Buying Indoor Products
It doesn’t take a major remodeling job for your new fireplace, fireplace insert, or freestanding stove. There are products for every room in the house. Just as with countertops and appliances, there are varying levels of products within each category, from simple to luxurious.
Many homes built today provide a unique and soothing experience throughout the house. Building your own dream home or new addition to get away from the daily grind? Builders and architects need to know your wish list during the planning stages. If you’re remodeling or updating your fireplace, stove, or heater, here a few questions to get you started.
- Where will your product go?
With today's venting options, fireplaces, stoves, inserts and other appliances can be installed almost anywhere in the home. Consider a fireplace for nontraditional locations, such as the kitchen, home office, master bedroom, or bath.
- Do you have an existing fireplace or stove?
If you have a unit that is inefficient or seldom used, converting to a new product may be simple and surprisingly affordable. Gas logs or a fireplace insert may be just right for you.
- Are you building a new home or remodeling?
You can add atmosphere and focus to your home by incorporating many products early in the design stage. Talk to your architect or remodeler about stove and fireplace ideas.
- Do you want a fire for its aesthetic appearance or for its warmth?
Some products are simply decorative, while others are extremely efficient and beautiful to watch at the same time. How much heat output would you like? Or, is ambiance your top priority?
- What fuels are accessible to you?
Consider your fuel, whether it be firewood, natural gas, propane, wood pellets, coal, oil, or electricity.
- How much of your home do you want to heat?
Once you decide whether to use your hearth as room, living zone, or a heat source for the entire house, your local dealer can help you determine the right size appliance for your home. Your retailers can also help you decide the best heating fuel by factoring in your climate, floor plan and lifestyle.
- Are you concerned about having heat during power outages?
Many products can operate during power outages, when you need the heat most.
- Are there any other special considerations?
Having a fire can be as simple as pushing a button on a gas stove or fireplace, or as engaging as supplying your own wood, building and tending a fire.
- How much do you want to spend?
Price is always a consideration. Products range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Fuel prices also are a factor to consider and vary by region.
- What finished look do you want for your home?
From stone and marble mantels, to solid and antique finishes, there are a plethora of options to suit your style.
The Installation
Many specialty retailers offer installation by factory trained and/or nationally certified staff. After installation is complete, it’s wise to request a detailed review of the recommended service required for your purchase.
To verify if an installer is certified, contact the National Fireplace Institute® (NFI) at www.nficertified.org.
Specialty Retailers Know Best
No matter what suites your style, expert assistance when choosing your indoor appliance is invaluable, and a specialty retailer is your best partner. Many specialty retailers will visit a home prior to the final purchase to assess how the selected product will blend into the home environment, and what installation challenges might exist.
As you begin to explore, your specialty retailer will help guide you in choosing the perfect fit and answer any questions you may have.
Who to ask? Find a specialty retailer near you in our membership directory.