Posts Tagged ‘Fireplaces’

Gel Flame Fireplace – 3 Things You Should Know About Gel Flame Fireplaces

February 22nd, 2010

In your search for a gel flame fireplace for your household, figuring out if it is the correct decision for your home may be a difficult one without a little help. Over the last twenty or so years, thousands of people have purchased one for themselves, so it stands to reason that it is a good idea to take advice from someone that has one of these in their home. They have their good points and bad points, so lets dig a little deeper.

1. Do Gel Flame Fireplaces produce a lot of heat?

No, the simple answer is the contrary to what you might think. Gel fueled fireplaces do not put out a great deal of heat. Yes there is a flame, but heating is not their primary purpose. If you lived in Miami and you woke up to a chilly February morning, then they might be capable of taking the relative briskness out of the air. These appliances are best suited for mood setting and ambient lighting. They are great for a quiet evening with your significant other.

2. How expensive are the replacement fuel cans?

If you are not familiar with the way that gel flame fireplaces operate, cans of gelled alcohol are burned to create the very real and authentic looking flame. When the cans are burned out, the different manufacturers suggest that you do not refill them with aftermarket gel fuel.

Most if not many of the popular models are intended to use three cans of fuel for the experience to be complete. You can expect to get at the very most three hours of use for each can. You can see that it will not take long to consume several cans over just a few days. You do not need to burn three cans at once. I have found that using one can at a time serves me very well.

One of my models is designed to burn three cans at a time, and if I have company, I always burn three. Yes, this can get expensive, but if you buy in bulk, the cost can hurt a little less.

3. They are expensive to purchase.

Many gel fueled fireplaces, especially the larger ones, can get quite pricey. I have seen some of them sell for several hundred dollars. But don\’t get discouraged. There are many models that can be found of good quality for only a few hundred dollars. The smallest models can even be found for less than one hundred dollars. As a bonus, these smaller models burn a smaller can of fuel. These small cans can be purchase for about half the cost of the larger ones.

Recommending one of these great little fireplaces to my friends and family is an enjoyable experience. The joy that my family gets from it use is simply unforgettable. During the holiday season it is the focal point for making new memories and remembering old ones.

Choosing the right Gel Flame Fireplace for your home can be an enjoyable experience. Visit Gel Flame Fireplace and see for yourself if Gel Flame Fireplaces are the right choice for you.

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Fireplaces – A Look At The Main Types Available

February 22nd, 2010

Gas fireplaces are very modern and have definite advantages. They provide the warmth, and much of the feel, of more traditional fireplaces, without nearly as many of the hassles. As they use gas, it is unnecessary to go through all the labors of splitting, storing and transporting wood. Also, since gas does not produce any soot or dirt wood, they do not require the hassles of chimney cleaning that comes with burning wood.

Gas fireplaces are also easy to install. As many can be installed with just than a slight hole in a wall for exterior venting, they are some of the easiest fireplaces to set up. They normally come with ceramic logs that resemble real wood logs burning. Many people are willing to sacrifice some of the realism of a traditional fireplace for the convenience that a gas fireplace offers.

For people who want the real thing, nothing matches the feeling of watching real logs burning in a fireplace, and charm and appeal that comes with it. Traditional fireplaces are normally made from brick, marble or stone, and the openings are covered with glass or metal.

These fireplaces tend to be expensive to install and may take up a considerable amount of space. However, their look and feel can really add a lot to the room and the experience of sitting around the fire. Traditional fireplaces also have the advantage of not using fossil fuels. For those with access to a lot of wood, they can be a great money saver. Still, they are actually not very energy efficient and steps should be taken to improve efficiency. For example, glass doors will keep warm air in and radiate heat from the fire out.

Cast iron fireplaces are able to be used as inserts in traditional fireplaces or stand alone fireplaces. As cast iron is very sturdy, it can take a lot of use and abuse before it requires any maintenance. Additionally, these fireplaces can be configured to use wood, gas or even electricity depending on the needs of the owner, and their flat surfaces also allow them to do double duty and stoves. They come in a range of sizes and are available in in both indoor models and outdoor models.

Visit \’Fireplace Log Rack\’ to learn about types of fireplaces, and other information on firewood and fireplaces.

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What is a Hearth Rug?

February 8th, 2010

Hearths, commonly called fireplaces, are an integral part of the modern home. However, any fireplace owner would understand that along with style and warmth, a fireplace also adds some safety hazards to our homes. In some cases, flying embers and sparks could lead to burns if they get in contact with inflammable objects. Flying embers can do some damage to the surrounding area of your hearth. Keeping in mind these factors, interior decorators have designed a special rug for firesides in contemporary homes.
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rHearth Rugs Prioritize Safety
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rA hearth rug is made from flame retardant materials that form a fire resistive perimeter around the fireside. The yesteryear version of a fireside rug was made of wool that used to insulate the floor from embers with partial damage to itself, therefore needing to be replaced with time. The present day version is made of incombustible fabrics which work on the self-extinguishing mechanism. Embers that fall on the rug combust by themselves without burning the fiber, leaving behind only clinkers and ash. This gives a hearth rug a long life. Maintenance required is limited to brushing to remove the collected ash overtime.
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rHearth rugs not only increase the safety of your home but also add texture and color to your fireplace. They are a stylish accessory in contemporary homes, and are available in a host of designs. One can choose from braided, woven or needle-felt style of rugs to match the look and architecture of the fireplace. Although they are available in standard sizes and shapes, many manufacturers offer custom designed and unique hearth rugs to perfectly pair with the fireplace.
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rShopping for a Hearth Rug?
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rWhile there are many manufacturers that offer contemporary and attractive hearth rug designs, while shopping for them always remember their primary purpose i.e. safety.
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rBefore purchasing a hearth rug, always keep these points in mind:
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r* Opt for a hearth rug with the highest degree of fire resistance.
r* Get advice from the retailer on the size and area covered to insure that the hearth rug effectively protects the flooring from ember spots.
r* Insist on a quick demonstration from the retailer to prove (if possible) the authenticity of the material used in the hearth rug as the safety of your home depends on it.
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rFireplace Tools and Your Home Décor
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rSafety and functionality are key components to choosing the right fireplace tools for your fireplace, but these tools are also decorative pieces that add style to your fireplace and your home. As a result, you don’t want to just choose the first set that you see. There are many different styles available, from traditional to contemporary, that can complement the current design of your home. Use your current home décor as a guide when you choose the look of your new fireplace accessories. If you’re looking for something with an antique feel, don’t buy the sleek stainless steel fireplace tool set. Wait until you find the set that works for you.

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