Cutting-edge fireplaces fan the flames of innovation

By Christa Buchanan
C & G Staff Writer

Fireplaces have come a long way in recent years. New technology has made its mark on the style, form and function of the fireplaces of yore, making the prospect of sitting in front of a roaring fire feasible for just about anyone.

“When it comes to fireplaces nowadays, the options are unlimited — anything and everything is possible. … You can even get a remote control with a timer to set the thermostat,” said Chris Cordle of Evergreen Home and Garden Center in Clinton Township, noting that most people are gravitating toward contemporary designs with linear burners.

The myriad styles of modern fireplaces are designed to fit into any home, lifestyle or décor — whether you’re looking to heat with wood, gas or electricity.

“You can do so many things as far as design is concerned — contemporary, modern, traditional,” said Rob Cackowski, manager of Michigan Fireplace and Barbecue in Troy. “Stone, masonry, tile, glass … various woods and metal finishes … aesthetically, there are designs to complement any decor.”

As for whether wood burning, gas or electric — fireplace, stove, or even a decorative wall-hanging fireplace — is the best option, a number of factors come into play: available space, whether installing a vent or gas line is feasible, individual style and energy efficiency, to name a few.

To that end, Cackowski and Cordle have broken down the pros and cons of each type of fireplace and stove.

‘Wood’ you like to build a fire?
When people think of fireplaces, the pleasant aroma of wood burning and the resonance of its crackling are the top reasons wood-burning fireplaces are by far the most popular choice.

“Wood still holds the upper hand — people want the effect and ambiance of a wood-burning fire,” said Cordle.

However, when it comes to energy efficiency, wood-burning fireplaces are last on the list.

“A wood-burning fireplace is only about 80 percent efficient because you lose heat through the chimney,” said Cackowski, adding that fireplace doors can help alleviate some heat loss, as well as complement any décor.

“As far as  design goes, fireplace doors can come in any size or color. You can get smoked or etched glass … set off with copper, stainless … bronze,” said Cackowski, adding that David Kimberly doors are the best for efficiency, and installing a blower and air intake system can help retain more heat.

If your home already has a wood-burning fireplace and you have access to free or cheap firewood, Cordle said, any heat loss is pretty much a wash.

Gas may be greener
The downside of gas is that there’s no smell of wood or crackling sound; however, there’s no messy cleanup or need to gather wood, and these fireplaces are extremely energy efficient and don’t necessarily need a vent or chimney.

“When you go with gas, there are three main categories: vented gas logs, vent-free gas logs and inserts,” Cackowski said. “Vented gas logs look the most realistic — you get really impressive flames … but you lose some heat up the flue.”

While vented models’ efficiency ventures to upwards of 93 percent, said Cordle, “vent-free fireplaces are up to 99.9 percent efficient.”

Inserts are ideal for turning a wood-burning fireplace into a gas fireplace, and can be vented — either through the roof or a wall — or vent-free.

“Inserts are like putting a mini-furnace into a fireplace,” said Cackowski. “With inserts, you get two benefits: They’re not only producing heat out, but also sealing drafts.”

As for operating costs, Cordle said it runs between 40 and 70 cents an hour to operate a gas fireplace, but it does offset furnace usage.

Going down the electric avenue
With electric fireplaces, 100 percent of heat is directed to the room; however, the heat tends to be minimal compared to the cost of running an electric fireplace.

“Electric does not produce a tremendous amount of heat — it’s not any sort of miracle heating device. It’s more for ambience and to take the chill off of a room,” said Cackowski.

That doesn’t mean there are no benefits to going with an electric fireplace, as they are ideal for those who want the look and feel of a fireplace, without worrying about running a gas line or installing a flue — just set it up, plug it in and enjoy. 

“Electric fireplaces are ideal for a small room — a bedroom or breakfast nook. If you want to heat a sunroom, it won’t do it for you,” said Cackowski, noting that since electric models stay cool to the touch, they are ideal for families with small children.

Electric fireplaces have come a long way as far as boasting more realistic flames and being more energy-efficient, said Cackowski.

“You can heat up to a 400-square-foot room for about 9-10 cents an hour, including heating capabilities, but in comparison gas is more effective than electric,” said Cordle.

Stoves are tops in efficiency
An energy-efficient alternative to a fireplace is a stove. Whether you opt for wood-burning, gas or electric, stoves produce more heat than their fireplace counterparts.

“Even after the stove is turned off, it radiates heat from the cast iron or steel, which maintain heat long after it’s shut off,” said Cackowski, adding that since stoves sit away from the wall, heat radiates from every direction.

Another benefit to stoves, said Cordle, is “stoves won’t take much as far as installation. They’re all in one — there’s no façade or finishing work.”

“The drawbacks are that aesthetically, there are less design options, and there are more restrictions — they can’t be placed in bedrooms or sleeping areas,” said Cackowski.

Evergreen Home and Garden Centers are located at 36000 Groesbeck in Clinton Township and at 16145 E. Eight Mile in Eastpointe — for more information, call (586) 791-2277 or (586) 778-7400, respectively, or visit www.evergreenhomeandgarden.com.

Michigan Fireplace and Barbecue, www.michiganfireplaceandbbq.com, is located at 2908 E. Long Lake in Troy and can be reached at (248) 689-2296.

You can reach Staff Writer Christa Buchanan at cbuchanan@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1061.