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If you choose a masonry fireplace your installation costs
will be higher due to labor and the higher cost of stone or
brick. Manufactured units are faster and easier to install.
Ensure a safe and reliable installation by using a certified
professional installer. In addition to assessing the construction
of your home, he will obtain the necessary building permits
and make sure that the installation meets all local and state
codes.
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The prices of these fireplaces can range from $600-$2,000
or more depending on size, style, manufacturer and where you
purchase. Then add installation and delivery costs.
A gas fireplace can be installed almost anywhere in the home
as long as natural gas or propane is available. Always use
the services of the most experienced and qualified technician
you can find. Licensed plumbers or HVAC technicians are the
only ones qualified to run gas lines. Check your local area
requirements. Installation can occur along an outside wall
or in the middle of a room. Zero clearance construction makes
this possible because very little space is needed between
the unit and combustible materials.
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No real installation costs unless you need to run wiring for
an outlet where you want to place this fireplace. The perfect
choice for a small office, apartment or where ever you cannot
have a flue.
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Wood burning fireplaces can be the most inefficient unless
steps are taken to increase efficiency. Two newer, high-efficiency
fireplaces, Clean Burning and EPA-certified (to burn less
than 7.5 grams of particulates per hour), are more technologically
advanced and offer a substantial amount of heat. See our Wood
Burning Fireplaces page for more details.
Click here
to see a chart of costs to burn various types of fuel based
on the amount of heat they generate. See our
for the Univ. of Neb. site showing BTU ratings of various
woods. These fireplaces are also good choices in areas with
frequent power outages, or where the cost of home heating
is an issue.
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Gas fireplaces are generally cheaper and more efficient than
wood burning fireplaces. There are many variables in determining
the actual costs, such as location of your home, how air tight
it is, the size of your room and the cost of gas in your area.
Liquid propane gas contains 2,500 BTU's per cubic foot, natural
gas contains 1000 BTU's per cubic foot.
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Costs will depend on your electric rate from your provider.
Most units use approx. 1400 Watts.
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Guard against creosote build up by burning harder, seasoned
woods and monitoring your flue. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue
Association (HPBA) recommends that fireplaces and chimneys
be inspected annually and cleaned as necessary by a chimney
sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
Wood burning fireplaces require constant cleaning of ashes
and hauling wood. Possible smoke stains on the exterior face
if drafting problems develop.
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Gas fireplaces are clean burning and require little maintenance.
The HPBA recommends an annual inspection by a qualified professional
who can inspect the burner, fan, venting, pilot light and
thermostat and even clean the glass. Alternately, check with
your owner's manual for instructions for cleaning glass doors.
Typical glass cleaners are not as effective as products specifically
made to clean the stains on the inside of fireplace doors.
The HPBA also recommends an annual inspection by a chimney
sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
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Virtually care free. Allows "fire" in the summer
by turning off the heating element.
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