See Through Fireplace Ottawa

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see through fireplace ottawa

Indoor Outdoor See Thru Fireplace

See Through Fireplace Ottawa

Why You Should Consider a See-Thru Fireplace?

See-thru fireplaces are a great addition to make to your home. The convenience of having 2 separate fireplaces for 2 different rooms will be less costly to installing to separate fireplaces in each desired room. Since the see through fireplace only takes one set of venting and one time installation it will be a much cost effective route to consider.

The more popular installation locations are between dining and living rooms, arguably the most occupied rooms of the home.
Other locations include between master bedroom and master bath, kitchen and living room, and between the living room and main entry way.

Why should I buy?

We already mentioned they’re less expensive than installing two fireplaces, but they’re also going to be less expensive in the long run.

With the heating technology of fireplaces these days, you can expect to efficiently heat two rooms with the one fireplace – which will be less money spent on fuel.

How should I design?

Some homeowners might worry about incorporating a design. While other homeowners not even sure how to begin their fireplace project. We have trained designers who are technically familiar with each fireplaces we carry – making it easy for us to suggest a see through fireplace based installation guidelines and building codes. We offer a fireplace consultation for this matter so home owners feel confident when choosing a fireplace for their project. Be sure to request an in-home consultation and design appointment today to get started.

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Fireplace Refacing Ottawa

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Fireplace Refacing Ottawa

Get Ready For The Holidays

    Fireplace Refacing

    Are you considering a fireplace refacing design idea for the holidays?

    The last 30 days of the year seem to sneak up on most everyone, especially if they’re trying to squeeze in a home remodeling project before the holidays – and maybe guests – arrive.

    Transform a fireplace. Our experts have shown plenty of homeowners how to convert electric, gas and wood-burning fireplaces – and provide much-needed face-lifts to dated brick or stone facades.
    Install a floating mantel. It is, after all, the holidays. And after Santa has come and gone, you’ll appreciate the decorative space this nifty addition adds to your home.
    Brick Fireplace Makeover. Touch up paints or mortar repair maybe what your brick fireplace is missing. It is always beneficial to add a gas fireplace insert due to the cost savings on hydro and convenience of a gas fireplace. However if adding a gas fireplace insert is out of your budget, you can always repair the damage bricks or mortar and some touch up paints may do the magic. If you have considered the fireplace refacing cost,  a brick fireplace refacing will transform your hearth and beautify your home. With new 3D real-stone, ledge-stone or rectangular tiles, marbles or granite and cement nowadays are the new trends for fireplace refacing designs.
    Add a TV above your fireplace. Whether it is a good idea or not, but it certainly saves a lot of space in your home. There may not be a TV that is fire rated for this use, but if you are doing a complete fireplace refacing it may be doable. By having the TV recessed and adding a mantel shelf above the fireplace, you may eliminate a lot of the heat that may damage the TV on top.
    With a turn around time of around 12 days, our hearth experts could offer a fireplace refacing for the 12 days of the holiday season. But these should get your wish list off to a good start. Contact us for a fireplace consultation and we’ll make sure that your wishes are filled before the holidays sneak up on you.Browse some of the fireplace refacing design ideas below.

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    How To Choose Gas Fireplace

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    Choose Gas Fireplace

    How To Choose Gas Fireplace For Your Home?

    How To Choose Gas Fireplace

    Choose Gas Fireplace

    How to choose the right gas fireplace for your home?

    Many home owners wonder how to shop for a gas fireplace, as we have encountered many customers who have visited our fireplace store and were not sure how to start looking for the right gas fireplace. How to choose gas fireplace, first you need to begin with understanding some basic knowledge about the type of gas fireplaces, performances, efficiency, design ideas, the place where the fireplace will be installed before you even consider doing a remodeling in your home.

    Questions and Answers About Gas Fireplaces

    The best way to start shopping for a gas fireplace is to gather as much information as possible such as:

    What is the main source of your home heating?

    Approximate square footage of the room where the gas fireplace will be installed

    About the place where it will be installed (size of wall in height and width, any bulkhead on the way)

    The size of opening (height, width, depth, and the rear width, in case shopping for inserts)

    Where the gas meter is placed in your house

    How far approximately your furnace room will be from the installation site

    If there are any windows close to where the fireplace will be installed

    Of course some photos of your fireplace design ideas or your existing fireplace is ideal to have on you when you visit a fireplace store.

    Are gas fireplaces safe to use?

    All gas fireplaces from brands that are sold in Canada are certified to safety standards and regulations set out by the American National Standards Institute and the Canadian Standards Association. Every fireplace is put through a sequence of safety checks and quality assurance tests to ensure your the fireplace is safe and reliable.

    The safety standing pilot feature on gas fireplaces ensures no gas flows to the unit when it is not being used. This is a newer technology called electronic ignition pilot vs standing pilot where the pilot light is on all the times even when the fireplace is not burning.

    Many gas fireplaces, inserts and stoves are equipped with safety features such as a 100% fail-safe shut-off valve. If the pilot flame goes out, the gas flow will automatically turn off. In addition, all models must meet strict safety certification requirements.

    Gas fireplace insert vs direct vent gas fireplace

    The two main options are gas fireplace inserts and direct vent gas fireplaces.

    What is a gas insert fireplace?

    A gas insert fireplace fits into an existing brick or stone fireplace, or even a factory-built fireplace, which you want to convert it to gas, which is the most cost effective solution. A gas insert uses the existing chimney for venting pipes and of course you are mostly limited to the firebox opening size. Therefore it is always recommended to have your measurements on you when you are visiting our fireplace showroom.

    What is a direct vent fireplace?

    A direct vent gas fireplace is for those houses that never had a built-in structure and is widely used for remodelling projects. As the name explains, direct vent gas fireplace is vented directly to the outdoor wall versus gas inserts using a chimney flue to vent outside. The beauty of DV fireplace is you can install it on any wall with proximity to an outdoor wall for venting, plus you are most often not limited to size.

    From traditional fireplaces to contemporary fireplace designs are very much pleasing to the eye, rather like fine appliances for home heating.

    Depending on what heating performance your home requires the options on each fireplace and the fireplace brand, your decision has to do with aesthetics and the gas fireplace cost. Direct Vent Fireplace

    Can I Install a TV Above Gas Fireplace?

    Gas fireplace clearance requirements to combustibles around and above fireplaces is not the same as clearances to TV’s and other electronic appliances. Televisions and electronics in general are manufactured and assembled using many variations of materials and are subject to damage from far lower temperatures. You should determine the required clearances from the manufacturer or distributor of the TV or electronic device.

    What you need to know about venting a gas fireplace

    Gas inserts use the existing wood-burning chimney to vent the pipes, using flexible chimney pipes for air intakes and combustion. The two flexible pipes are placed within each other and are sealed between the gas insert and chimney flue. Depending on the gas insert it may take different size of flexible pipes.

    The beauty of Direct Vent technology is that you do not necessarily need to go up through your roof to terminate the venting. All you need is proximity to an outside wall depending on the fireplace model you choose while keeping the installation costs down. From the outside of your house, all you would see is an sleek and attractive patented AstroCap horizontal termination cap which you can paint to match & blend in with the outside of your home using the right type of coating material.

    What is a B-Vent or Natural draft gas fireplace?

    A B-Vent fireplace draws air necessary for combustion air from inside air of your home. The combustion by-products or flue gases are hot and naturally rise up through the vent which provides a route for these hot gases to escape from the house.

    What is a Vent Free gas fireplace?Vent_Free_Fireplaces

    A ventless or vent-free gas fireplace uses room air from the home for combustion and it also releases the combusted exhaust (carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) back into the home. Most vent free gas fireplaces are prohibited in Canada. Ventless fireplaces will likely cause poor indoor air quality and moisture issues in your home. Other examples of vent free fireplaces are ethanol fireplaces which were widely used, however they also cause poor indoor air quality.

    TIPS 

    Last but not the least, how to choose gas fireplace also depends on the fireplace contractor you are dealing with as well. When you are shopping around for a gas fireplace, the majority of information which you gather on how to choose a fireplace is through the brochure and mostly from the dealer. Beware of dealers who don’t have a fireplace showroom – their advice is not worth much and may be worse than nothing. Hint: the staff of big box stores don’t usually know much about their heating products, so be skeptical of any advice  you receive from them. The best is to visit our showroom and see the fireplaces while getting time worthy advice from real professionals at Impressive Climate Control.

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    How To Choose Wood Burning Stove

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    How To Choose Wood Burning Stove


    F5100 Catalytic Wood Stove


    How To Choose Wood Burning Stove

    Aesthetics & Materials of Wood Burning Stoves

    The two main options are cast iron wood stoves or welded steel stoves. When choosing a wood stove from welded steel material, the best wood burning stoves offer quality welded steel gauges making them more durable. Graceful curves and artistic patterns make cast iron stove or fireplace pleasing to the eye, rather like fine furniture for home heating with a premium price. Welded steel stoves are plainer, but cost less. There is no heating performance difference between them so the decision has to do with aesthetics and price.

    Latest Wood Burning Technology

    Today’s wood stove models feature improved safety and efficiency with almost no smoke, minimal ash, and require less firewood. While older uncertified stoves release 15 to 30 grams of smoke per hour; new EPA-certified stoves cannot emit more than 4.5 grams of smoke per hour. Be sure to look for the EPA certification label on the back of the stove.

    The two general wood burning technology to meeting the EPA smoke emission limits are non-catalytic and catalytic combustion. There are performance differences between the two types however both effective. Although most of the stoves on the market are non-catalytic, some of the more popular high-end stoves use catalytic combustion. Due to catalytic technology being slightly more complicated to operate, catalytic stoves are suited to people who like technology and are prepared to maintain the stove properly so it continues to operate at peak performance.

    Here are some real facts on how to choose wood burning stove,

    between the Hybrid Catalytic Wood Stove vs Non Catalytic.

    How Does a Catalytic Wood Stove Work? 

    Catalytic stoves rely on a catalyst to help burn smoke before it leaves the woodburing stove or fireplace. The catalyst in a wood-burning appliance is a coated ceramic honeycomb-shaped device through which the exhaust gas is routed. The catalytic coating lowers the ignition temperature of the combustion gases as they pass through it.

    This allows catalytic appliances to burn cleanly at low heat output settings. Because the catalyst restricts gas flow through the appliance, catalytic stoves always include a bypass damper into the flue. The damper is opened when fuel is loaded and is closed when you get a hot fire. This forces the gases through the catalyst for an extended, cleaner burn.

    Catalytic Wood Stove

    Catalytic Wood Stove

    How Does a Non-Catalytic Wood Stove Work?

    Non-catalytic stoves do not use a catalyst, but have three major components that create a good environment for complete combustion. These are firebox insulation, a large baffle to produce a longer, hotter gas flow path, and pre-heated combustion air let through the air tubes in the firebox. The baffle, the bricks and some other internal parts may require replacement from time to time as they deteriorate with the high heat of efficient combustion.

    The Catalytic Wood Stove Efficiency Ratings versus Non-Catalytic

    Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves Efficiency Ratings around 87%

    versus

    Non-catalytic Wood Stoves Efficiency Ratings around 60% – 70%

    catalytic wood stoves are ideal for those who wish to replace a major portion of their heating needs with their wood stove. Note: A catalyst needs to be cleaned and maintained and generally needs to be replaced every 5 years or so.

    Higher efficiency lowers hydro and/or gas costs to heat your home.

    Longer, more even heat output with thermostatic air control

    Reduced particulates for a cleaner, more eco-friendly burn

    The Catalytic Wood Stove Emissions versus Non-Catalytic

    Catalytic Wood Stoves generally produce 1.2 g/hr. emissions with less smoke, less chimney maintenance costs and better for the environment.

    versus

    Non-Catalytic Wood Burning Stoves produce approximately 5-7 g/hr. emissions with more smoke pollutions. Easer to use and maintain non-catalytic combustor with a hassle free operation. The traditional wood stoves are generally less expensive and have a lively flame picture. The traditional non-catalytic wood burning stoves are recommended for those with less heating demands.

    Catalytic Wood Stove Burn Time Comparison

    How long will a given catalytic stove burn on a single load of wood? The only reasonable answer is: It depends. Some Manufacturer’s of wood burning stoves claim 3o hour or more of burn time depending on the size of the wood stove. Burn time generally depends on wood species and moisture content, and on how much heat is needed during the burn. Out of experience you need to choose the right type of fire wood to burn inside the catalytic wood stoves. For example, you can not through in a treated wood type such as skids in the their as you will damage the catalyst. Between medium or large stove may give a reliable overnight burn with enough coals remaining to kindle a fire in the morning. However stoves in the small category may or may not give an overnight burn, but they tend not to be practical for whole-house primary heating.

    The disadvantage of these long burn times is that the door glass tends to get dirty at very low firing rates. In other words, a stove that has a claimed burn time of ten hours may not be better or more convenient to use than one that delivers an eight hour burn.

    Both options (Catalytic Versus Non-Catalytic) have their benefits and limitations, as well as legions of loyal users who swear that their (cat or non-cat) is far better than those silly (cats or non-cats). And both burn up to 90 percent cleaner than older conventional stoves.

    TIPS 

    When you are shopping around for a wood burning stove or wood burning fireplace, the majority of information which you gather is through the brochure and mostly from the dealer which you visit at different fireplace stores. Beware of dealers who don’t heat their own houses with wood and don’t have wood stoves in their showrooms – their advice is not worth much and may be worse than nothing. Hint: the staff of big box stores don’t usually know much about wood heating products, so be skeptical of any advice  you receive from them. The best is to visit our showroom and see the wood burning stoves and fireplaces while getting time worthy advise from real professionals at Impressive Climate Control.


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    How To Store Firewood

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    HOW TO STORE FIREWOOD?

    Learn how to store firewood at home. Wood is an increasingly popular fuel due to its sustainability and the popularity of wood burners. In this article on how to store firewood in summer, we are sharing some key information on how to buy and use firewood during summer in preparation for winter wood burning.

    SIZE

    The best possible way to speed up the natural drying process is to make sure the tree is cut up into log lengths, typically 25cm, and then split length-ways producing logs about 5-15cm in diameter exposing the inner flesh of the wood”

    STORING

    Once split and ready to start the drying process, the logs need to be stacked in the right conditions. A wooden, slatted log store is the best, ensuring it has a roof and the logs are off the ground. The log store can be put against the house or allow airflow from underneath and through the front and sides.

    STACKING

    Logs should be stacked neatly on top of each other and can be up to 3 logs deep in store, so a depth of about 80cm is about right. If the store is placed in a very exposed site where driving rain could soak the logs, you should consider a weather shield cover the front.

    TYPE

    You also need to consider what species of wood you have stored. If it’s a dense hard-wood, such as oak or beech it is probably going to need about 2 years of drying in the store, but if it’s ash or perhaps silver birch, then it could dry in about 12-18 months.

    AMOUNT

    If you have access to your own wood from fallen trees in the garden, or from a friend, you will need to be storing enough logs for about 3-4 cubic meters per year. This would be the average usage of a modern wood-burning stove, used as secondary heating in your home.

    MEASUREMENT

    The following are examples of legal units of measurement for use when selling bulk firewood in Canada:

    • The stacked cubic metre (stacked m³), which is 1 cubic metre (about 35.3 cubic feet) of neatly stacked firewood, including wood, bark and airspace.
    • The cubic foot.
    • The cord, which is 128 cubic feet or about 3.6 stacked cubic metres of firewood, including wood, bark and airspace.

    Measurement Canada recommends that the use of the cord as a unit of measurement be eliminated, as it is largely misused by people selling firewood. For example, some sellers use illegal terms such as “face cord“, “stove cord”, “apartment cord”, “furnace cord” and “short cord” to refer to a quantity smaller than 128 cubic feet when selling bulk firewood. These and other similarly worded terms frequently lead to confusion about the actual quantity of firewood being sold.

    To avoid any confusion about the amount of firewood purchased or sold, Measurement Canada recommends the use of the stacked cubic metre when purchasing and selling bulk firewood.

    MOISTURE

    Finally, and most importantly how do you know when wood is ready to burn? A moisture meter is the easiest way to check and these are now readily available in the market. Take one of the logs, perhaps from further inside the store, measure the moisture on the split face, across the grain, then take an axe to split it down the middle, then measure the fresh cut face. Measure a few places and take a rough average of the readings and as long as it’s below 25%, then it’s ready to burn! Alternatively there are a few ways to check that wood is dry – when cracks become visible on the ends of the log and begin to open, and when you bang two logs together; they should make a nice hollow sound.

    For more information about how to purchase firewood contact one of one wood burning advisers today.

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    Gas Fireplace Repair

    Fireplace Repair Ottawa

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    Fireplace Repair Ottawa

    Gas Fireplace Repair

    NEED A GAS FIREPLACE REPAIR OTTAWA?

    Book a gas fireplace repair service on-line and receive 10% discount before Feb. 28, 2015

    10% discount will apply on the initial service fee and not on the cost of materials.

    0Weeks0Days0Hours0Minutes

    REQUEST A SERVICE

    NEED A FURNACE SERVICE?

    Receive 10% discount when you book online before Feb. 28, 2015

    10% discount will apply on the initial service fee and not on the cost of materials.

    0Weeks0Days0Hours0Minutes

    REQUEST A SERVICE

    GAS FIREPLACE & FURNACE REPAIR BUNDLE DEAL

    Receive 25% Discount When Booking Your Furnace and Fireplace Repair Together Before Mar. 14, 2015 on-line.

    25% discount will apply on the initial service fee and not on the cost of materials.

    0Weeks0Days0Hours0Minutes

    REQUEST A SERVICE

    BOOK SERVICE CALL ON-LINE

    4 + 0 = ?

    Impressive Climate Control offers sales, service and installation of gas fireplaces & wood burning products from industries top brand names such as Regency, Vermont Castings, Majestic, Marquis and Kingsman and much more.

    Need a fireplace service Ottawa? As Ottawa’s premier fireplace store we carry many replacement parts for fireplace repair and services in our service technician trucks so we don’t have to make second trips on most cases. As an added bonus for our valued customers, we also provide furnace repair and services so you don’t have to deal with two separate heating companies.

    Our A+ Rating from BBB ensures your service to be an excellent one if not superb. Rely on Impressive Climate Control as your local HVAC and Fireplace Store.

    Wood Gas or Electric Fireplace

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    Wood, Gas or Electric Fireplace

    Deciding between wood gas or electric fireplace can be somewhat frustrating. Specially for homeowners who are trying to retrofit an existing fireplace. They may require an extensive planning, consultation and design idea to begin their project.

    Today, we had an interesting customer come into the store deciding between wood gas or electric fireplace. He was dropping a door off to have the broken glass replaced and repaint the frame. His current wood burning insert, needed some work for a fresher look.

    Wood-Gas-or-Electric-Fireplace-Ottawa-Impressive-Climate-Control

    Wood Gas or Electric Fireplace

    He realized that we have many wood, gas and electric fireplaces and while browsing our store he picked up a bunch of brochures from each category. Though we have a lot of fireplace brochures, but it’s rare to see someone pick up brochures for gas, wood, and electric all at once.

     It turned out that he wanted to put an stove for his cottage, a gas fireplace in a smaller sitting room for his current residence, and with Christmas around the corner, he was eyeing an electric up for his son. ‘Do you have any contemporary gas fireplace with crystals?’ he asked.  Why yes, yes we do, and by the way? They are awesome.

    In the end, there was no need for him to decide between wood, gas or electric fireplace; however, thinking about this particular customer had us recalling how many people come in torn between three (or more) options.

    Regency Liberty LRI4E Medium Gas Insert

    Gas fireplaces, have become another popular addition to homes, and new home builds often incorporate at least one! Gas fireplaces have a lot of different models and looks to choose from, and can range from the traditional log fireplace with louvers or inserts, to very modern, clean-faced units that incorporate glass crystals or river rocks and much more. One of the most common questions that we hear is: ‘Will my fireplace still light if the power is out?‘  The answer, simply put, is yes! The gas-powered pilot light creates a low voltage that provides enough power to allow your switch to turn on your fireplace, and if you have a remote-powered unit, the receiver box houses a battery compartment that allows your remote to work even when your hydro doesn’t! In addition, if you are looking for a fireplace that doesn’t require the labour of preparing and loading wood, a gas fireplace may be a great choice for your home!

    Regency Alterra CI1250 Small Wood Insert

    Wood burning fireplaces have come a long way since the middle ages, and have become extremely more efficient over the years. Did you know that a wood burning fireplace gives off double the heat of a gas or propane unit? In addition, nothing quite compares to the crackling of wood in one of these units. If you have access to wood, and don’t mind preparing it (or having it prepared), a wood burning unit is a beautiful and warm addition to any home.

    WM‐BI‐48‐5823 Electric Wall Mount Fireplace

    Finally, an electric fireplace is a fantastic and financially feasible solution for any living area. Especially popular in apartment buildings, bedrooms, and basements, electric fireplaces add a great visual addition to any room. Though not the most efficient heaters when compared to gas or wood, they are good for taking that slight chill out of a room, or for having the look of a fire without the heat. With the technology for electric fireplaces being expanded on every day, more versatile units are being released, and come equipped with features that your regular gas or wood fireplace can’t offer. Amantii’s electric fireplaces, in particular, has three colour-changing flame options to choose from at any given time! There are some new gas fireplaces particularly designed for condos and small apartments where gas applications are feasible. Talk to one of our hearth advisers to learn more about these new gas fireplaces.

    In the end, it’s all about what you want, your personal preferences and what is best for you. Are you looking to use it more for heat or the visual appeal? What kind of look are you seeking? Where are you installing the unit?

    If you are unsure what to consider before deciding between wood, gas or electric fireplace, it would be to your advantage to visit our impressive showroom today.

    gas fireplace safety screen

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    Gas Fireplace Safety Screen

    A Safe & Hearth Warming Fireplace

    As of January 1, 2015, all gas fireplace manufacturers must include safety screens or protective barriers to reduce the potential for accidental contact with glass windows. A gas fireplace safety screen applies to all units manufactured after December 31, 2014, and must be installed with the unit, and reinstalled after any fireplace maintenance visits. Fireplaces manufactured prior to this date can be installed with a safety screen, and are available as long as quantities are available.

    Some models have been discontinued and replaced with similar, safety-barrier approved units; whereas others have incorporated the screen into existing units. With our newly renovated showroom, you can find many brand new 2015 gas fireplace models on display burning in action, with their safety screens already displayed. Come into our impressive showroom, or contact us to find out more information!

     Please note that fireplace parts and service will be continue to be available for discontinued models, along with certain non-mandatory accessories.

    A SPECIAL OFFER TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS

    For owners of impressive climate control fireplaces, without a screened front, we provide a unique opportunity to obtain a tested retro-fit safety screen at a special discounted pricing. This special offer is valid until February 15, 2015.

    For program details or to place an order for your fireplace safety screen, contact our store today.

    Fireplace Insert Sale Ottawa

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    Fireplace Insert Sale

    REGENCY GAS INSERTS PROMO
    Up to $200 Off Consumer Rebate Promotion

    What is the promotion?

    • Between August 1, 2014 and September 15, 2014 you will receive up to a $200 rebate for purchasing a qualifying Regency product listed below.
    • This offer will provide you with two possible rebate values corresponding to select products:

    $200 off

    $100 instant store rebate +
    $100 mail-in rebate from Regency

    E21, E33, HZI390PB, HZI540PB, L390PB, L540PB, U31, U32, & U32E

    $100 off

    $50 instant store rebate +
    $50 mail-in rebate from Regency

    HZI390EB, HZI540EB, L390EB, & L540EB

    Impressive Fireplace Centre is Ottawa’s One-Stop-Shop for all your fireplace needs. Providing over 3,000 sq.ft. of Showroom displaying full line of Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces, Stoves, Outdoor Fireplaces & BBQs. Visit Our Impressive Showroom on Colonnade Road today.

    We take great pride in our friendly service and professional installation to maintain our standards as an accredited business with Better Business Bureau. Nevertheless the fact that we are rated A+ for our professionalism, but with a proven record of over a decade in fireplace installation, you can be sure you are in good hands. See all other gas inserts and contact our office with any questions.

    Visit Our Showroom Today

    Wood Burning Ottawa How To Significantly Reduce Energy Bills

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    Wood Burning Ottawa

    How To Significantly Reduce Energy Bills

    The effectiveness of wood burning Ottawa homeowners expect is impacted by a host of factors. Quality of fireplace or stove and quality of fuel are both important to consider when working to reduce your energy expenditures during the arduous winter months.

    REDUCE COSTS LONG TERM BY INVESTING IN QUALITY

    Installing any new heating system incurs a significant initial cost. Traditional fossil fuel heating systems (natural gas, electric, propane or heating oil) can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500, while wood stoves or pellet stoves start around $1,000 and extend to $6,000 (some systems go beyond).

    IS A MORE EXPENSIVE STOVE ALWAYS BETTER QUALITY?

    Talking about a quality stove quality is really talking about two things:

    1. Heat transfer
    2. Combustion

      Wood-Burning-Ottawa-Impressive-Climate-Control

      Wood-Burning-Ottawa

    Certification bodies like the Canadian Standards Association(CSA) look at these factors and certify stoves based on stringent criteria. Generally, heat transfer and combustion on CSA or United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified stoves are uniformly high.

    Ultimately, the quality of wood stoves sold by reputable dealers is very high, and the choice consumers must make is for a unit that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for household size and needs.

    LOOK FOR QUALITY LOCAL FUEL

    Firewood with high British Thermal Unit (BTU) content is best for a wood burning stove. High BTU content means fuel will burn for a long period of time. The highest BTU-rated woods that are available in Ottawa are:

    –          Oak

    –          Maple

    –          Birch

    While the lowest btu rated are:

    –          White cedar

    –          Poplar

    –          White Pine

    –          Fir

    –          Spruce

    –          Balsam

    Even the lowest rated woods contain BTU and will burn well if they are dry. The only kind of wood that you will want to always avoid is wet wood- regardless of the type.

    Opting for a local fuel makes the most sense in many ways. A local fuel will be significantly less expensive. In addition, choosing local also means that you won’t be at risk of bringing an insect infestation back with your out-of-territory firewood- as in the case with the Emerald Ash Borer.

    GET THE MOST FROM YOUR FIREWOOD

    Freshly harvested wood (or green wood) contains a lot of moisture. Wood recently cut from a living tree, or that has been left out in the elements, can produce one quarter the BTUs as “seasoned” or sufficiently dry wood, or less.

    How to Season Firewood

    If you’re using wood that you’ve harvested, season it by splitting, stacking on a slightly elevated surface (such as a skid) with enough space for airflow throughout, and leaving it to dry for at least 1 full year.

    The beginning of summer is the most ideal time to split and stack your wood- with the hottest air and large amount of wind. It will dehydrate the fastest at this time. It should be left uncovered as long as possible; when rainy season arrives, cover only on the top leave the sides open.

    The true test for determining if your firewood has been dried sufficiently is to use a moisture meter- available at all fireplace supply stores. If you measure anything less than 15%, this is ideal.

    If you can’t get a moisture meter, listen carefully to your stove or fireplace while you’re burning. If you hear sizzling- that’s a sign that it’s too wet.

    CALCULATE YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS

    Natural Resources Canada released a substantial guide to residential wood heating in 2002, which includes a valuable formula homeowners can use to calculate potential wood heating savings.

    The numbers used in this guide are reflective of prices from a decade ago, so we have updated the equation below to more accurately reflect the costs of today.

    An example:

    The Laurin family lives in an old, detached, relatively open-plan house in Ottawa. They heat their house with electric baseboards at a cost of 15 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in average. What would it cost them to heat with a high-efficiency advanced combustion wood stove with an efficiency of 70 per cent?

    The cost of a full cord of hardwood is $300. From Table 3, their annual heating load is 120gj. Taken from Table 1, the energy content of electricity is 3.6 MJ/kWh and the energy content of hardwood is 30,600 MJ/cord. The seasonal efficiency of electricity is equal to 100 percent and the seasonal efficiency of wood sits at about 70 percent.

    The annual cost of electric heating would be (0.15 ÷ 3.6) x (120 ÷ 100) x 100 000 = $5000.

    The annual cost of wood heating would be (300 ÷ 30 600) x (120 ÷ 70) x 100 000 = $1666.67

    In this example, if the high-efficiency wood stove displaced all of the electricity previously used for heating, the Laurins would save $3333 every year.

    If you’re interested in using a form of wood heating in your home, come visit our showroom for expert advice on how to get started.