Heat is one of several themes that are naturally associated with fireplaces, but questions often arise from clients here when discussing alternative fuel sources for today’s modern fireplaces. In particular, there’s a common question often asked surrounding electric fireplaces: Do electric fireplaces give off heat? 

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re proud to offer a wide range of custom fireplace options for clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, including electric fireplaces, gas fireplaces, outdoor fireplace options and more. The answer to the above question is yes, electric fireplaces are often designed to produce heat – just in different ways than traditional models you might be familiar with. Here are some basics on how this works and what to consider if you require heat from your electric fireplace. 

Electric Fireplaces Create Heat – But Not Through Burning

When we think of fireplaces, we often think of wood-burning models that create heat as a byproduct of burning wood. Electric fireplaces don’t operate in the same way – instead, they use electricity to generate heat. This is typically done through a heating coil or fan system that blows out heated air into the room.

Due to this form of heating, it’s important to note that electric fireplaces often have different levels of heat output compared to traditional fireplaces. Some models may only give off a small amount of heat, while others can produce enough heat to warm an entire room – often a major benefit for homeowners. It’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing an electric fireplace for its heating capabilities.

Factors That Will Impact Electric Fireplace Heating

Because they produce heat in ways that are similar to a traditional furnace or heat pump, some of the same factors will impact the heating abilities of an electric fireplace. Here are a few to keep in mind:

  • Room size: Just as with any other heating appliance, the size of the room will be important when considering how much heat an electric fireplace can produce. Generally, smaller rooms will see a better result from these fireplaces than larger ones.
  • Insulation: Insulation is critical for heat retention, and this applies to electric fireplaces as well. The more insulated a room is, the better it will retain heat from an electric fireplace.
  • Placement: Just like with any other heating appliance, placement will make a big difference in how much warmth you receive from an electric fireplace. Be sure to consider placement carefully when installing your fireplace.

Are Non-Heating Models Available?

What about if you have no need for heat from your fireplace? In these cases, you can find electric models that don’t produce any heat at all. These are often used for decorative purposes or to create a cozy ambiance without adding additional warmth to the room. If you’re considering an electric fireplace but don’t require it to produce heat, be sure to inquire about non-heating options as well.

As you can see, electric fireplaces are a flexible and versatile option for any home. Whether you’re looking to add heat to your living space or simply want the ambiance of a fireplace without the added warmth, there’s an option that will work for you. Contact Comfort Solutions Fireplace today to learn more about our electric fireplace offerings and how they can enhance your home!

There are a few common questions that often get asked about fireplaces, and some of them surround the vital concept of safety for all home occupants. One of the most common questions for one of today’s most common fireplace types: Are gas fireplaces safe?

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re here to tell you that the answer here is an absolute yes – gas fireplaces are completely safe, and in fact often considered safer than wood-burning and other options. We offer a huge range of modern gas fireplaces for clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, plus comprehensive use and safety recommendations to ensure everyone in your home is always safe while using any of our products. Here are some basics on staying safe near or while using any gas fireplace.

Clearance Zones and Safety Screens

Like any fireplace that directly emits heat, gas fireplaces require a certain amount of clearance on all sides to ensure there’s no fire risk. The specifics here will depend on the exact model you’re using and other variables determined during installation – we’ll cover each of these on an individual basis for every client we work with.

In addition, safety screens are often used on gas fireplace fronts as an extra layer of protection. These screens prevent any debris or embers from escaping the fireplace and potentially causing harm to people or flammable objects on the other side.

Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen Levels

One common concern with gas fireplaces is whether they might emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) into the home. However, this is not a major concern as long as proper maintenance is performed on the fireplace on a regular basis. Gas fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year to ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently.

In addition, gas fireplaces do not require any additional oxygen to operate – they simply use the air in your home for combustion. This means there is no danger of depleting oxygen levels in your home while using them.

Regular Maintenance

Another simple but crucial aspect of gas fireplace safety is regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the interior and exterior on a regular basis, as well as having a professional inspect and service the fireplace on an annual basis. Any signs of wear or damage should be addressed immediately to prevent potential hazards.

Childproofing

For families with young children, it’s important to take extra precautions around gas fireplaces. Installing a safety gate or screen around the fireplace can prevent children from getting too close and potentially touching hot surfaces. It’s also important to teach children about the dangers of fire and how to safely interact with fireplaces.

Gas fireplaces are safe as long as they are properly installed, used, and maintained. With proper precautions and regular maintenance, you can enjoy the warmth and beauty of a gas fireplace without any safety concerns. At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we prioritize safety in all our products and services to provide our clients with complete peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our gas fireplaces and how we can help keep your home safe and cozy.

As we enter the long Utah winter, starting up a fire is a great way to combine warmth and family time around the home. And for homes that operate a modern gas fireplace of any kind, knowing how to turn it on and get it started for a given season or session is one of the most basic needs.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re happy to offer a wide range of modern gas fireplaces to clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, plus assistance with all basic operations for your fireplace. Here are some basic steps for starting and lighting a gas fireplace using the two most common formats – a control panel versus a key.

Starting a Gas Fireplace With a Control Panel

Many of today’s latest gas fireplaces come with a control panel that allows you to easily turn them on and adjust the heat output. Here are the basic steps for turning it on:

  1. Locate the control panel: Depending on your fireplace model, the control panel may be located at different places – some have it on the side of the fireplace, while others may have it hidden behind a door or cover. If you can’t find it, refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
  2. Control knob: Find the knob that has settings for on, off and pilot. The knob may also have different settings for low, medium and high heat.
  3. Turn on the gas: Before you turn the control knob, make sure to open the gas valve that leads to your fireplace. This is usually located near the fireplace wall or on a pipe leading up to it.
  4. Choose your setting: Once you’ve turned on the gas, choose your desired setting on the control knob. If you’re just starting your fireplace for the first time this season, you’ll need to turn it to “Pilot” and then press down on the knob for about 30 seconds to allow air to escape. Then, move it to “On”.
  5. Ignite the pilot light: Depending on your model, there may be a separate button to ignite the pilot light, or you may need to use a match. Once it’s lit, hold down the knob for an additional 30 seconds and then release.
  6. Adjust heat and flame: Finally, you can adjust the temperature and flame height using the control knob according to your preferences.

Starting a Gas Fireplace With a Key

Some gas fireplaces use a key to turn them on and off instead of a control panel. Here’s how it works:

  • Access the metal keyhole near the fireplace, usually on the floor in front of it or on the wall nearby.
  • Insert the key into the keyhole until it locks into place.
  • Ignite a long lighter and place it next to the keyhole.
  • Turn the key counterclockwise to open the gas valve, allowing gas to flow into the fireplace.
  • Once gas is flowing, you can rotate the key in the keyhole – this will adjust flame height.

As you can see, starting and lighting a gas fireplace is quite simple when you have the right tools and knowledge. If you’re in need of further assistance or looking to upgrade your current fireplace, Comfort Solutions Fireplace is here to help. Contact us today for all your gas fireplace needs!

While many people are most familiar with thermostat products for their use on home HVAC systems, this is not the only setting where a thermostat may be useful. Another great example: Gas fireplaces, where thermostat products are often utilized for several distinct benefits.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re here to offer a wide range of modern gas fireplaces and other fireplace options to clients around Salt Lake City and nearby parts of Utah. Here are some basics on what a thermostat does for a gas fireplace, plus some key benefits of installing one alongside your gas fireplace.

What a Thermostat Does for a Gas Fireplace

Firstly, what exactly is a thermostat? At its core, a thermostat is an electronic device that’s responsible for maintaining the temperature of your gas fireplace at one specific level. It does this by using temperature sensors to continuously read and assess several different important factors in the room, including humidity levels and other indicators that determine the ideal temperature.

When you set a certain temperature on your thermostat, it will continuously work to adjust the flames of your gas fireplace in order to reach and maintain that temperature. This means you don’t have to constantly monitor the flames and manually adjust them, allowing for a more convenient and hands-off experience.

Our next few sections will go over the benefits of a gas fireplace thermostat.

Full Temperature Control

By far the most significant benefit of installing a thermostat on your gas fireplace is that it allows for full temperature control. Instead of constantly adjusting the flames and worrying about keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, you can simply set your desired level and let the thermostat take care of the rest. This feature is especially useful during colder winter months, when maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature in your home is crucial.

Energy Efficiency

In addition to convenience, a gas fireplace thermostat also has the potential to save you significant amounts of money on your energy bill. By maintaining consistent temperatures and not wasting excess heat, thermostats can help reduce overall energy consumption and lower monthly costs. This is a great way to make your gas fireplace an even more cost-effective heating option.

Improved Safety

Lastly, installing a thermostat on your gas fireplace can also improve safety levels in your home. By regulating the temperature and ensuring that it stays at safe levels, you can rest assured that there won’t be any sudden or dangerous spikes in heat output from your fireplace. This is especially important if you have young children or pets in the home who may not understand the dangers of touching a hot fireplace.

In addition, thermostats can also come with additional safety features such as automatic shut-off if the temperature exceeds a certain level. This provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for you and your family.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we highly recommend considering a thermostat for your gas fireplace for these and other benefits. Contact us today to learn more about our wide selection of modern gas fireplaces and accessories.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the basic areas that will be covered during a home inspection ahead of installing a new fireplace in your space. Site visits and inspections are common before installing a new fireplace, helping define the space and understand all its features – and knowing what to expect here can be helpful for many clients.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re here to offer an unmatched selection of traditional fireplaces, modern fireplaces and custom fireplace options for clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah. While part one of our series covered home size, room layout, ventilation needs and child/pet concerns, today’s part two will go over some other basic tips on the key areas covered during fireplace home inspection, plus what to think about as a client during this inspection.

Clearances

While we went over room layout in part one of our series, one specific area that’s sometimes glossed over within this topic is clearances. During a fireplace home inspection, our pros will take measurements and ensure there’s proper clearance on all sides of the potential installation area for safety purposes. This includes both horizontal and vertical clearances.

This is important because without the proper clearance, a fireplace runs the risk of overheating and causing damage to nearby walls, furniture or other items. It’s not just about finding the right size for your fireplace – it’s also crucial that there’s enough space around it for safe operation.

Electric or Gas Supply

Another key area that will be covered during a fireplace home inspection is the electric or gas supply for the potential installation area. For electric fireplaces, our experts will ensure that there’s an existing outlet nearby and that it can handle the extra usage from a fireplace. For gas fireplaces, proper venting and connection to a gas line will be checked.

It’s important for clients to keep in mind any special considerations they may have for their preferred fuel type – if you’re looking at a gas fireplace, for instance, knowing the location of your gas line and whether it’s feasible to connect to this point will be important.

Chimney or Venting Needs

For clients considering a traditional wood-burning fireplace, one key area that will be covered during the home inspection is chimney or venting needs. Our experts will inspect existing chimneys or determine if a new one needs to be installed, as well as check for any potential obstructions or issues with air flow.

If you’re considering a gas fireplace, proper venting and ventilation will also be a crucial area of focus during the inspection. Our team at Comfort Solutions Fireplace will ensure that the venting is set up properly and safely for your chosen fireplace.

As a client, it’s important to be aware of any potential limitations or challenges with your preferred fireplace option. During a home inspection, our experts will also discuss any additional features you may want to consider, such as mantels or hearths, and how they may affect the installation process.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we understand that every home and client has unique needs when it comes to fireplace installation. That’s why our team is dedicated to providing personalized solutions and top-quality service for all our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a fireplace home inspection with one of our experts!

There are several steps that may be involved in the process of having a new fireplace installed in your home, and one that’s often quite valuable for clients and installers alike is a home inspection. During a basic site visit, fireplace installation professionals will take a look at a number of basic features and proportions that may play a role in your installation – this is often a very important visit.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re happy to offer a wide range of quality fireplace options to clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, including gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces and more. This two-part blog series will go over all the important areas that will be covered during a pre-installation fireplace home inspection, plus what to think about during it.

Home Size and Room Layout

One of the first things that will be considered during a home inspection is the size and layout of your space. Fireplaces can come in many sizes, so it’s important to properly measure the room or area where the fireplace is being installed – length, width, and height.

Not only this, but professionals will be looking for some other basics on your home itself. They may ask about the age of the home, what kind of walls or floors are surrounding the desired fireplace area, and if there’s enough room to securely install your chosen model. Be sure to provide accurate information – this is key for a safe and successful fireplace installation.

Ventilation Requirements

Another important area that will be inspected is your home’s ventilation system, including heat vents, air ducts and chimneys. Fireplaces require proper ventilation to ensure that combustion gases from the fire don’t enter your living space, so it’s important to have the right system in place before the installation begins.

If you don’t already have a chimney or other ventilation, this will need to be installed and checked for proper operation prior to your fireplace being put into use. Additionally, if you plan on using gas as your fuel source, safety mechanisms like carbon monoxide detectors will need to be looked at during the inspection.

Children or Pets Present

While this isn’t typically a primary factor in a pre-installation home inspection, it’s always important to consider the safety of any children or animals in your space. If you have anyone under the age of 18 living at home, fireplace guards and other safety measures may need to be discussed to ensure that everyone is kept safe while using the fireplace.

Ultimately, a home inspection is important to make sure that everything is up to code and safe prior to fireplace installation. In part two of this blog series, we’ll cover some other basic expectations for these appointments.

If you’re in need of a new fireplace for your home or business, feel free to reach out and contact Comfort Solutions Fireplace today! We offer quality installation services from experienced professionals who can help make sure that your project is done right.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the unique fireplace settings and designs that you might be considering for any part of your home. While fireplaces have traditionally been considered mostly for living room and family room settings, modern technology makes it easy to install a fireplace virtually anywhere in your home – and there are several options for doing so.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re happy to offer a wide range of gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces and numerous related options to clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah. Here are some other unique fireplace setting and design options that are at your fingertips depending on how outside the box you want to get, plus what to think about in each of these areas.

Office Fireplaces

Especially as more and more people work partially or fully from home and are setting up dedicated offices, adding a fireplace is an increasingly popular option. While most of us wouldn’t consider a fireplace practical in an office setting due to the amount of space they require and the potential for fire hazards, modern technology has made it possible to install efficient electric fireplaces that are safe and easy to use while still offering all the warmth and ambience of a traditional fireplace.

If you’re going with an electric fireplace for your home office, consider the design of the unit and how it will fit into the overall style of the room. Electric fireplaces come in a wide range of styles – from modern and sleek to more traditional and rustic – so you’re sure to find one that matches your aesthetic preferences.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces are an excellent way to extend the use of your outdoor living space late into fall and even winter. With the right outdoor fireplace, you can turn your patio or deck into a year-round gathering spot for family and friends.

When selecting a fireplace to use outdoors, there are several factors to think about: Weatherproofing should be a top priority, as you want to make sure your unit can stand up to the elements. Durability is another important factor, as outdoor fireplaces will be exposed to more wear and tear than those located indoors. Additionally, safety should be a primary concern – never forget that an outdoor fireplace is still a source of open flame!

Hallways or In-Between Spaces

Finally, don’t forget that you can also install a fireplace in your hallway or in between two rooms. This is an excellent way to warm up these areas, which may not get as much natural light or other sources of warmth during cold winter months.

The best option for hallways and in-between spaces will depend on the available space – wall mount fireplaces are great when there’s no room for a traditional mantel and surround, while more traditional looking models may be available if you’re working with a larger area.

No matter what type of fireplace you choose or where it’s located, Comfort Solutions Fireplace is here to help ensure your installation goes smoothly and that the end result meets your satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about our fireplace options!

While many people think of a cozy living room or family room when they hear the word fireplace, the reality is that these areas are far from the only options for a quality fireplace setup in your home. Especially with improving fireplace technology, there are numerous additional unique fireplace designs and placement areas to consider in your home.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re happy to offer the widest range of fireplace options you’ll find in Salt Lake City or other parts of Utah, from traditional fireplaces to modern options, outdoor heating solutions and more. Here are some of the unique settings or designs you might consider for your fireplace setup, across this two-part blog series.

Master Bathroom Fireplaces

As the name implies, a master bathroom fireplace adds luxury and comfort to your master bathroom. From gas or electric fireplaces to ethanol burning models, you could even install one in a stand-alone area of your bathroom for optimal relaxation during baths. It’s an unexpected addition that will give you a feeling of luxury every time you use it.

If you’re considering a bathroom fireplace, you should consider one that is designed to resist the high humidity and heat of a bathroom. It’s also important to check with your local building code authority to make sure any installation adheres to all regulations or restrictions.

Kitchen Fireplaces

Kitchens are often a gathering place for family and friends, so why not consider adding a little extra warmth and style to the space? A kitchen fireplace can really change the atmosphere of your kitchen while adding a rustic, cozy feel all at once. You can install a wood-burning or gas fireplace in your kitchen, depending on your preferences.

For safety reasons, you should take into consideration the layout of your kitchen when installing an indoor fireplace. Installing one near stoves, ovens, and other heat sources should also be avoided since this could create a dangerous situation. Fireplace surrounds should also be made of non-combustible materials to ensure safety as well.

Bedroom Fireplaces

Another unexpected area for fireplace installation is the bedroom. Whether you like to spend time reading or simply sleeping near a warm fire, installing a fireplace in your bedroom can create an atmosphere of rest and relaxation.

When it comes to bedroom fireplaces, electric models are usually the most popular choice since they’re easy to install and don’t require venting. Gas and wood-burning models should be installed by professionals to ensure safety and proper installation.

In part two of this series, we’ll discuss some other unique choices you might consider for your fireplace setup. No matter what type of fireplace option you’re looking for, Comfort Solutions Fireplace has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our amazing selection of fireplaces!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on wood types, tinder and wood dryness for those who are using this material for their outdoor fire pits. Fire pits are perfect for a wide variety of uses, and even more so if you know the proper approaches to collecting wood and starting fires.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, fire pits are just some of our many outdoor heating options for clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah. Today’s part two of our series will switch gears a bit and look at how to ignite and put out wood fires in your outdoor fire pit.

Begin With Tinder

As you’re getting started with your fire, the best place to begin is tinder. Tinder is a material made up of anything that can provide an initial spark and catch flame easily, such as dry twigs or paper. When laid in a crisscross pattern it will form a kindling base to help get the larger wood pieces burning.

As you’re doing this, think about the size of the sticks and logs you’re using. It’s important to keep them relatively small, as large pieces of wood can take a long time to heat up and catch flame.

Construct a Teepee

Next up, once you have a base of tinder, it’s time to construct the teepee. This is a popular approach to starting fires, as the structure allows oxygen to flow freely and keeps the fire burning at a steady and controlled rate.

As you build this up, make sure that you’re alternating small pieces of wood with larger sticks on top. This will help ensure a steady fire as the smaller pieces will ignite more quickly and provide enough heat to warm up the larger sticks. Be sure to leave an open space that allows oxygen to be drawn in and helps the fire breathe.

Ignite Your Fire

The last step is to ignite your fire. With tinder, you can use matches, a lighter or kindling sticks with sparks from a flint and steel. Once you have an initial spark, it’s time to carefully blow on the base of the teepee. This will help the tinder catch flame and bring the fire to a steady burn.

Put Out Your Fire

Once you’re done with your fire, it’s important to make sure that it has been properly put out so as not to spark any unwanted flames. To do this, simply pour a bucket of water over the burning wood until it has been completely extinguished. If you have any remaining embers, make sure that you stir the ashes and repeat the process until all of them are gone.

Safety Comes First

As with any fire, safety should always come first when using your outdoor fire pit. Always be sure to keep an eye on the flames and use caution when adding more wood. Additionally, make sure to ask for help if needed and store your kindling safely so that it does not catch fire accidentally.

Remember, at Comfort Solutions Fireplace we specialize in providing excellent outdoor heating solutions for clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah. For more information or questions about our other heating options, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you’ve recently built an outdoor fire pit or are considering doing so on your property in the near future, you might be wondering how to go about using this fantastic feature. Whether you’re hosting group events or just enjoying the space on your own, there are a few best practices for how to build (and eventually put out) fires using outdoor fire pits.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re happy to offer a wide range of outdoor heating options for Salt Lake City and nearby Utah clients, including fire pits for any setup you’re looking into. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over some basic use tips for fire pits – today’s part one will focus on firewood and the proper types to use, while part two will look into how to ignite and eventually put out a fire pit fire. Let’s dive in!

Ideal Fire Pit Wood Types

The exact type of wood you use for your fire pit fires will depend on a few factors, including:

  • Heat output: Various woods will offer different levels of heat output when burned, depending on their density and moisture levels. It’s a good idea to take these factors into account for the best fire pit experience.
  • Aesthetics: Some wood types produce more smoke or create more sparks than others, which can affect your overall aesthetic results. Consider what you’d like to see when looking at your fire pit.
  • Availability: Consider what type of wood is most readily available in your area, as this could affect the cost you’ll pay for your firewood.

For a great-looking and efficient burning fire, we recommend using dry hardwoods such as oak or maple. While softwoods such as pine can make good firewood, they tend to burn quickly and can create more smoke than hardwoods. Avoid using treated wood or any type of lumber with chemicals as these will produce toxic fumes when burned in a fire pit – not ideal for you or your guests.

Tinder

Another important factor to consider is tinder, or the material used to help ignite your firewood. Good options for this include small sticks and dry leaves, cardboard, or even lint from your clothes dryer.

Ensure Dryness Ahead of Time

One important tip to keep in mind when dealing with firewood is that you’ll want to ensure it’s dry before using it. If wood has been sitting out in the open for a while, chances are it has already dried up over time – but if not, take steps to allow your firewood to dry out thoroughly ahead of time.

This will help make sure your firewood will burn properly and efficiently, leading to a better overall experience.

That wraps up part one of our two-part series – stay tuned for part two where we’ll cover how to ignite and put out fires in outdoor fire pits! In the meantime, if you’re looking for reliable outdoor heating solutions in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, contact Comfort Solutions Fireplace for more information. Our team is happy to provide you with any fire pit solutions you need!