How to Guide: Buying a Gas Fireplace Online
Buying a gas fireplace can often turn out to be a long process with lots of questions that need to be answered and decisions to be made. Today, I'll try to create a brief breakdown of the things you should be considering when purchasing a gas fireplace online to help make the process as easy as possible.
Finding the right fireplace
There are now thousands of different gas fireplace models available with endless combinations of interior media, panels, trim kits, blowers, remote controls (the list goes on). How can you possibly narrow all of that down to a few to choose from? Let's start with a few of the major differences and you should be able to narrow the list down quite a bit.
Linear or Traditional?
Are you going for a modern look with a linear burner and glass media or a traditional look with a more square frame and a log set?
Single Sided or See Through?
Single sided is a much more common application while the see through models are used to connect two rooms or even interior and exterior spaces.
How big do you want the fireplace to be?
You probably have a general idea in mind for a size, but now's the time to get out some cardboard or tape and a tape measure and try making a quick template of the size fireplace you think you want and see how it looks on the wall. Typical traditional fireplaces range in sizes from 30, 35, 36, 40, 45, 46 inches while linear styles generally range from 38/40, 48/50, 60, 72/74 inches.
It's all in the details.
Now you've narrowed what you're interested in down a bit, lets say you know the style, approximate size and single sided or see through. Let's move on to some of the finer details of a gas fireplace.
How do you want to control the fireplace?
Control options vary from a simple wall switch all the way to a full function app you can use on your smart phone. Think of how you expect to use the fireplace once it's installed. Often a gas fireplace is installed as much for ambiance as it is for the heat it puts out. The less expensive gas fireplace models generally come pre-wired to connect to an on/off switch, a thermostat or a remote, while the flame height and blower (if installed) controls are inside the fireplace itself. The higher priced options generally include a full function remote with which you can control the flame height, blower speed and LED lights (if any).
What do you want the inside of your fireplace to look like?
There are lots of different options for customizing the interior of your fireplace. Starting with the panels or firebrick, some fireplaces require that these be installed while for others it's only an option. A popular option is the reflective black panels, these panels enhance the look of the flame giving the fireplace a more full flame look. A traditional style fireplace will often include the log set but have the option to install different media kits which include rock, driftwood, sand and more. A linear style fireplace is much more flexible and generally has many different options for additional media kits.
Trim kit or clean face design?
A clean face fireplace installation typically means the edge of the finish material is brought up to the opening of the viewing area or the body of the gas fireplace but is left exposed. This is a common installation technique, just keep in mind whatever the finish material is will need to have a nice clean edge. For example you probably wouldn't do this with drywall, but tile or stone should be fine. Adding a trim kit to your installation allows for a little more flexibility of the installation as the finished edge will be covered so you don't need to worry about creating a clean edge.
With a little help from your friends....
Like most things, it's hard to become an expert at something quickly. That's where we come in. When you call, chat or email with us, you will be talking to a licensed, experienced gas fireplace expert. This stuff is our job, we live it everyday of the week and have learned just about everything there is to know about gas fireplaces. Of course, we may not have the answer to every question right away as there are so many different fireplace models and options we can't possibly keep track of every one, but we are familiar with most models and the details are only a few clicks away.
We've set up what I like to call a "concierge service", this means once you get in touch with us, we'll provide a dedicated expert to help you throughout the process of researching, purchasing and installing a gas fireplace. You will receive your expert's direct phone line and email. You'll never have to explain your situation to a different customer service rep when you call in and you'll have access to a knowledgeable expert who can help you all the way from research, to getting the best discount we can offer, to receiving your order and technical questions about the installation.
So what are you waiting for? Dive in to our extensive selection of gas fireplaces and then get in touch with us to experience the ultimate in customer service!
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