Hearth Installations
Choosing & Installing the Right Fireplace, Insert or Stove for your Needs
Whether you’ve done all your research on types and know exactly what you want, or if you aren’t even aware of the different options available to you, White Glove offers free advice to help you make the right decision. With our extensive knowledge of new and old, wood, gas, and pellet-burning models, we can help you choose the best fireplace, insert or stove for your taste and heating needs.
In addition to our expert advice, we have 29 years of installation experience and stand behind our installation work. Proper installation is vital to the safety and efficiency of your heating appliance, so don’t risk it with shortcuts.
Insert Installation
When installing a fireplace insert, it is important to verify that the chimney system is designed or approved for use with your specific insert. Otherwise, problems of incompatibility arise as when inserts are installed in factory-built fireplaces.
Without the inspection of a professional, you may be putting yourself at high-risk for a fire or, at the very least, you may have an inefficient appliance. When we evaluate a chimney system in preparation for an insert, we use a digital camera to check for size and condition compatibility.
Fireplace Installation
When having your fireplace installed, there are several important questions to consider:
Is the area able to support the weight of the fireplace I am planning to design/install?
Is there enough distance from combustibles?
What type of fuel do I want my fireplace to burn?
Is my chimney system compatible with the type of fuel I want to burn?
When a White Glove professional comes to discuss your fireplace design, you can be sure that every safety and design element will be carefully investigated prior to installation. We believe in proper planning, so that we aren’t scrambling to fix problems down the line.
Stove Installation
There are several factors to consider when having your stove installed, such as placement and how much heat you require. Although stoves are portable and can be moved if need be, many stove fires are caused because of inadequate floor and wall distance/protection. When discussing your placement with a White Glove professional, you will have expert advice on placement safety as well as suggestions on stove boards and other protective measures. We will also advise you on which fuel is best for the size of the room you are trying to heat.
Fireplaces, Stoves and Inserts: What’s the Difference?
Fireplaces, stoves and inserts: if you just read those three words and thought they were synonymous, you’re not alone. Truth is, there is a big difference between fireplaces, stoves and inserts and you’re about to find out what those differences are.
What Makes A Fireplace A Fireplace?
A fireplace is a heating unit that consists of a firebox and hearth (bare bones). There are essentially two types of fireplaces: masonry and manufactured. A masonry fireplace is built on site, typically from brick and mortar or stone and mortar. A manufactured or prefabricated fireplace is a fireplace that is designed and constructed in a factory. This type of fireplace is already built when it arrives at your home.
Why Masonry?
Because a masonry fireplace is custom-built in your home, you have ultimate design freedom. However, when it comes to a masonry fireplace, the mason ultimately decides the safety, functionality and appearance of the finished product. Regardless of how flawless your design is, if the contractor doesn’t have the skills or knowledge of fireplaces required, you may end up with a big, expensive mess. There are many things to consider whether you are choosing gas, wood, or pellet fuel and it’s important that you work with a professional who knows what these factors are.
Why Factory?
A factory-built fireplace offers the convenience of knowing exactly what you are getting. When you install a manufactured fireplace, you are installing an engineered, safety-tested appliance that will look exactly like the picture. As far as looks go, most manufactured fireplaces are designed to look like stone or brick at a fraction of the cost. For many homeowners, this is a big selling point. Another benefit to manufactured fireplaces is that they are typically made of much lighter material than masonry fireplaces and therefore don’t require the same structural standards. They are also less invasive, which means they are much easier to replace than a masonry fireplace. However, these fireplaces don’t typically last as long and can only be used in conjunction with specific chimney types. If you are not prepared to install the proper chimney, you should not consider a factory-built fireplace.
OK, What’s An Insert And How Is It Different?
A fireplace insert is basically a firebox that is installed into an existing fireplace. Because they are contained, inserts tend to be more efficient than traditional fireplaces. When installing an insert, it is crucial that your existing chimney system be checked for compatibility and suitability with the insert you wish to install. If your insert is not the proper size for your chimney system, you can have serious issues with your system. Another thing to consider when choosing your insert is whether or not your chimney is approved for use with the type of fuel your insert requires. You must also have your chimney thoroughly inspected for any damage or deterioration prior to installation.
What Characterizes A Stove?
A stove is a freestanding heating appliance that can be moved around if needed. They are traditionally made of cast-iron and are desired for their traditional, classic feel. Like fireplaces and inserts, stoves can use a variety of fuels and can put out a good amount of heat. It is important to discuss the size of the room you are trying to heat, so that a professional can recommend the appropriate fuel-source. In addition, when choosing stove placement, you must consider distance from the walls as well as wall and floor protection (stove boards, hearth pads, etc.).
Why Would I Choose Wood?
There’s really nothing like the warmth and soothing crackle of a wood fire. For some people, it’s the only fuel to consider. But aside from the charm and beauty of a real wood fire, what are the benefits?
Wood is a renewable resource and is typically very cost-effective and efficient. It also proves to be an excellent heat source and is relatively cheap and easy to find. Whether you are buying it or bringing out the ax, wood seems to be in constant supply. For this reason, it is a very economical fuel choice.
Although wood does produce carbon dioxide when used as fuel, the amount produced is not anything another tree can’t absorb and turn into oxygen. So, you don’t have to feel like you’re contributing to global warming. However, there are some downsides to using wood for your heating appliance. One downside of wood is that it typically produces more smoke and ash than any other fuel type. That means more creosote buildup which can be a fire hazard if not maintained. Wood is also not as convenient as some of the other fuel choices when it comes to carrying your fuel source from storage to fireplace and getting the fire started. Still, there’s a nostalgic, romantic feeling that is unique to a wood-burning fireplace, insert or stove.
Why White Glove?
When having your wood stove, insert or fireplace installed or serviced, it is important that the service provider understand air movement and catalytic technology and have experience with all styles and installation types. If improperly installed, the productivity of a wood-burning appliance can suffer significantly. When you have your appliance serviced with White Glove, a thorough, Level 2 inspection will be performed to ensure that all areas are clean and working properly (For specific details on a Level 2 inspection, click here).
We at White Glove have extensive experience with and knowledge of wood-burning appliances. We can supply you with all of the knowledge you need to get the most out of your wood-burning appliance and even give you expert advice on firewood choice and usage. We can also provide the maintenance your appliance requires to keep your family warm far into the future. About 80% of wood-burning appliance fires are from improper installations, so make sure that you and your family are protected by having yours installed by a professional.
The Convenience Of Gas
One of the biggest benefits of having a gas appliance is that you can literally have a beautiful, blazing fire in an instant. Because the fuel supply is always connected to the unit and ready to go, there is no heavy lugging of logs or wood pellets required. Just flip the switch and relax!
In addition to the convenience of using gas as a fuel source, gas is also a greener choice. It burns much cleaner than wood or pellets and smoke problems are virtually non-existent. You also don’t have to worry about the mess of cleaning out ash or fuel-particles. Now, if your biggest reason for avoiding gas appliances up until now is that you love the look of a real fire, reconsider. Most gas appliances now boast beautiful, realistic fire with heat control that is superior to other fueled appliances. Gas appliances also typically work well despite the power situation, making them excellent heat sources during a blizzard or storm that knocks the power out. However, operating a gas-burning appliance can be costly as the price of natural gas (or anything for that matter) changes frequently.
Why White Glove?
When having your gas fireplace, insert, or stove installed, knowledge and experience is crucial. Any defects during installation could lead to a potential carbon monoxide problem or general inefficiency. Typically, gas stoves should be serviced every two years to ensure that the millivolt generator and burner are working properly and to evaluate the electronic valve and ignition systems. It is also important that the jets be cleaned when the stove is serviced.
If you do choose a gas-burning appliance, it is imperative that you have it serviced annually to check for potential problems and leaks. When gas is burnt incompletely, it produces carbon monoxide which is a potentially deadly, invisible, colorless and odorless gas. Most people who are exposed to this gas have no idea why they aren’t feeling well.
Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause permanent damage to your organs and has claimed many lives. Having your appliance inspected and serviced annually can protect your family from this dangerous gas. It is also a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home to give you peace of mind between White Glove visits.
If you desire a convenient, consistent, eco-friendly heat supply, a gas fireplace, insert or stove may be the right choice for you.
Why Pellet Stoves?
Pellet-burning fireplaces, inserts and stoves make use of compressed, recycled biomass to fuel the fire. Wood pellets are typically made out of some sort of sawdust or wood shavings and are popular because they burn cleaner than wood, produce less smoke and ash and are quite easy to store. They also provide consistent, reliable temperatures. Another reason pellets are a popular choice is that they are easier to carry from your storage area to your appliance, as they are smaller and lighter than logs.
Wood pellets are great for homeowners that want the crackle and look of a real wood fire without the sometimes-heavy supply of smoke and ash. Like its sister fuel, wood pellets are an inexpensive renewable resource and are easy to find. They can usually be purchased in pretty much any quantity, whether large or small. With a wood-pellet burning appliance, you basically get the benefits of wood in a more convenient, more eco-friendly package.
Even though pellets produce very little smoke and ash, most pellet-burning appliances rely on a fan to push naturally-occurring byproducts out of the appliance and home. These byproducts are naturally-occurring water vapors and gases, and should not be released into your home.
Because pellet appliances typically rely on an exhaust fan to function safely and efficiently, most of these appliances cannot be used during a power outage. For this reason, they may not be the right appliance for you if you live in an area that frequently loses power in big storms.
Why White Glove Chimney?
Pellet-burning stoves first came onto the market in 1982 and are quite complicated systems. These vintage stoves require yearly checkups to ensure that everything is operating properly. When a pellet-burning stove is neglected, repairs can be quite costly so it is financially beneficial to have your stove serviced annually. White Glove professionals have years of experience maintaining and installing all brands and types of pellet-burning stoves. With our knowledge and experience, you can trust us to conduct a thorough inspection on each visit. A typical visit includes a cleaning of all heat exchangers and passageways, motor disassembly and evaluation and more. If you are worried about parts availability for your older model pellet-burning stove, don’t fret; most parts are still available regardless of the age of the model.
Whether you are considering a pellet-burning stove, fireplace or insert, we can help you sort through the options and make the right decision for your heating needs.