Regency HZ54 Large Gas Fireplace

I was just talking about the contemporary options for replacing gas logs, but there are other options available for the person in new construction or a remodel situation.  The fireplaces I am talking about are Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces designed with a contemporary flare.  These fireplaces offer higher efficiencies while still venting the unit to the outside.  All direct vent fireplaces do have sealed glass on the front of the unit, as this is part of what allows the unit to be vented and still efficient (stated in very general terms). 

Town & Country Wide Screen 54

Many fireplace manufacturers have started to make fireplaces with a more contemporary feel.  We have found two manufacturers that we are very pleased with.  If you are looking to achieve a contemporary feel with your fireplace then I recommend checking out the Regency Contemporary Line of products or the Town & Country Line of products.  Both of these options offer great quality products by people who have been in the business of making fireplaces for decades.  The other nice thing about these fireplaces is that you can customize the fireplace, by choosing trim color, interior panel color, burner style etc…  (This can be great when you know what you want, and it can be overwhelming when you don’t know what you want, but either way it is great to look at all the options).  Both of the manufacturers I mention do offer some kind of “Design a Fireplace” option on their websites so you can look at your choices on line in a very user friendly way.

The Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces are a more expensive option than the gas log replacements I mentioned in an earlier post, but if you don’t have a fireplace then this is the way to go for looks and efficient gas heat (Natural gas or Propane). 

As a side note, if you want an ethanol burning fireplace then you should look at the Ecosmart Fires.  They are very cool and easy to adapt to just about any setting.  They are on the cutting edge! While their products tend to be pricey they are the only gas product that does qualify for the 30% (up to $1500) Tax Credit and this helps offset their cost tremendously.  The picture I have chosen for the Ecosmart fire is one of their outdoor products.  They have many, many indoor options; but I really like the tower and wanted to show it.

Ecosmart Tower - Outdoor Ethanol Collection

I tried to force myslef to blog around this time last year because everyone tells me it is a must.  I find that I am seriously lacking the self-discipline to make myself do it consistently, but it is a new year and I am determined to blog!  Maybe I have felt that I don’t have anything to blog about, or maybe I am so disheartend by this economy and the world we are trying to survive in that I have found it difficult to be excited about the business of selling stoves and fireplaces.  As I write this I am chuckling about my wording; three years ago I was working my tail off to “Thrive” our business was growing and it was an exciting time!  A mere three years later - three years that feel like 50yrs - I am struggling to keep our business alive (notice I didn’t say “Dream - keep the dream alive” because it is not the dream I had).  Probably not the PC thing to write on the blog that is a “must” have, but the truth at the moment.

Nevertheless, I am here as your determined blogger to remind everyone that Wood is Good!  That there has never been a better time to invest in a wood stove/insert or efficient fireplace.  I know what you’re thinking!  “Winter is almost over and I have made it this far without that expense, why would I buy one now?” You know what I have to say to that? Well, you’ve got a point.  (I am assuming that now you can see why I am such a good sales person).  If you are on a fixed income, or have lost your job, then you absolutely have a point.  But, if you have the means and desire for a fireplace/stove (weather wood or gas), then now is the time.  You will still have plenty of cold weather to enjoy the new appliance and you’ll be able to take advantage of the Tax Credit for efficient wood products installed.  OK, I did my selling bit. 

I think tomorrow I will talk about what growth I am finally seeing in the contemporary gas world.  I was personally predicting it to take off about two years ago, but I am slowly seeing its’ growth in the last year or so.  I think I will also be more upbeat tomorrow as I feel strangely excited about my new commitment to blogging.