4 Tips For Choosing A Fireplace For Heat
Posted on: 17 May 2021
Most people purchase a new fireplace because they desire the ambiance, want the heat, or both. If heat is on your list of must-haves in a fireplace, the following tips can help you choose the right one.
1. Check the BTUs
When looking at electric and gas fireplaces, the dealer should have an accurate idea of how many BTUs the unit puts out and what size room it can heat well. BTU is how heat is measured, and you want to choose a unit that puts out enough to heat the room in which it will be used. Wood fireplace BTUs cannot be assessed as accurately, since the amount of heat can depend upon both the size of the fire and the type of fuel being burned. The dealer should still be able to provide a ballpark figure based on the size of the wood fireplace, though.
2. Opt for a Thermostat-Controlled Unit
Another benefit of gas and electric fireplaces is that you can control the heat output with a thermostat. A thermostat controlled fireplace works very similarly to a standard furnace. The fireplace will automatically adjust the amount of gas or the heating of the electric elements to match the desired temperatures set on the thermostat. You can even install a programmable thermostat that allows you to set timers for the fireplace, if desired.
3. Invest in a Fireplace Blower
One way to get a lot more heat from your fireplace is to install a blower. Some fireplaces even come with integrated blower assemblies, which makes an all-in-one installation much easier. A blower helps circulate the heated air throughout the room, much like the operating method behind a forced air furnace. Circulating the warmed air, and then drawing in cool air to warm it, will increase the efficiency of the fireplace. Modern blowers are nearly silent, so they won't interrupt the peace in the room.
4. Look for Reflectivity
Many fireplaces feature built-in heat reflectors. This means that the back wall of the unit is coated in a reflective finish in order to redirect heat outward and into the room. Flat black rear panels only absorb heat, which means there is some heat loss on the rear of the fireplace. When shopping for a new fireplace, always inquire about the reflectivity capabilities of the firebox.
Contact a dealer that has fireplaces for sale to learn more about the options available.
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