Adding Warmth To The Season

AddingWarmth TO THE SEASON

One’s fireplace can easily serve as the focal point of a room where family and friends gather around to enjoy one another’s company. While fireplaces can evoke a sense of wonder, warmth, comfort and security, there are a variety of options available to meet individual preferences whether it be aesthetics, function or both.

When it comes to aesthetics, it is important to consider styles such as traditional and modern. Joe Sawyer, with JCS Fireplace and Stone in Mishawaka, outlined the differences between the two, stating, “Traditional style features a rectangular or square opening with faceplates, oak logs, plain front and brick paneling, while modern is characteristically linear, meaning it is known for its width rather than its height.” Sawyer added modern-style fireplaces often utilize crushed glass as a form of decorative media.

Moreover, there are options in terms of efficiency levels when deciding between gas and wood-burning models. For example, a ceramic glass front on a gas fireplace is more efficient than tempered glass that does not radiate as much heat. “In terms of a wood fireplace, a more efficient model will require less wood to create more heat.”

If opting for an electric model, Sawyer encouraged homeowners to take advantage of visiting the showroom to examine the flame patterns because they do not look exactly the same as what is pictured online. On a final note, Sawyer encouraged homeowners to be flexible with design elements: “Pictures look great, but codes and clearances need to be taken into consider- shutterstock.com ation.”

Bob Du Bois Jr., owner of Michiana Fireplace and Home Center in Elkhart, also highlighted gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Of importance, he indicated, “Homeowners need to be aware that wood-burning fireplaces should have an annual chimney sweep, which is not required of gas fireplaces.”

Du Bois further mentioned a home’s wood-burning fireplace can be converted over to gas, which is the most popular option because the “nonglare glass makes it barely noticeable.” Michiana Fireplace and Home Center offers a wide selection of Heat & Glo gas models, and many homeowners are drawn to the available Alexa and smartphone apps, which allow them to choose one of five flame heights. Available underlighting can also make it look as if a unit is burning even when the gas is turned off.

Electric fireplaces are “the least expensive option and are great for homeowners seeking ambiance.” Easy installation offers an added benefit.

While one certainly needs the space for a fireplace, Menno Petersheim with Dutchman Log Furniture in Shipshewana, shared, “Electric units (can be) designed to fit in a corner in the event of limited space.” Dutchman Log Furniture offers such corner units with mantle and drawers.

When space is not a concern, though, homeowners can take advantage of electric fireplace units that “give off 1,000 square feet of heat and can be customized to meet individual needs in terms of the number of doors and drawers desired.” For those interested in aesthetics in conjunction with function, units can be selected with the option to feature a television above the electric fireplace. n

shutterstock.com

RESOURCES:

Dutchman Log Furniture, Shipshewana, 260-768-4140, www.dutchmanlogfurniture.com JCS Fireplace and Stone, Mishawaka, 574-855-1046, jcsfireplace.com Michiana Fireplace and Home Center, Elkhart, 574-522-5200, www.michianafireplace.com

www.bontragerconcrete.com