No matter which of our beautiful modern fireplace options you choose from at Comfort Solutions, our first priority for you and your family is safety. All our fireplaces come with specific barriers and other safety elements as part of installation, and we’re happy to offer expertise or tips in terms of keeping both you and your home safe at all times while operating the fireplace.

With gas fireplaces in particular, there are a few specific safety areas you want to consider before and during use. Let’s go over some basic tips we can offer on safety surrounding the gas fireplace, both while you’re using it and during other important periods.

Clearance Zones

When we say “clearance zone,” what we are referring to is a distance around which it’s unsafe to place flammable or damageable materials. Clearance zones exist for all fireplace types, though they will obviously vary between types based on the flames and heat that’s produced.

When you purchase any new fireplace, one of the first pieces of information you should find out is the clearance zone. Many families, particularly those with young children (more on them below), will place markers or some other kind of warning about getting too close within the clearance zone. In addition, things like wood, paper, books, curtains, newspapers or other flammable materials should never be placed within this zone or against the gas fireplace’s glass barrier. This also goes for electronics or any other home appliances.

Heat Barriers

Gas fireplaces all come with a glass panel, one meant to create a barrier between the fire and the rest of the room. This barrier helps with both safety and efficiency areas within the home. An important note, however: The glass on this panel will get very hot during fireplace use, and will absolutely burn anyone who touches it. Children, pets and anyone unaware should be informed in advance.

In addition, those looking to maximize their safety and efficiency areas might consider a double glass heat barrier installation. This includes two panes of glass with a ventilation layer in between, plus small fans that release heat into the room. These options keep the outer glass cooler so it doesn’t risk burning anyone who touches it, plus provide better heat to the room itself.

Children and Fireplaces

As we’ve noted a couple times here, this information is often most important for children. They may not fully understand or grasp the dangers of heat and the fireplace, and you should take whatever steps necessary to keep them safe, even if it means physical barriers while the fireplace is in use.

Regular Maintenance

Finally, keeping the fireplace safe and efficient at all times is easier when you have the fireplace maintained regularly. Basic repairs and service can keep problems from cropping up that may impact heating capability or safety considerations.

For more on staying safe around gas fireplaces, or to learn about any of our custom and contemporary fireplace options, contact the pros at Comfort Solutions today.

There are numerous benefits that might be present in a modern fireplace you’re considering purchasing, and this versatility itself is in itself another big positive. Where fires and fireplaces in previous generations were often simply for warmth and survival purposes, modern fireplaces offer benefits ranging from aesthetics and beauty to home value and much more.

At Comfort Solutions, we have a huge selection of modern and contemporary fireplaces for you to choose from. If you’re among those who continue to prioritize heat as one of your primary desires in a fireplace, one of the most important factors in which option you choose to install will be a measurement called BTUs. What are BTUs, and how can you determine the proper range of BTUs for a given room in your home as you consider which fireplace to install?

Basics on BTUs

BTU is a short form for the measurement known as British Thermal Units. This is one of the oldest and most traditional measures of heat, with a single BTU describing the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTUs are part of the United States customary units.

If you’re looking for a comparison point, consider the calorie – this is the metric equivalent. A calorie describes the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. When it comes to defining the amount of heat your fireplace will put out, BTUs will be the primary measurement used.

Calculating BTUs for a Room

When it comes to assessing the right fireplace for your home, the name of the game in terms of BTUs is assessing a given room’s capacity. A fireplace with too many BTUs for a room will waste money on your heating bill each month, while one with too few will not adequately heat the area.

To calculate the BTU capacity of a room without an existing fireplace already in it, follow these simple steps:

  • Using measuring tape, measure the length of the room. Then, measure the width of the room.
  • Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling, using a ladder if needed.
  • Multiply these three numbers together. So for instance, if your room comes in at 11 feet long, 13 feet wide and 10 feet high, your makes up 1,430 cubic feet.
  • The maximum quantity of BTUs per 50 cubic feet of room space is 1,000, meaning that the maximum BTU rating allowable for the example room we just gave would be 28,600.

Calculating BTUs for an Existing Fireplace

In other cases, if there’s already an existing gas fireplace in a given room, you can use it to determine that room’s BTU capacity with the following steps:

  • Go over your monthly gas bill, looking for gas usage in cubic feet per hour.
  • Divide total cubic feet of gas by the number of hours of fireplace operation during that month – some find that tracking fireplace usage helps here.
  • Multiply the figure you get by 1,000, and you have your BTU rating.
  • For more on BTUs and finding the right heat output level for your fireplace, or to learn about any of our fireplace services, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions today.

If you’re looking for a custom outdoor fireplace for your home or building, Comfort Solutions is the place to be. We have numerous outdoor fireplace options for you to choose from, with varying sizes and styles to consider.

What elements should you be looking for as you browse our various options? Let’s look at some of the top modern outdoor fireplace features you should be considering, both in terms of your own preferences and how they’ll affect the price of your choice.

Heat Range

Particularly if you’re planning to have your outdoor fireplace function as more than just an aesthetic piece, one of the most important bits of research you can do pertains to heat range. You’re looking for BTUs here, short for British Thermal Unit – it’s a well-used measurement of heat based on the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a single pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

In many cases, modern outdoor fireplace options come with a range of BTU outputs. Many great options may fluctuate between roughly 40,000 and 60,000 BTUs, depending on your preference and the weather.

Steel Type

Most outdoor fireplaces will come with significant steel elements, and whenever possible, you want to prioritize stainless steel here. Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, meaning it wards off rust and other deterioration that can often begin to show up on other metals. Particularly if you’re in a rainy or moist area, make sure your burner and other steel elements are stainless.

Customization

A fireplace becomes more your own when you have a say over some of the custom features included. There are many outdoor fireplaces available today that have plenty of customization allowed, from finishing to burner strength and much more.

Newer Technologies

It’s 2018, and that means that when you buy a new piece of machinery like a fireplace, you want it to come with modern technology. Today’s choices feature all sorts of these kinds of things in numerous areas, from efficiency and customization to all-important safety concerns. Whatever your desires for the fireplace, whether it’s as a true warming device or just as a central location for guests to congregate around, get a beautiful and well-designed modern fireplace that meets your specific needs. Don’t settle for anything less.

For more on the factors you should be considering in a new outdoor fireplace, or to learn about any of our fantastic fireplace options, speak to the pros at Comfort Solutions today.

In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the initial tasks and themes you should be considering when considering buying a new fireplace. While the process doesn’t have to be complex or stressful whatsoever, understanding a few important basics can help you make the best purchase for you and your family.

At Comfort Solutions, we can help you follow all the proper steps when considering the purchase of any of our custom fireplace options. Today, we’ll look at the back half of this process – a few spatial details to consider, plus how to proceed when you’ve finalized your desired style and size and are simply looking for the best place to purchase it.

Measuring Time

Once you’ve chosen the style and fuel type you’re planning to utilize for your new fireplace, it’s time to consider the size and space available to you in the room or area where it will be placed. This is the case whether you’ve decided to install a fireplace or a fireplace insert.

The errors made here on either end of the spectrum can range from uncomfortable to costly. Fireplaces that are too large for a smaller room space can make the room very hot during use, while the inverse – a fireplace that’s too small for a large room – can lead to people being cold. And that’s without considering the aesthetics, which are damaged by going with a unit that’s too large or too small. Take the time to fully assess the space available to you in your desired area, and speak to our experts about what the proper size options are for your based on this and other factors.

Visualize the Space

Beyond simply measuring the space, however, you should also take the time to visualize how the area will look when the fireplace is actually installed. Will you be making additional changes to the room, such as wallpaper on the edge of the fireplace area or a television on the mantle? These and many other popular design formats should be considered well in advance, as they might dictate several of the details you choose in terms of style and size.

Where to Buy

Finally, you’ve gone through your full selection process and are ready to make your purchase. Where and how do you do it?

The name of the game here is speaking with authorized fireplace dealers like ours. We can give you specific information on everything from the installation to the maintenance and safety of your fireplace, plus can fully handle all installation needs for you rather than you risking self-installation. Instead of going to an impersonal big-box store that mostly leaves you to fend for yourself, trust experienced fireplace professionals.

For more on the process of choosing a fireplace, or to learn about any of our new fireplace options, speak to the staff at Comfort Solutions today.

If you’re considering buying a new fireplace, insert, gas stove or any similar product for your home, the pros at Comfort Solutions are here to assist you. We have all the industry-leading products you might need on hand, plus experts who can help you find the perfect choice for your space and needs.

If you’ve never purchased a fireplace or similar device before, the process may feel a bit confusing to you when you start out. In reality, though, it’s pretty simple and straightforward. To assist you, here’s a basic two-part buyers guide for your next big heating element purchase.

Fireplace Purpose

The first area you’ll want to consider is exactly what you plan to use the fireplace or insert for. There are several broad reasons why you might consider a renovation in this area:

  • For an upgraded, modern aesthetic
  • For improved room heating, or to reduce monthly heating bills
  • Upgrading an inefficient model to a more efficient one

In many cases, getting a new fireplace or insert checks more than one of these boxes at once. In particular, if you’re only thinking of a new fireplace for aesthetic reasons and haven’t done the math on how it might benefit your heating costs, speak to our pros about assessing this area as well.

Fireplace Type

Once you know what you want out of your heating element, it’s time to decide exactly which kind of element fits best. The primary choices here:

  • Fireplace: A new modern fireplace can come in a variety of styles and formats, from modern and contemporary to traditional and classical options. Because of modern direct vent technology, adding a fireplace to virtually any room in your home is a possibility.
  • Fireplace inserts: In many cases, you may think you need a fireplace when you actually need a fireplace insert. Inserts are meant to quickly install into masonry that’s already present, offering similar heating and ambiance benefits to an actual fireplace. They come in gas, wood and pellet options.
  • Stove: In other cases, you may actually want a wood, pellet or gas stove, which can be customized to a huge degree. These come in a stand-up style with fantastic heating capabilities.

Fireplace Fuel

You also have several fuel options to power your fireplace, insert or stove:

  • Natural gas: This is a clean-burning fossil fuel that requires very little maintenance and can be included in remote-control items. If your home doesn’t have a natural gas line, we can help you with a propane conversion kit.
  • Pellets: If you want a renewable fuel that still brings the same convenience of gas, go with the pellet option. These are small pieces of compressed material that produce flames when burned.
  • Wood: Wood is a renewable energy source that’s carbon neutral, and also creates the most traditional “crackling” sensation in a fire. It also does require wood collection, though there’s new technology that increases efficiency here.
  • Electricity: Electric options product a wonderful ambiance, but they aren’t quite as good at heating a room as the other options.

For more on choosing initial fireplace elements, or to learn about any of our custom fireplace solutions, speak to the pros at Comfort Solutions today.

There are numerous areas in which we can make better efforts to be environmentally friendly, and the modern fireplace is one such area. At Comfort Solutions, we’re proud to offer numerous modern fireplace options that allow you to operate in a green way, and our experts are here to help you operate your fireplace in a way that doesn’t strain the earth.

Regardless of which kind of fireplace you have, there are a few things you can do to lower your general impact on the local environment. Here are a few basic tips.

Closed Fires

In many modern building codes, open fires will not be permitted. In many historic homes, however, it can be tough to say goodbye to this traditional kitchen hearth style.

It’s best for both your home and the planet, however, if you convert your open fire into a closed one using pellets, firewood or gas. An open fire burns more fuel, and also burns wood in an inefficient way – a double-negative. A closed fire, on the other hand, burns very efficiently and requires less fuel to keep ablaze.

Proper Sizing

A fireplace insert or stove that is too small will eat far too much fuel as you try to heat the home. On the flip side, a stove that’s too large will waste more fuel than you need for the home. Our specialists can recommend the proper sizing to you as necessary.

Fuel Type

The kind of fuel you use in your fireplace depends on your local economy and pollution levels. A few options include:

  • Wood in a wood stove provide great heat for a home, but also causes smoke production. In a rural area with low pollution, this might be okay – wood is also electricity-free. It’s also carbon neutral, which means it doesn’t help the environment but doesn’t hurt it either.
  • Pellets: In a more urban area where pollution is an issue, consider a fuel that produces fewer emissions to help local air quality. Pellet stoves have high BTU outputs but low emissions, a good middle ground for those who prefer a wood-style fire. Pellet stoves do require electricity and do release carbon dioxide into the air, but the energy consumption here is relatively low.
  • Gas inserts: If your main goal is ambiance and a great atmosphere, natural gas or propane inserts are the way to go. These both burn cleanly, and have incredibly low levels of fossil fuel emissions. However, they are also not renewably sourced – if you choose this option, do your best to support fuel companies that try to reduce their footprint.

For more on being environmentally friendly with your fireplace, or to find out about any of our fireplace services, speak to the experts at Comfort Solutions today.

Fall is here, and that means the weather is turning colder. For many people, this means the fireplace in the home will start to get a lot more usage in the next few weeks or months.

At Comfort Solutions, we’re here to help you with all preparation elements for the colder season for any of our fireplace products. Here are a few areas you should consider as you get things started.

Preparing for Use

Proper maintenance of the fireplace is always necessary. There are several things you can do, including keeping the chimneys clean and clear – this includes the flues, smoke chambers, dampers and vents. Ensuring this is done is the best way to make sure you’ll be ready to use the machine right away.

Professional chimney cleaners can help here, and the National Fire Protection Agency recommends that this is done annually and before you light the first fire of the season. It’s also recommended every 60 to 80 fires for people in a cold climate.

Wood Burning Tips

A wood-burning fireplace can be a very attractive feature, but it can carry risks if it’s not properly maintained. Before the first fire of the fall or winter season check for the following:

  • Creosote buildup: This is a toxic and highly flammable result of burning wood, and it should be cleared right out if discovered. Ignited creosote can become a fire that’s out of control in a hurry, and exposure to creosote smoke is dangerous to the lungs and other organs.
  • Cracks or loose bricks
  • Missing or damaged chimney cap: This piece prevents stray embers from igniting the home’s roof, and also deters birds from building nests while keeping other animals and debris out.
  • Trees: If there are tree branches blocking the chimney and sending smoke back into your home, you will need to trim these back.

Gas Burning Tips

A gas fireplace is generally easier to maintain than wood, but still does require annual maintenance. Ventilation is particularly important – carbon monoxide can enter the home if there are problems here. If you notice any of these signs, this could be an issue:

  • Dampness in the home, especially on the walls
  • Stains on the outside of the chimney, especially white stains
  • Erosion around mortar joints or crumbling bricks

Fireplace for Heating

Some homeowners rely on fireplaces for winter heating and comfort. If this is a priority, here are some tips:

  • Make sure the flue damper is in good shape to seal heat in the home.
  • Install a tempered glass door at the front of the firebox instead of a movable screen. This will seal the fireplace off more effectively.
  • For wood fireplaces, clean the inside of the firebox regularly to remove buildup and prime the area for future fires. This will allow for optimal space.

For more on prepping your fireplace for fall and winter, or for more on any of our custom fireplace options, speak to the pros at Comfort Solutions today.

When you’re considering a renovation or installation involving a custom modern fireplace, you’re preparing for a process just like any other home remodeling project. At Comfort Solutions, we have a wide selection of custom fireplaces for you to choose from, plus professional service and expertise as we walk you through this entire process.

While every renovation or installation is a bit different based on your needs, there will be a few common stages that every new fireplace owner will go through. Let’s go over each of these, plus some tips we can offer throughout.

Reasoning

Before you lift a finger or spend a dollar on a fireplace remodel, you should be asking yourself what the reason is for doing it. There are a number of good reasons why you might be looking for a fireplace upgrade, from improving your home’s heating capabilities to creating an ambiance or adding to the style of a room.

In some cases, general HVAC costs will leave you with a situation where installing a new fireplace will save you major heating costs in the winter. Down similar lines, a fireplace might help prevent chimney draft that raises your heating costs. Or on the flip side, you could want a fireplace upgrade to create a central area of the home for people to congregate in. There’s no bad answer here, but the rest of your project often takes cues from the basic purpose of the fireplace.

Design Inspiration

Once you’ve decided on a purpose for your project, it’s time to decide on a style and look. Consider online resources like Pinterest if you’re struggling to find inspiration here, or look at our large gallery to get an idea of the options we have available.

The Details

Getting a bit more specific, it’s time to find out a few details to complement your overall theme. Here are some areas to consider:

  • Are you getting a gas, wood or some other type of fireplace?

  • Are you replacing an existing fireplace or installing a new one? In either case, what are the measurements?

  • Which room will the fireplace be in?

  • What will be the primary function: Heat or ambiance?

  • What materials (floors, walls, ceilings, furniture) will surround your fireplace?

Purchase and Installation

Finally, it’s time to get with our pros and make your actual purchase. Our experts will spend time going over your needs and options, plus helping match you with the perfect installer for your new fireplace.

Enjoyment

The final stage of the process? Sit back, relax, and enjoy your wonderful new fireplace. Make sure you have all your warranty and care information organized first, but once that’s taken care of, you can sit back and admire this new addition to your home.

For more on the stages of a fireplace installation, or to learn about any of our modern fireplace services, speak to the pros at Comfort Solutions today.

If you’re looking for a modern fireplace option, a custom electric fireplace is often one of the first areas you’ll consider. Electric fireplaces come with a number of benefits, from cost and simplicity to ease of installation.

At Comfort Solutions, we have a wide range of electric fireplace options for you to consider. One of the benefits we take the most pride in when it comes to these options? Their energy efficiency, which is at the top of the list when it comes to various fireplace options. Let’s go over some basics as to what goes into making electric fireplaces so efficient.

Basic Numbers

When you use a wood or gas fireplace, you’re losing a huge percentage of the energy that’s created during the first – up to 60 percent in most cases. This means a huge amount of heat and other output being put into the atmosphere, plus the waste of natural resources to burn these fires in the first place.

Electric options, though, come with none of these concerns. They generate the same amount of renewable energy as they consume, meaning all the energy they generate is turned directly into heat using nothing but a basic outlet.

Zone Heating

The primary way this is done in an electric model is through what’s called zone heating. You spend most of your time in just a few areas of the home, meaning that heating isn’t always necessary for every area. Electric fireplaces help heat important rooms more efficiently and faster than other fireplaces, and often faster than even your home’s furnace. Zone heating is an eco-friendly option that comes on all our electric fireplace choices.

Scheduling

Another big benefit is the way electric fireplaces allow scheduling, something that isn’t possible with other fireplace types. Our electric options come with timers for up to six hours, plus a remote control and various heat settings you can use.

No Greenhouse Gasses

Wood and gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, which is both bad for the environment and dangerous to humans if not filtered properly. Remove both these concerns with an electric option, which produces no carbon monoxide whatsoever.

For more on why electric fireplace options are a great choice for efficiency, or to learn about any of our fireplace choices, speak to the pros at Comfort Solutions today.

For many people who have decided an electric fireplace is their best choice, a major factor in their final product decision is realism. Electric fireplaces come with a huge variety of authentic features, from realistic flames to many others, but without the work that a wood-burning fire brings.

At Comfort Solutions, we have a wide variety of modern electric fireplace options for you to choose from. Here are some of the factors you should be considering as you browse our wide selection if you prioritize the realistic feel of your fireplace.

Flame Intensity

If possible, look for a model that lets you control the intensity of the flame using a remote control. These generally offer the ability to control everything from ember bed lighting to backlighting, meaning you’re completely in charge of how your fire looks. Some models even include multi-colored flame presentations.

Flame Progress

In addition, look for an option hat allows flame and ember progress, an automated feature. You can hit a button that engages 3-D flames, with log sets that complement them.

Logs

Options that contain logs are the best for simulating a true fire. They bring realistic flames, a glowing ember feel, and even a “smoke” effect in many models. In plenty of cases, guests to your home may not even realize you have an electric fireplace, instead confusing it for a natural wood-burning option.

LED Lights

To help increase the real effect of the flames, LED lights are used. These can be set to flicker or refract in a way that you enjoy, and as we noted above, you can often alter the color of the flames if you wish. LED lights are also extremely durable and require very little maintenance, plus are energy efficient.

Effects

Many of our options even come with special effects, such as surround lighting to create a dramatic feel. Backlight surround colors might be part of this as well.

For more on the various factors you should prioritize if you want a realistic electric fireplace, or to learn about any of our other fireplace options, speak to the pros at Comfort Solutions today.