Lethbridge Fireplaces

With fireplaces, the name of the game is options. Fireplaces are available with energy sources including wood burning, or gas powered appliances. Other options include having a traditional fireplace, a freestanding stove, or an insert installed in an existing fireplace.

Fuel Options

Using natural gas as the source of fuel for your fireplace provides a clean and efficient method of heating your home or creating a desired ambience. While using gas as the fuel for your fireplace, your are able to adjust the temperature of the fireplace and the heat emitted by the fireplace with a simple touch of the controls. Other benefits of a gas fireplace include a continuously present fuel supply, the presence of an on/off switch, cleanliness, elimination of chimney cleaning, decreased chance of fumes entering the room, and the environmental benefits as compared to a conventional wood fireplace.

The traditional wood burning fireplace provides an unbeaten beauty to your home and a scent that is next to impossible to recreate with an alternative fuel option. Using wood as your source of fuel differs from using oil or gas because it is a renewable resource. As a tree grows, it absorbs the carbon dioxide in the air and stores it in the wood as carbon. As the wood is burned the carbon dioxide is again release into the atmosphere, however the same amount is released as would be if a tree fell in the forest and was left to rot. Using wood as a heating source is efficient in that we are using a renewable resource; however, we must ensure that the forests are maintained to ensure that the trees are present to absorb the carbon dioxide once again.

Appliances

A traditional fireplace is a cavity built into a wall taking up no extra space in the home. A free standing fireplace, also called a stove, is not built into the framework of the home and therefore uses floor space. An insert is installed into an existing fireplace to provide a more efficient wood or gas fireplace.

Purchasing Considerations

When choosing a fireplace to purchase for your home, there are several considerations that you should think about prior to your purchase. The first topic to deliberate is your choice of fuel and what you prefer to have present in your home. The second item to contemplate is how big the area is that you will be heating. Having the most efficient gas fireplace in a smaller living area will quickly heat up the room. Even when turning the fireplace down to the lowest setting the room can remain uncomfortably warm while decreasing the beauty of the fireplace and flame at the same time.

A third consideration is whether there is already an existing fireplace in your home. Will you be putting the fireplace in the existing spot, installing an insert, changing to a stove, or creating a functional fireplace from one that was previously blocked off? A final consideration is the look that you want for your home. A more contemporary look may be very stylish now but it has more potential to date itself and seem out of place quickly.

Charlton & Hill Limited and Charlton & Hill Welding Ltd. would be pleased to provide you with quotations and service and advice in any of our areas of specialization. Lethbridge Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Fireplaces and Water Heaters.