Fireplaces are often used for major warmth needs in addition to their fantastic aesthetics, and there are a few fireplace components that will play a role here. One of these that’s very important to understand and maintain: Fireplace blowers, also known as fireplace fans.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of both traditional and modern fireplaces, from wood-burning options to gas, electric and more. Blowers and fans are utilized in many of our models, and we’re happy to discuss the precise details here with clients so they understand what they’re getting. What are fireplace blowers, how do they work, and what else do you need to know about them for your fireplace? This two-part blog series will go over a number of themes.

Fireplace Blower Basics

As we alluded to above, a fireplace blower refers to a type of fan that will be mounted, either on the outside of the fireplace or within the unit, but still outside the actual firebox. The primary purpose of the blower is to circulate air around the firebox and into the room – this helps maximize heat output and keep the area around the fireplace warm.

In most cases, a blower will be included as part of the purchase of a new fireplace, though it’s worth checking to make sure if you’re considering an older model. One of the best parts about fireplace blowers: They don’t increase the fireplace’s actual BTU output at all, instead relying on physics to help heat the air. So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your fireplace’s warmth without doing any upgrades, adding a blower is definitely the way to go!

How Do They Work?

Now that we know what they are and what they do, let’s take a look at how fireplace blowers work. The process begins by the blower pulling air from the room it’s in, then forcing it through a channel that runs alongside the firebox. The air then enters the firebox itself, where it’s warmed by the flames and exits out the top of the unit.

Once the air is heated, it’s forced back into the room through two main channels: One above the fireplace that distributes heat evenly around the room, and one below that helps prevent cold drafts from coming into the room. The blower will continue to cycle air through the fireplace, providing a steady stream of warmth to the room.

As this continues to happen, previously heated air gets replaced by new, colder air, so it’s important to make sure your fireplace blower is functioning properly at all times. If you’re not seeing the results you expect in terms of warmth, it might be time for a tune-up.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over some additional themes — fireplace blower noise levels, whether you can add a blower to an existing fireplace, and whether your fireplace really needs a blower at all.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our fireplace options, speak to the team at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the most important terms to be aware of within the realm of style for a fireplace. Fireplaces come in a few different style alternatives, and knowing how these are discussed and what certain specific terms refer to will help you make the optimal decision for your fireplace needs.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we proudly offer our clients a wide range of fireplace materials to our Salt Lake City and other Utah clients, from traditional styles to modern options and everything in between. Today’s part two of our series will continue our alphabetical breakdown of some of the most important style-related terms to know as you enter the market for any kind of fireplace.

Pier Style

When you hear this term used, it’s referring to a three-sided fireplace that has glass on the front, the back and one of the two sides. This style is most often seen in a custom or contemporary-style space.

Another option for this style is for those who want the fireplace to be viewable from more than one room in the home simultaneously. For instance, this type of fireplace may be used as a divider between rooms. It’s also sometimes used as part of a pony-wall.

See-Through Fireplace

As the name indicates, a see-through fireplace is a style that has glass on both the front and back of the unit, allowing it to be visible from the inside of the room as well as through exterior windows. This is another fireplace style that’s sometimes used to divide or separate spaces.

It’s most common in homes or spaces that are going for an “open” style, such as lofts and industrial-style spaces. Because of its classy appearance, it’s also seen in modern-style homes.

Single-Sided

While we’ve gone over a number of fireplace styles to this point that involve glass on two or more of the sides, there are also simpler options. A fireplace with glass on only one side (the front) is known as a single-sided model.

This is one of the most well-known and popular options for a fireplace, even today. There are a few reasons for this preference. For one thing, it’s the easiest to install and least expensive option out of all the alternatives. For another, it provides a classic look that fits in well with most any style or décor choice you might have, whether it’s modern or traditional.

Traditional Fireplaces

We left off part one of this series by discussing modern fireplaces; on the flip side of that conversation is the traditional style fireplace. These are often seen in older buildings or homes that were built before the modern era began, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be incorporated into more modern spaces.

This is one of the most well-known options for any type of stove, whether it’s gas, wood burning or electric. It’s typically a square or rectangular-shaped fireplace that has a separate opening for the flames and one (or more) for the heated air to escape, thereby warming the room.

It’s found in both traditional-style homes or in modern spaces where it fits in well with other contemporary elements. This style is also clean-lined and simple, which makes it easy to incorporate into any modern space.

For more on style terminology to be aware of when considering a new fireplace, or to learn about any of our SLC fireplace options, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

If you’re a homeowner considering a fireplace in the year 2022, you have more options than any generation before you. From traditional fireplace styles that have been updated to stick with the times to contemporary options that bring modern themes and more, there are several different choices at your disposal for a new fireplace in terms of style and aesthetics.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re proud to offer a huge range of fireplace options, including both traditional and contemporary styles and every fuel or insert type you can think of. What are some of the various fireplace style terms you’ll want to have an idea of as you’re evaluating your options for a new fireplace? This two-part blog series will go over several, using roughly alphabetical order to keep things simple.

Bay Style

When you hear the term Bay Style for a fireplace, what’s being referenced is a three-sided piece with glass on the front, right and left, typically accompanied by a frame that surrounds the firebox, creating a more traditional appearance for what qualifies as the Bay Style. For many people, this is similar to what they’re used to when it comes to traditional stoves and fireplaces – but with the addition of side glass panels.

Bay style fireplaces are great for larger rooms or areas where you want multiple angles to view the fire from. You don’t have to worry about being too close to the firebox with this style, either, unlike some other options on the market.

Contemporary Fireplace

The term “contemporary” is a broad one used within the realm of fireplace styling to describe various modern and popular styles that are more forward-looking in terms of how your fireplace is designed. You can find contemporary fireplaces with glass doors on the front, which you open to access the firebox, allowing for greater control over your fire.

There’s also contemporary styles that use special types of fuel or inserts that may be different than what you’re used to seeing in traditional fireplaces, such as the electric fireplace that features realistic looking flames that are powered by electricity, eliminating any need for fuel or mess.

Corner Style

As its name suggests, a corner style fireplace is a two-sided item with glass on the front and one additional side, creating an L-shaped look. This type of fireplace is best for corners, but if you have a large enough space to accommodate it, the Corner Style can be used in various other areas around your home as well.

Modern Fireplaces

While modern fireplaces are generally interchangeable with contemporary fireplaces, there’s an even greater emphasis on cutting-edge features and new technologies when it comes to contemporary styles. You’ll find modern fireplaces that are essentially just glass fronts with no surrounding frame, giving you a very minimalistic look for your fireplace design.

For more fireplace style terms to be aware of as you scour the market, or to learn about any of our modern or traditional fireplace options, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on non-combustible fireplace materials and why they’re important. Referring to various materials that comprise your fireplace’s setup, non-combustible materials are those that allow you to maintain the heat of the fireplace without any damage or warping to various nearby items.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re happy to discuss all the components of any of our modern fireplaces with our clients, including the non-combustible materials that are used to protect both you and your setup. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go over the combustible “clearance” that is necessary for maintaining a buffer between the hot areas of your fireplace and the rest of your home, plus the option for zero-clearance fireplaces that you might have available.

Combustible Clearance Basics

When setting up a fireplace, there will be a set of approved clearances that come with your model. These clearances provide you with the minimum safe distance that combustible materials — that is, materials that can ignite and create a fire — must be from the fireplace. The specific clearance will vary depending on your model, but typically range from 18 to 36 inches all around the fireplace.

It’s important to remember that these clearances are not just minimums, but also provide the safest setup possible. Ignoring these clearances can result in damage to your fireplace, your home, and even create a fire hazard. So be sure to always follow the clearance guidelines provided by your fireplace’s manufacturer!

Zero-Clearance Fireplaces

In some cases, you may have the option of using a zero-clearance fireplace. A zero-clearance fireplace is designed to be installed extremely close to combustible materials and allows the heat of the fire to pass between each piece of wood, reducing some of the danger of traditional fireplaces.

Typically, these appliances will come with a protective heat shield that is placed behind it. The heat shield is designed to help protect any nearby walls or other surfaces from damage as a result of the heat.

Finishing Materials for Zero-Clearance Fireplaces

Another of the benefits of a zero-clearance fireplace is the way you can use nearly any common material for the finishing wall or design element you’re including. While many other types of fireplaces have very specific options for finishes — such as a brick or stone, or a particular color of paint — you will have the ability to use pretty much any material if you’re working with a zero-clearance fireplace.

In fact, one of our most popular designs is a steel fireplace that offers no clearance from the wall. The heat shield helps protect this material from heat, and it also makes the fireplace nearly invisible from a side view!

For more on non-combustible materials and clearance ranges for fireplaces, or to learn about any of our quality modern or contemporary fireplaces, speak to the pros at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

When you’re considering a new fireplace or upgrading your current one, a term you may hear somewhat often is “non-combustible.” Generally used to describe the primary materials that make up your fireplace setup, non-combustible materials allow for excessive amounts of heat to be maintained without sustaining any damage — and as you can imagine, they’re very important for your fireplace.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, non-combustible materials are a common subject when discussing our fantastic fireplaces with our Utah clients, from modern gas fireplaces to traditional fireplaces, fireplace inserts and more. What exactly does this term mean, what is “combustible clearance” for your fireplace, and are there options out there that don’t require any such clearance? We’ll go over that and more in this two-part blog series.

Non-Combustible Fireplace Materials

As we touched on above, non-combustible fireplace materials refer to those that are capable of withstanding high levels of heat without sustaining any damage. Materials like sheet metal, cement board and tile are all examples of non-combustible materials that are commonly used in fireplace construction to ensure the safety of both the people who own them and their property.

With fireplace inserts, for example, there is a very important distinction between a “non-combustible fireplace” and a “direct-vent fireplace.” The former is capable of achieving its high temperatures without requiring any combustible clearance from the material around it, which means it doesn’t require a direct connection to the combustion air to achieve those temperatures. On the other hand, a direct-vent fireplace requires specific materials surrounding it to ensure its fires will not produce any contaminants that could prove dangerous.

Some examples of non-combustible fireplace materials include sheet metal, cement board, tile, stainless steel and cast iron. These are often very expensive when compared to materials like brick or concrete block, but offer superior safety ratings in the case of an accidental fire.

Why Non-Combustible Materials Are Needed

Fireplaces create significant heat, which means the materials surrounding them will be exposed to some pretty high temperatures. A gas fireplace insert in particular can reach up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit when in use, which is significantly hotter than traditional fireplaces that only attain a maximum of 1500 degrees during use.

While these temperatures are not by any means hot enough to burn your house down in most cases, it’s still hot enough to significantly damage or warp non-combustible materials like sheet metal and wood-based materials. If you were to build a fireplace out of non-combustible materials but neglect to account for the appropriate clearance around it, your walls would be plagued with warping and cracks made worse by the heat exposure. With proper materials, though, these won’t be risks you have to worry about.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over “clearance” concepts that relate to this area, plus your options for limited or even zero-clearance fireplaces if desired. For more on this or any of our fireplace services in Utah, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic terminology to be aware of if you want to know more about your fireplace. Specifically with regard to installation and finishing of your fireplace area, these terms are those you’ll often hear from fireplace installation professionals, but may also hold value to you as you care for and maintain your fireplace into the future.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re proud to offer not only a variety of traditional and modern fireplaces, but also information and expertise on these products and the kinds of vocabulary you need to keep track of them. Here are a few more important terms to keep in your lexicon.

Finishing Material

When you hear about finishing material, what’s really being referred to is the type of material used on the chase, plus directly behind and surrounding the fireplace. The most common material here is brick or stone, but others like metal composites and even glass may be available. The finishing material can also impact the look of your fireplace, as certain materials will yield different colors and textures.

To make sure this material matches the look you’ve envisioned for your fireplace, it’s best to work with a professional who can advise on the various options and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Flue

The flue describes your fireplace’s venting system, which is critical in letting out dangerous gases that are part of the combustion process. Contrary to what you might think when looking at a fireplace, there isn’t typically an opening right on top of your fireplace with a transparent tube running up through it — though the precise flue setup will vary depending on your chosen model.

Hearth

Many have heard of the fireplace hearth, which speaks to a permanent (or at least floor-level) platform in front of your fireplace, typically made with stone. The hearth typically rests atop the firebox and is supported by firebrick or another material that can handle high temperatures.

You may also run into the word “hearthstone,” which refers to a type of finishing material that’s very similar to brick. Like finishing material, it will depend on what look the homeowner wants to achieve. It should be noted that hearths aren’t typically required by most modern gas and wood fireplaces as long as proper clearances are met; however, some homeowners simply enjoy the aesthetic they add even if they aren’t required.

Mantel

Finally, the fireplace mantel is the structure that tops your fireplace opening. It can be made of any material (again, dependent on the look you want to achieve), but is primarily used to support something like an electric or gas fire. Some fireplaces require a mantel, especially if you’ll be placing items like artwork or a television above them, but many do not.

For more on important fireplace installation and finishing vocabulary to know, or to learn about any of our traditional or contemporary fireplace options, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

Fireplaces are some of the most unique home appliances out there, combining aesthetics and function in ways very few other home fixtures do. Many new fireplace owners will be looking to educate themselves on several related areas, from basic safety to installation and maintenance needs, and one broad theme that's often helpful here is a knowledge of important fireplace terminology.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, not only do we offer a robust selection of modern fireplaces, fireplace inserts and other products, but we're also happy to provide basic pieces of education and information to our clients. There are many areas of fireplace terminology where it pays to have some basic knowledge, and one of these is within the realm of fireplace installation and finishing. In this two-part blog series, we'll go over a number of important terms within this theme.

Chase

The chase of a fireplace refers to the space that is built above the fireplace, and contains venting. Fireplaces from previous generations would use the chimney itself as the chase, whereas today's fireplaces use a separate construction area.

Clean Edge

During clean edge fireplace installation, your installer will bring finished materials directly to the edge of your fireplace, requiring no frame. This brings a sleek, modern look to your fireplace, showcasing the design of the appliance.

Clearances

Clearances, which are found in several home areas including the fireplace, refer to the minimum distance required between objects and a source of heat. Clearances ensure that nothing will come in contact with the heat, and it is important to make sure they are respected during fireplace installation.

Combustible Materials

Combustible materials refer to those such as wood, drywall and other similar items that can be burned. These types of materials must always be kept and distance and should never come into contact with the heat source of a fireplace, such as the glass door. Fireplace tools are also considered combustible materials, and it is important to keep this in mind when choosing your set.

Cool Wall

For some fireplaces, a cool wall will be used -- this is a special chase framing that allows for combustible materials to be kept in close proximity to the heat without being affected by it. A cool wall allows for the modern look of a frameless fireplace installation while also keeping combustible materials held safely away from the heat source. There are specific venting needs for cool wall installation, so be sure to inquire about it ahead of time if you're interested.

For more on the various terminology it pays to know within your fireplace's installation and finishing, or to learn about any of our gas or electric fireplace and insert options, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

For any homeowner looking for a beautiful fireplace area in any part of their home, there will generally be two broad options at your disposal: Full-on fireplaces and fireplace inserts. While both these options offer robust practical and aesthetic themes to meet your needs, they differ in a few important ways that might make one or the other the prudent choice for you.

At Comfort Solutions, we're happy to offer a wide range of fireplace options in Utah, plus several gas and wood fireplace insert selections as well. What are fireplace inserts, how do they differ from standard fireplaces, and how can you tell which is present in your home if you've just moved in? Here's a primer.

Gas Fireplace Vs Gas Fireplace Inserts

There are a few basic ways to differentiate a gas fireplace from gas fireplace inserts. The first is the size of the fireplace itself. Gas inserts are typically smaller than a more traditional fireplace design, so you can fit these into spaces that would be too small for an entire structure.

For this reason, you'll often see fireplace inserts installed into a masonry structure or opening that was obviously created for a different original purpose. If the gas fireplace is built into the wall without evidence of a preexisting structure, on the other hand, it's likely a full-on fireplace.

Another big factor to consider: Is there a chimney in place? If you have an existing brick chimney, it's likely your home is using gas inserts. On the other hand, if there's a vent on the side of the home that releases exhaust, this is more commonly a sign that the gas item in place is a full traditional fireplace. This is because gas fireplaces use either direct or natural venting for their exhaust, and do not require the use of a chimney.

Wood Fireplace vs Wood Fireplace Insert

Differentiating between traditional fireplaces and inserts is a bit tougher with wood, as many wood fireplaces are built to mimic a stone or brick aesthetic and can be tougher to tell apart. If you can't tell if yours is built-in or not, a good way to test it out is the method for which the fireplace receives and expels air.

Wood units both need vertical ventilation, but how they accomplish this often tells the difference. If your chimney has a wood cap on it, for instance, you likely have a wood insert; if, on the other hand, your roof has a pipe protruding from it serving as an exhaust vent, this is more typically a sign of a traditional wood fireplace.

For more on how to tell fireplace inserts apart from traditional fireplaces, or to learn about any of our fireplace options throughout Utah, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on designing a fantastic fireplace mantel during the warmer part of the year, typically spring or summer. These are often transitional seasons when it comes to home design and aesthetics, times of the year when many homeowners look to change up their design in several areas of the home – and the mantel is a great place to start.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re here to not only provide a wide selection of contemporary fireplaces, including gas, electric and several other models, but also to offer fireplace mantels in a variety of design formats. Our mantels are designed to combine both beauty and safety themes, ensuring your fireplace area is protected while also bringing life to the space. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go over some other themes we commonly see taken for spring and summer mantel designs.

Flower Containers

There are a few spots around the home where showcasing flowers in various containers is a great design concept, and the mantel is one of the single best. Whether flower containers are the only items atop a given mantel or simply used as accents in between other items, such as picture frames or other memorabilia, they offer a perfect blend of color and nature.

For many homes, regular household items like jars, bottles or pitchers can be used as flower containers for the mantel area – and then cab be decorated with numerous embellishments, from paint to lace and many others. If you’re going for a solid contrast, use containers of varying heights; if you prefer standardization, make them all the same size.

Lighting and Warmth

Another vital concept for any mantel will be lighting, which sets an ambient tone and warms the entire space. Candles are often a top choice here – they can be placed individually or, more commonly, will be grouped together, often in stackable combinations.

There are also several forms of ambient lighting you might consider, depending on the space and other décor you have in place.

Accents

Finally, no mantel is complete without the proper visual accents, allowing for the prominent parts of the design to be highlighted and promoted. A common color used for mantel accents is gold, which blends well with many of the themes we’ve gone over to this point – you might consider gold frames for pictures, for instance, or a gold vase or candleholder.

In other cases, your accents will depend on the other design themes present in your home. If you have a rustic concept going in the room where the mantel sits, for instance, consider things like tin, distressed wood and various wreaths.

For more on how to design a fireplace mantel during the warm part of the year, or to learn about any of our fireplace mantels or contemporary fireplaces, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.

Spring is here, and for those who change up their home’s décor and aesthetics based on seasons, this is an exciting time. There are numerous areas of the home that can be transitioned into spring and summer themes, and one that’s especially versatile this time of year is the fireplace mantel.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re proud to offer not only high-quality custom fireplace options, but also a wide variety of fireplace mantels to tie the entire room together. We’re also happy to offer tips and expertise on fireplace mantels and spring décor – there are numerous designs and themes available, but this two-part blog will narrow them down to a few of our favorites you might consider as we move into the warm part of the year.

Statement Foliage

Spring is a great season to emphasize flowers and related themes, and one great format here to kick things off is what we’d refer to as statement foliage. We’re talking a wreath, garland or some similar large item that will define much of the rest of the design – it will sit directly above the fireplace as the central piece on the mantel, and other designs within the room will be coordinated based on it.

In other cases, fireplace owners may choose to drape a simple evergreen garland over the front of the fireplace. This is a minimalist theme that emphasizes nature and the green color, also complementing neutral colors in other areas of the room.

Other Flowers and Blooms

If you use statement foliage as part of your mantel design, this leaves open numerous complementary avenues for other floral concepts. There are so many different color options when it comes to flowers in spring, from white and cream to pink, yellow, peach, blue, red, orange and more.

Even if you don’t go with statement foliage, flowers are a great way to touch off your mantel design. Early spring flowers that do well include lilacs, ranunculus, roses and peonies, with soft hues that help you transition over from winter into the warmer part of the year. Later on in spring, consider tulips, poppies and cornflower with bright colors and accents.

Spring Wall Colors

Another fantastic theme for the mantel and surrounding areas of the room is re-painting certain walls with complementary spring colors. If you’ve gone with foliage of any kind already, choose a color that’s in the same family or complements this foliage properly. Used as a backdrop, spring colors on the wall are an ideal contrast for the flowers and other bright designs you’ll be placing front and center.

For more on how to design a fireplace mantel with spring themes in mind, or to learn about any of our mantels or modern fireplace options, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.