In your
decision to purchase a heating source, one factor to consider
is whether you wish to purchase a freestanding stove, a fireplace
insert or a zero clearance fireplace.
Freestanding
stoves have the benefit of providing radiant
heat from all sides as well as natural and fan assisted
convection of warm air. Freestanding stoves are generally
the easiest appliance to install because they can be
placed almost anywhere in a home when connected to the
outside by appropriate piping or venting. Freestanding
stoves are available wood, gas or pellet burning options.
Stoves can either be mounted on legs that are available
in different styles, or mounted on a base pedestal.
The style choice is up to your choosing.
Fireplace inserts provide an attractive
way to upgrade an existing masonry or steel wood-burning
fireplace into an efficient, heat source. The term
“Insert” refers to a heating unit that
is inserted into an existing conventional wood-burning
fireplace. The unit is totally sealed and transforms
an open firebox into a highly efficient source of
heat. Inserts can burn wood or gas fuel. There are
also pellet-burning inserts available. Gas inserts
require a natural or LP gas connection into the fireplace.
Zero
clearance fireplaces can be framed in a wall
with minimal or "zero clearances" to combustibles
(ignitable substances). Most zero clearance fireplaces
are gas burning, which provide a good efficient source
of heat; not to mention the ambience of a realistic,
dancing fire. This type of fireplace affords you to
have it installed almost anywhere. They can be mounted
flush into a framed wall or placed against a wall and
finished with a selected choice of mantels.
