the chimney or vent rather than having it stay in the home. Vent-free gas logs don't need the fire to be vented and, as a result, the heat generated by the fire warms the room. But remember, vent-free gas logs don't have as big a flame as vented logs, so they aren't as aesthetically pleasing.

When buying a gas fireplace insert, make sure you get the most energy-efficient system by comparing the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which takes into account all of the energy used as the appliance cycles on and off and gets up to a target temperature. The rating ranges upward to 100, so look for products with an AFUE rating of 78 or higher.

If you've already converted your wood-burning fireplace to gas, it may be time to upgrade it to give you either a fresh look or take advantage of the latest technology. Patrick Raleigh of Emmet's Energy, (586) 752-2075,www.emmettsenergy.com, says those with older systems are interested in upgrading to newer remote-control technology.

"We are seeing a lot of people who have manually operated gas logs convert to a remote-control version to make it both easier and safer to use," Raleigh said. A vented log remote-control system averages between $800 and $900. If you have a manual-control gas system and want to change the valve to a remote control, the cost is around $400.

Raleigh said along with a remote starter, homeowners are also upgrading their old, tired-looking log sets. Vent-free log sets from Empire Comfort Systems, www.empirecomfort.com, and Monessen,www.monessenhearth.com, are his most popular. Vented log sets from Michigan-based Firegear, www.firegearusa.com, and RH Peterson,www.rhpeterson.com, rate near the top.

Dennis Smith, president of Firegear, (888) 220-4333, said while traditional gas log sets are still fairly popular, he is seeing a trend toward newer designs.

"We had one Oakland County homeowner convert a traditional fireplace to one with a modern facade, and use one of our systems to give it a modern look inside that better fit their décor," Smith said. Popular products include glass media or matched stone fireplace sets.

Smith said Firegear's traditional vented gas log sets start at around $400 and can go as high as $1,200 with remote control. Modern systems Firegear has available, such as its Fire Island, Flambeau (which looks like a bowl of fire) or Etro systems range in price from $399 to $1,699. These have been popular with the restaurant and hotel industries for use in their lobbies, and are now starting to show up in homes as well.

So whether you want to upgrade your old wood-burning fireplace to a vented, direct-vent or vent-free gas system, or just add the convenience of remote control, there are products for every style and price range. For more information on your fireplace options, type in "fireplace" in the search box at Masterhandyman.com for the previous articles I have written on the subject. You can also go to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association website at www.hpba.org.

If you would like to suggest a question for this column, emailaskglenn@masterhandyman.com. If you want to talk to Glenn Haege personally, call his “Handyman Show” on WJR-AM (760) at (866) ASK GLENN, (866) 275-4536 between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The “Handyman Show” can be heard on more than 130 radio stations nationwide. 

Note: This article was accurate at the date of publication. However, information contained in it may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

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