Buying a Fireplace in the 21st Century
By Mike Eide
It’s kind of funny when you look back at predictions of the future in movies or our own thoughts and ideas from not that long ago. Did you know that we are not far off from the date in the future Marty and Doc went to in Back To The Future II (October 21, 2015) and as you might remember in that film we should have the latest edition of the flying car coming out in the fall and a verity of different hover boards available at our disposal.
While these items might have been half truth predictions, I as I am sure thousands of others wonder what people back then thought would come of fireplaces. Would they fly as well? Talk to you maybe or interact with your house?
Well while fireplaces are not there yet, they sure have come a long way in the last 30-40 years. A fireplace back then was simple; often it was wood and had very few features or options. Purchasing a fireplace today can seem like a bit of a process now. There are many options, styles and choices available to the consumer. I hope to touch on a few of these technological advancements and maybe help in your future fireplace purchase.
Appearance
One of the biggest advancements in gas fireplaces in the 21st century is the look themselvesThese fireplaces now have moved away from the traditional look of an older wood fireplace to a modern linear look. Whether it is the circular infinite burner look of the Solaris, or the sleek modern linear look of the MEZZO, the consumer has many more different style options then they once did. Of course with these style options come many customizable features with the fireplace. You can be expected to have to decide on interior LED light colors, interior refractory materials (ie. granite, porcelain), different interior media glass colors and different potential fronts.
Overwhelmed yet? Don’t be. These decisions give you the opportunity to customize your fireplace to any room décor. Another awesome thing about it is most of the options could be changed at a latter date for a reasonable price in case your style or room changes.
Technological advances
Of all the technological advances in the fireplace industry the biggest is without a doubt the introduction of Direct Vent or DV technology. DV technology was invented by Heat & Glo and with DV technology 100% of the fireplace combustion exhaust and fumes are removed from your home provide optimal heat, conserving energy and ensuring clean, safe indoor air quality.
Other tech advances include Firebrick technology, an energy-saving firebox technology used in gas fireplaces and inserts. FireBrick produces up to 25% more radiant heat than metal using less fuel reducing heating costs.
http://youtu.be/8Haalr2GwN4
IntelliFire Ignition Systems or IPI is an advanced intermittent pilot ignition system, which constantly monitors ignition, ensures safe functioning and conserves up to $10/month in energy costs. IntilliFire Plus (IPI Plus) takes this technology to the next level including more memory settings and a programmable wireless remote control.
Which of course brings me to a future advancement coming soon. Integrating your fireplace into your whole home with smartphone apps that will allow you to access your fireplace from anywhere in the world. (More info hopefully coming soon).
Saving you Money!
How could I not end with one of the biggest advancements in fireplaces in the 21st century? They are CHEAPER to OPERATE! Now I have already mentioned the savings of IPI ignition systems, but with zone heating you can help save up to 40% off your heating bills.
Today’s fireplaces, stoves and inserts can warm the living areas of your home while at the same time saving you money on your heating bill. These supplemental heating sources are not the boring space heaters of yesteryear. Today’s appliances add warmth, ambiance and charm to any room, plus, they can even add value to your home. A central furnace cycles on and off several times an hour and heats your entire house – even unoccupied rooms – wasting money. Using supplemental heating products to heat only the rooms your family occupies most allows you to turn down the thermostat for the central furnace, decreasing your fuel bill. Zone Heating puts the heat where you need it, when you need it, adding to your home’s comfort and ambiance but also reducing household fuel consumption, conserving energy, and saving you money.
Well I hope that some of this helps better educate you on purchasing a fireplace in the 21st century. Are there any advancements you were hoping to see or is there any current advancement that you are particularly excited about? Leave a comment below.