Blog

Wed, May 15, 2024

Choosing Between Wood Burning and Gas Napoleon ...

When choosing Napoleon fireplaces for your home you will need to pick between gas and wood burning models. You should determine where you want the fireplace in your home as modern designs allow for placement in most locations. Chimneys can be run in the interior and do not require an exterior wall. While gas fireplaces require relatively little cleaning, it does cost more to operate than a wood burning fireplace.

Napoleon Fireplaces Come in Different Sizes, Styles and Designs

Napoleon fireplaces are available in different sizes, styles and designs to fit the décor of your home. You can find a nice corner gas fireplace unit which also offers an area on the top to place a flat panel television. Or you could look at wood burning fireplace designs to replace an existing fireplace or be added as a new install. You will find Napoleon brand products and accessories available on our website, here at Copperfield Chimney Supply.

Author: Rick Eudaley, Copperfield Chimney Supply Inc.

Wed, May 15, 2024

Many homeowners choosing gas fireplaces

For centuries, homeowners have gathered around a fire to keep warm, chat and cook their meals. Today, most American homes have central heating, but the allure of a fire hasn’t diminished — whether it’s a wood-burning fireplace, a free-standing gas stove or, in a pinch, even the image of a burning log on a midnight television screen!

While there’s something to be said for the sounds and smell of a wood-burning fireplace, a lot of homeowners are opting for the ease of a gas insert. Today’s gas fireplaces look realistic, need minimal maintenance and can heat an entire room.

There are three kinds of gas fireplaces.

Gas inserts: This is gas fireplace that can be fitted into an existing wood burning fireplace.
Built-ins: A fireplace that can be installed into the wall where there wasn’t one previously
Log sets: Gas burners that sit in existing fireplaces and are more for aesthetics than heat

Gas Fireplace Cost: $2,000 to $5,000 for the fireplace and installation. This is not a DIY project and should be handled by someone who can verify that the fireplace is vented properly.

Ventilation:

Although a gas fireplace doesn’t emit the smoke or leave ashes like a traditional wood-burning fireplace, they do emit carbon monoxide and other chemicals. Many gas fireplaces and inserts are vented versions that recycle air 
and exhaust directly through an exterior opening.

However, a vent-free gas fireplace can be installed anywhere because they don’t require access to an exterior wall opening. They are required to be cleaner burning and have an oxygen-depletion sensor that will shut off the fireplace if the level of oxygen is too low in the room. Vent-free gas fireplaces are not allowed in California, New York City and a few other places.

Pros of Going Gas:

A gas fireplace can be built nearly anywhere in your home and provides a clean, low-maintenance look of a fireplace. You can control the temperature of the fire with a built-in thermostat and can start the fire with a switch or button. Unlike wood-burning fires, gas fireplaces are efficient and return as much as “75 to 99 percent of a fuel’s energy back as heat,” according to “This Old House.” Some gas fireplaces have built-in fans which can heat an entire room quickly.

Cons of Going Gas:

For most people, the cost of installation and the gas or propane to run it is a big enough turn-off due to cost. Additionally, there are some environmental concerns with gas fireplaces, specifically vent-free versions due to carbon monoxide output.

Shop Gas Fireplaces Here

Author: Rick Eudaley, Copperfield Chimney Supply Inc.

Wed, May 15, 2024

Thinking about Replacing that old wood stove

Bishop, CA – Residents of Inyo, Mono and Alpine counties who are currently relying on old woodstoves or open fireplaces to heat their homes may qualify for a new program recently launched by the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District. Targeting old wood burning devices that burn inefficiently and emit high levels of unhealthy smoke throughout the region, the Air District’s new ”Woodstove Replacement Program” is aggressively targeting these old heating systems with funding for new, EPA-compliant replacements.

According to Ted Schade, the Air District’s Air Pollution Control Officer, “Because smoke from old woodstoves is emitted in our communities, where we live, work and play, it is a source of air pollution that that impacts the health of all District residents, but it especially impacts our children and the elderly. Great Basin’s Woodstove Replacement Program will improve air quality and allow homes to be heated more efficiently.”

As part of the Air District’s larger’ Clean Air Projects Program’ (CAPP), the new Woodstove Replacement Program was approved earlier this month with $1.1 million to provide cleaner heating systems throughout the District, which encompasses Inyo, Mono and Alpine counties. Qualified residents must live within this territory (including tribal lands) and be currently relying on a 1990 or older wood burning system or open fireplace as their main heating source (pellet, gas and kerosene systems do not qualify). Low-to-no cost replacement choices include new, EPA-certified, free standing wood or pellet stoves, wood and pellet inserts, and propane or kerosene heating systems.

Funding is limited to a ‘first come, first served’ basis. All interested, qualified Air District residents are encouraged to immediately contact a local woodstove and heating equipment retailer for more information. To find a list of participating retailers, go to CAPP’s weblink at http://capp.gbuapcd.org. Additionally, with invaluable assistance from the Bishop Post Office and Postmaster Alicia Wendt, several thousand postcards have also been mailed to Air District addresses advertising the Woodstove Replacement Program noting the list of participating retailers.

Everyone should be advised that funding will run out quickly for this popular program. However, all names and contact information of qualified residents will be saved for future notification when more funds become available.

Author: Copperfield Chimney Supply

Wed, May 15, 2024

Having a Direct Vent Fireplace Provides You wit...

At the end of the day there is nothing like the warmth created by a real flame, but messing with wood or pellets can distract from that relaxing atmosphere. In addition, if your home is newer, you may not have a chimney, or the skills to install extensive piping. A good choice here is a direct vent fireplace. 'Direct vent' fireplaces burn natural or propane gas and are vented through the outside wall, making them less costly to install and maintain than traditional fireplaces.

Where to Get a New Direct Vent Fireplace Delivered Directly to Your Home

Purchasing a new direct vent fireplace is as easy as paying a visit to Copperfield Chimney Supply's web site at www.woodstoves-fireplaces.com . They offer you a no hassle way to get a new direct vent fireplace in your home quickly. They deliver to all of the United States and provide you with technical assistance as well. You can call them toll free at 800-218-4947 and one of their representatives will assist you in finding the perfect fireplace for you and your home.

Author: Rick Eudaley, Copperfield Chimney Supply Inc.

Wed, May 15, 2024

Fire chief's tip of the month

As winter comes to a close we all need to be careful with our fireplaces and chimneys. With that in mind more than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.

Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stove pipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

Here are some tips to assist you in cleaning and maintenance.

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.

• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.

• Leave glass doors open while burning a fire. Leaving the doors open ensures that the fire receives enough air to ensure complete combustion and keeps creosote from building up in the chimney.

• Close glass doors when the fire is out to keep air from the chimney opening from getting into the room. Most glass fireplace doors have a metal mesh screen which should be closed when the glass doors are open. This mesh screen helps embers from getting out of the fireplace area.

• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door.

• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.

• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.

• Use fire resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.

• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.

• Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.

• Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.

• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.

• When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting gate.

• Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Always extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside and away your home.

• When stacking wood try to keep it at least 30 feet away from your home.

• Keep your roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.

• Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.

• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside of sleeping areas. Test them monthly and change batteries at least once a year.

• Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.

Last year alone the Brained Fire/Rescue Department responded to approximately 30 some calls that involved issues of this type.

And as I always say, be safe out there!! For any questions or concerns feel free to call or stop. Our number is 828-2312 andw e are here 24 hours/seven days a week to assist you.

Author: Rick Eudaley, Copperfield Chimney Supply Inc.

Wed, May 15, 2024

Shopping for Different Types of Napoleon Firepl...

Shopping for a new fireplace or replacing an existing one allows you the design freedom to determine what type of fireplace you want installed. Napoleon fireplaces are available in different types and include gas fireplace, energy efficient wood burning fireplaces, and electric fireplaces, all of which are available from Copperfield Chimney Supply . You can find all different designs to fit the décor in your home from traditional looking cast iron finishes to more modern styles in a variety of colors.

Things to Consider Before Installing Napoleon Fireplaces

Before installing Napoleon Fireplaces, there are a few things you will need to consider first. You will need to determine where you want the fireplace installed, either in a corner or along an exterior wall. You will need to decide if you want a traditional looking chimney or are satisfied with a space saving direct vent. Finally, you will need to think about whether you want a flush fireplace or one that sticks out into the room.

Author: Rick Eudaley, Copperfield Chimney Supply Inc.