Figuring out fireplaces

Homes

Fireplace solutions

Below are the most common conditions Marty Gillespie tackles:
Situation: The fireplace steals heat
Many wood-burning fireplaces built into homes, however pleasing to the eye, are misleading to the senses. Block fireplaces actually draw heat up the chimney and away from the house rather than adding cozy warmth to the room. Standing directly in front of the fire may be toasty, but other rooms are suffering from the draw.
Solution: Add an insert and blower
A wood-burning or gas insert is similar to a metal box that sits inside the opening in the fireplace. Once a fire is built (or turned on) inside, the door is closed and the air-tight insert prevents warm air from the room to be pulled up the chimney. Two liners run up the flu to allow oxygen to feed the fire and exhaust to escape. A blower forces the heat from the blaze into the house effectively.
Note: If you are building and desire a wood-burning fireplace, install an air-tight model from the beginning instead of opting for a block fireplace and later adding an insert.
Situation: No Chimney
Many people think that if they don’t have a chimney they can’t have a fireplace.
Solution: Install a direct vent fireplace
A direct vent fireplace has no need of a chimney and Gillespie states that one can be placed almost anywhere.
If the desired location is next to an exterior wall, the vent can simply exit the back of the model.
If an interior wall is chosen, a liner can be installed inside the wall up through the ceiling.
As with the inserts, these units draw air from outside the home to fuel the fire. Emissions are also deposited outside the room — unlike vent-free models, which release fumes into the room.
Situation: Prefer the look of a wood burning stove but hate the mess
Wood-burning stoves take up much less space than a traditional fireplace, but are every bit as messy.
Solution: Install a gas stove
Gas stoves are made to mimic the look of the cute wood-burning stoves, but with the convenience of gas fireplaces. Designed in as many shapes and sizes as their forerunners, even made with the old-fashioned look, a model that fits any décor is waiting to be found.
A thick pipe allows the exhaust to escape through the ceiling, much like a direct vent fireplace.

Related Photos

This wood-burning insert by Vermont Castings was installed into a block fireplace.

Discussion

January 14, 2012

For 32 years, Anderson business has been helping clients

By Emma Bowen Meyer For The Herald Bulletin The Herald Bulletin Sat Jan 14, 2012, 08:15 PM EST

ANDERSON, Ind. — Few home heating elements are aesthetically pleasing — except for a roaring fire set in a marble-tiled hearth just below a stunning mantel. Not only can fireplaces serve a utilitarian role, but they can also capture the attention of a room.

And now, with the availability of gas models, the unsightly mess of wood and ash — not to mention the toil of building and maintaining the steady burn — can be completely avoided.

“We are selling a lot more gas fireplaces now,” said Marty Gillespie, owner of Anderson Fireplace and Gas Center for 32 years. “The public is getting older and they want the convenience of a remote control. And people are looking for more efficiency.”

Over the years, Gillespie has seen many changes in both the products that are available and in the desires of her clientele. One thing remains a constant: customers are always shocked by the selection in the (seemingly small) store. More than 50 models are on display to delight customers — and confuse them just a little.

“It is best when people come in with no preconceived ideas and are open to what is available,” she said. “The newest thing is not always what will work best for them.”

Based on individual situations, Gillespie can guide clients to a system that will solve their heating situation and still fit with the décor.

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