Vent-free gas fireplaces becoming more popular

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With fewer people using fireplaces as a primary heat source, they've become much more popular as a means of decoration.|ret||ret||tab|

"More people are using fireplaces for decoration and recreation, and more of them are using gas," said Archie Bishop, store manager for HMI Fireplace in Nixa.|ret||ret||tab|

Bishop said some people still want the traditional wood-burning fireplace, even if they only use it for holidays and other special family gatherings, but many people are choosing the highly efficient zero-clearance models with gas heating units.|ret||ret||tab|

Zero-clearance fireplaces have a sheet-metal outside box with an inside fire box. The air between the two boxes keeps the outer covering cool enough to build into walls with sheetrock or other standard building materials, Bishop said.|ret||ret||tab|

Vents can be routed outside with a pipe that looks like a plumbing vent on the exterior.|ret||ret||tab|

More builders are going to this type of unit because of its easy to install and reasonable price, said Jim Cunningham, owner of Cunningham and Associates Building Supply in Republic. Cunningham said the vent-free gas fireplaces can be purchased for about $1,000.|ret||ret||tab|

Cunningham said his business is 90 percent gas units, although he still sells some wood-burning fireplaces.|ret||ret||tab|

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Hearths, mantels|ret||ret||tab|

In new construction, most builders are using tile hearths with wood mantels, Cunningham said, although surrounds in brick, marble and granite also are popular.|ret||ret||tab|

Mantel designs vary extremely from the rough beam to fluted columns and ornate carved crown molding, Bishop said. In recent years a sleeker style also has become popular, he said. |ret||ret||tab|

But many people still choose the colonial, early American or classic French designs that have been around for a while.|ret||ret||tab|

"In custom homes the mantel is almost always a custom design to the owner's specifications," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Remodeling specialist Russell Caldwell, owner of Caldwell Construction Inc., said when he installs a fireplace it is always customized to the owner's taste and needs.|ret||ret||tab|

Though the rough wood beam still seems to be popular, he said he also does a lot of ornate wood mantels with built-up crown molding.|ret||ret||tab|

Caldwell said homeowners often install the zero clearance units when they add a family room to give the fireplace effect without the expense.|ret||ret||tab|

"It's efficient and a more economic way to go," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Homeowners often install gas units in master bedroom suites, Caldwell said. Bishop said some people even install them in the bathroom or use a double-sided unit that goes from the bathroom to the master suite.|ret||ret||tab|

Electric fireplaces|ret||ret||tab|

Vent-free electric fireplace units are beginning to gain a bigger part of the market in other areas, Cunningham said.|ret||ret||tab|

"It's starting to take off in areas like St. Louis, but it hasn't caught on here yet," he said. "It's about as real looking as you can get. You have to look twice to notice."|ret||ret||tab|

The electric unit can be installed for about $1,500, Cunningham said. |ret||ret||tab|

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Free-standing stoves|ret||ret||tab|

Besides fireplaces, Bishop's store carries wood stoves and pellet stoves, which many people use for a primary or secondary heating unit.|ret||ret||tab|

"Some are quite decorative designs in cast-iron and soapstone," he said. "Others are made of steel."|ret||ret||tab|

In free-standing heating units, Bishop said the pellet stove has gained popularity in recent years as technology has improved on these units. The pellets are made from wood chips and other waste material.|ret||ret||tab|

"They burn way below the (Environmental Protection Agency) standard for clean air," Bishop said.|ret||ret||tab|

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