subject: A Look At Free Standing Fireplaces [print this page] When you envision a free standing fireplace, you probably think about the old ones that burn wood and sometimes do not look very attractive! However, times have changed, and now there are a number of ways in which you can enjoy a fire at home without firewood or a even a chimney. Here, we will briefly highlight some of the features of the new free standing fireplaces and give you some tips for installation that will have your family enjoying the glow of your new fireplace in no time!
Basically, a freestanding fireplace is one that doesn't need a chimney. What is really nice about this is that you never have to worry about upkeep, like cleaning out the chimney or worrying about cracks since the firebox is completely self-sustaining. Many of the free standing designs require venting to the outside, so you must take that into consideration when you decide where to place the unit in your home.
As a rule, freestanding fireplaces are fueled by electricity, gas, gel or pellets. Many of these designs entail some type of venting, apart from gel fueled fireplaces which are entirely ventless and thus entirely portable. The gel that fuels these fireplaces is made with an alcohol base which eliminates the fumes and with them, the need for any outside venting set up.
You could also consider a direct vent fireplace, which takes air from the outside and passes it into a pipe that runs into the unit's interior. Simultaneously, it heats up the air inside your house by pushing it through a second pipe which encloses the first.
As with any heating device, it is always a good idea to make sure that you follow the manufacturer's directions when you are setting up and using your free standing fireplace. It is a heater. You need to be careful with the amount of heat that it puts out since you do not want to inadvertently burn something in your home. You will need to locate your fireplace no less than four inches away from nearby walls to avoid combustion of the drywall or heat damage.
For added safety, a number of freestanding fireplaces feature automated sensors for heat and air flow. If the sensor detects an air leak or overly high temperatures, it will immediately shut down the fireplace.
