With a vast assortment of gas fireplaces available on the market today, selecting the right one has evolved into a complex buying decision. Consumers are finding they need help in making the best choice for their home. To facilitate this process, we've come up with 10 consumer-friendly tips for selecting the ideal fireplace:
- Decide on the fireplace's main purpose: Is it heat efficiency, aesthetics, or a combination of both? By communicating this information to the sales person, your options will narrow and your selection process will become much easier.
- Avoid choosing a fireplace with the intention of heating more than one room. Trying to save on heating costs in this way will result in an overheated main room, forcing you to keep the gas fireplace off much of the time.
- If you are looking for heating efficiency, consider a thermostatically-controlled self-modulated fireplace. This way, the fireplace will automatically turn up and down while regulating the room to the temperature you desire.
- Research the trim options to determine which would best suit your décor. Once you have decided on a specific fireplace insert, ask the sales person to review the trim designs that are available. Often the brochure will feature options not seen in the showroom.
- View the fireplace while the flames are inactive - not just when they are turned on. Since the fireplace won't be running 24 hours a day all year long, it's important that you are sure you like how the unit looks when it's not fired up.
- Avoid choosing a heating insert that relies on a fan to push the hot air out into the room. The best fireplaces are efficient without a fan. Using one does help with circulation but will only marginally improve the heat output, and there will always be some noise. If you do have a fan, make sure you have a separate control for it so you can turn it up and down or off as needed.
- When choosing a decorative log set, choose one that easily fits into the fireplace area and leaves some breathing room. Having ample space around the log set looks better and ensures that the valve will not overheat.
- Determine how you want to operate your gas fireplace. There are a number of options available, including wall switches, remote controls, and thermostats. You can also operate many fireplaces manually.
- If a gas fireplace is not an option, consider an electric fireplace. Electric ones are now available in a variety of sizes and styles with lots of different trim options. They require no venting, so you can install them anywhere in the home.
- Find a fireplace retailer who will also take care of the installation. How the fireplace is installed can impact its overall efficiency operation and durability.
Vancouver Gas Fireplaces is Vancouver's most innovative and service oriented retailer and wholesaler of quality gas, wood and electric fireplaces. We have found that customers prefer to visit our web site prior to coming down to the show room. When you are ready to choose your new fireplace, come talk to us. | 
