What You Need to Know - Hot Tubs, Fireplaces, Stoves ... · families have been enjoying the...

Fireplace Buying Made Easy – What You Need to Know

Ace Hardware and Hearth | Fireplaces, Hot Tubs, Grills & More! www.AceHardwareAndHearth.com 2

When it comes to accessorizing your home, there’s simply nothing quite like a fireplace to set the

mood and create ambiance. Aside from having tremendous aesthetic appeal, the right fireplace or

free standing stove is also an energy efficient and smart alternative heating source. A sensible

complement to any space, a quality fireplace is instantly memorable.

If you’re in the market for a fireplace product, but not exactly sure how to go about choosing the

right one for your home, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you

organize your thoughts and outline your purchasing strategy. Armed with some information and

a few smart buying tips, you’ll be ready in no time to choose the perfect accompaniment to your

home in an exceptional and practical fireplace.

Deciding What Kind of Fireplace Product to Get –

Identify Your Goals If you’ve taken the time to do some research, you probably know that there are countless options

when it comes to fireplace products. Whether you’re looking to showcase a traditional wood-

burning fireplace, reduce heating costs or just create a memorable place to relax with loved ones,

the perfect fireplace is available.

So what type should you get? The answer to that question comes from understanding why you

are interested in having a fireplace in the first place. Is it to heat a specific room? Beautify and

create a special ambiance? Maybe your goal is both. Still not sure? Here are a few of the most

common reasons homeowners invest in fireplaces.



Heat – Whole Home or Supplemental Warmth - Home heat is a popular reason for

considering a fireplace. Whether you’re looking to heat your entire home or simply

supplement with more warmth in a particular room, the right fireplace can be an efficient,

energy saving solution. Gas models are ideal for supplemental heat.

Easy to use with minimal clean up, both inserts and free standing models fill the room with

warm air for a comfortable, cozy environment. On the other hand, if you’re looking to heat

an entire home, there are fantastic money-saving options available, like a free standing

pellet stove or wood burning stove, which offer more heating capacity.

Home Value – Increase the Worth of Your Home -

It’s hard not to love a gorgeous fireplace, and homes

with fireplaces are in high demand. Homeowners who

choose to complement a living room, bedroom, even

an outdoor patio with a fireplace enjoy instant

increased home value with that extra “something

special” buyers are drawn to.

With so many different styles and designs to choose

from, it’s easier than ever to outfit any space, creating

the perfect focal point in a stunning and elegant

fireplace that increases the worth of your home.

Improved Efficiency - Save Energy and Money - With the costs of home heating

skyrocketing year after year, the right fireplace product can significantly reduce energy

use, saving you money. Why waste valuable electric heat trying to reach that cozy

temperature during the winter months when a fireplace can supplement warmth for little

cost? Savvy homeowners are considering their options with “zone heating” or fireplace

products that turn traditional masonry fireplaces into efficient, heating solutions.

Ambiance – Look and Feel - Of course, a fireplace completes the perfect scene, adding

warmth, style and instant ambiance to any room. With gorgeous hearth options, stunning

detail and more, a fantastic fireplace product is always an inviting focal point. When friends

and family gather, it’s always a treat to sit by the fire.

Thinking about your long-term goals and identifying what you want to accomplish with a

fireplace will help you save time by eliminating those products that don't meet your needs.



Available Choices – Hearth and Fuel Type

Choosing the right fireplace product can be a little confusing, and it helps to break down the

options by hearth and fuel type. With major differences, understanding what choices are available

to you is a critical part of ensuring you get what you are looking for.

Hearth Options:

Traditional Fireplace - A traditional fireplace is a structure in

the home that contains a firebox with a chimney or flue for

smoke and exhaust to escape. A gorgeous fireplace and

mantle adds to the overall look and feel of a room and is a

desirable feature in new and older homes. Masonry fireplaces

made from brick or stone can be fueled by wood, natural gas

and propane sources.

Fireplace Insert - A fireplace insert fits into the firebox of an

existing masonry fireplace. All traditional fireplaces tend to

be drafty and lose up to 75% of the heat produced up the

chimney. The right insert gives homeowners the chance to

enjoy the ambiance of an in home fireplace, save a lot of

money on their fuel bill and minimize clean-up .Inserts are

surrounded by a metal panel, and can be fueled by pellet,

natural gas, propane, wood or electric.

Free Standing Stove - Clean and efficient, a free-standing

stove is an easy option for affordable home heating. Small,

medium and large models are available, making it easy to

choose the perfect solution for a clean burning and efficient

home heating solution. With wood, gas and pellet fueling

options, there’s a free-standing stove for every lifestyle and

budget. Some models actually are of furniture quality and add

value to the home.



Fuel Options:

Wood - As a fuel source, wood is about as traditional as you can get for a hearth product and

families have been enjoying the crackling sound and smell of burning wood for generations. An

environmentally friendly green option, new “blue sky” wood fireplace inserts or stoves are

efficient, clean burning and some are even thermostatically controlled, fan forced and have a 30

day battery back-up which can save as much as 40% of wood use..

Electric - Electric is a great way to get the same aesthetic appeal of a traditional wood-burning

fireplace without much maintenance. The perfect solution for apartments and homes where

venting is not possible, electric as a fuel source offers flexibility, portability and ease of use.

Pellet - Pellet fueled stoves and fireplace inserts burn renewable green fuel. Compressed wood

by-products, pellets are readily available and offer many conveniences. Heat can typically be

regulated by a thermostat, while fans force the heat to distant areas and all of that with

comparatively less maintenance while being extremely user-friendly. Unlike wood burning

options, pellet fireplace products create a more constant heat level, making installation in a variety

of locations possible. In some cases, the right pellet stove can heat an entire home. NOTE: only

buy a pellet appliance from a dealer who will consistently have the premium pellet fuel available

for you to buy for your stove or insert.

Natural Gas/Propane - Fireplace products that rely on natural gas or propane can be installed

almost anywhere, offering the most flexibility to the homeowner. Venting requirements are

minimal, and with realistic flames and instant ambiance, gas is a popular option. An easy solution

for supplemental heat, gas fireplace products can be turned on in an instant, and turned off when

you leave the room… no waiting for cool down! Gas is clean burning and requires little

maintenance.



The Benefits of Zone Heating

Zone heating has become more popular in recent years as many homeowners are looking for ways

to reduce fuel costs and save money on expensive heating bills. Basically, with zone heating, you

heat the areas of your home that you spend the most time in without using the wasteful central

heating systems that send heat through cold metal duct work behind the walls into rooms after it

has cooled down considerably. PUT THE WARM WHERE YOU WANT IT!

As fuel costs rise, zone heating is a smart, practical and cost effective solution. Using a pellet,

gas or wood burning fireplace, insert or stove allows you to turn down the heat on the furnace

stat, saving you money. For additional effectiveness, turn the central system thermostat from

“auto” to the “fan” position and the heat will be carried through the house ductwork to more

distant rooms keeping them more comfortable.



Fireplace, Insert or Free Standing Stove – Pros and Cons

The good news is, there are plenty of choices available if you’re looking to outfit your home with

a fireplace or stove product. However, just as there are pros and cons to each fuel option, there

are also benefits and disadvantages to each hearth type – traditional fireplace, insert and free-

standing stove that must be considered before making a final selection.

Traditional Fireplace

Pros: When it comes to creating ambiance, it’s tough to beat the sensation of a traditional wood-

burning fireplace. A stunning focal point to any space – the bedroom, living room, even outdoor

patio, a lit fireplace is instant relaxation. Crackling wood and the scent of a wood-burning

fireplace is divine.

Cons: While wood burning fireplaces are spectacular, they do require significant maintenance

both in terms of use and supplying wood. Tending to a lit fire is hard work, and with no “off

button”, it can be inconvenient. Of course, with a wood-burning fireplace, ventilation is a must,

and that means keeping a flue or chimney clean and in clean, working order.

Insert

Pros: If you have an existing fireplace built into your home, an insert is the perfect way to make

it more functional and efficient. The right fireplace insert offers incredible flexibility. Pellet and

gas inserts allow you to enjoy a relaxing, warm fireplace with the touch of a button, and can add

instant value to your home. Even wood burning inserts can transform an otherwise drafty masonry

fireplace into an efficient heat source. By installing an insert into the masonry opening, the



damper gets sealed off so there will be no cold area coming down the chimney and into the room

from the open fireplace.

Cons: While pellet, electric and gas models are convenient with little to no mess to clean, some

say they lack the realism and appeal of a crackling wood burning alternative. However, modern

inserts have come far since the original blue burning logs and with dancing flames, it can be tough

to tell the difference.

Free Standing Stove

Pros: Free-standing stoves can be installed almost anywhere, making them the perfect choice for

homes that can’t accommodate a built-in model. A great option for home heating, wood, pellet

and gas burning models can heat a large area easily. Stoves also add a “hearth” to a home that has

no masonry fireplace.

Cons: Wood-burning stoves offer the most heat capacity, but can be inconvenient to use. In

addition, regardless of the fuel source – pellet, wood or gas, stoves must have a hearth pad+ or

another noncombustible material installed beneath, which can take up some floor space.

Choose a Fireplace Dealership Carefully

Look for Dealers That Offer Multiple Brands - If you’re ready to buy, there are clear advantages

of seeking out a local fireplace dealer that offers multiple brand names. Many hearth companies

specialize in fireplaces and stoves, others only offer wood or electric. Dealers that sell multiple

brands have typically done the research on the types and brands that sell best in your area and are

experienced in knowing which option will fit your lifestyle best.

Multiple Price Points to Meet Any Budget - Few people have unlimited discretionary spending,

but for those of us on a budget, it’s nice to know there are options. Dealerships with multiple

brands available are more likely to offer products from a wide range of price points, making it

possible for more of us to enjoy the luxury of an in home fireplace.



Don’t Forget to Think about Installation and Service - Finally, the dealer you choose should be

able to easily answer your questions about installation, maintenance and after-purchase service.

Local dealers with service expertise will likely be able to help you care for and keep your fireplace

product performing as it should, even after purchase.

You usually only do this once. Choose a dealer that is factory and NFI certified along with being

in business for a long time…remember, you are entering fire into your home. Installation is a

serious issue and it’s critical you choose qualified experts. Remember, proper installation is key,

saving you money and aggravation down the road.

In Sum

Whether you choose a fireplace insert for an existing hearth in your home, a large wood, pellet

or gas burning stove as an alternative heat source or simply want to dress up a bedroom with an

electric model, there are gorgeous fireplace options available at a variety of price points.

While it may seem overwhelming at first, the key to buying a fantastic and practical fireplace

product is to think about your goals ahead of time and narrow your choices accordingly. First and

most importantly, choose a dealer that you know you can trust, who has been around for many

years and who is open seven days per week if you need them. Then, decide on the type of fuel

that fits your lifestyle, and whether or not you prefer

the look of built-in versus free-standing models. If you

understand why you are interested in bringing a

fireplace into your home, it will be easier to narrow

your choices to a few specific options.

Be sure to look for dealerships with expertise in

multiple brands. Even if you are sure what you are

going to buy, having an expert guide you through the

purchasing process who understands all fireplace

products will ensure you get exactly what you are

looking for. Finally, choose a dealer with installation

and service expertise, and you’ll have peace of mind

that you’ll be enjoying your new fireplace in no time!

http://www.acehardwareandhearth.com/hearth-quote/



About Us

Named after “Hardware Village”, a two-story hardware chain that was to open next to television’s

“Happy Days” Howard Cunningham’s hardware store (that never opened because its comptroller

absconded with the company’s money and ran off to the Bahamas!), Hardware Village opened in

September 1978 at its current location on Crain Highway in Glen Burnie. Owners Michele and

Pete Peterson and Edward and Lucille Lopes opened a small independent hardware store that had

three employees and 4,200′to serve the western Glen Burnie, Severn and Millersville areas of

Anne Arundel County.

The store started off quickly, sales grew and it became apparent that there was a dire need for a

better source of supply and support. The owners affiliated with Ace Hardware in 1980. The

second store was conceived and opened in Lake Shore Plaza in Pasadena in 1983, as Ace

Hardware & Home Center. In 2003, both store’s names were changed to become the same – Ace

Hardware & Hearth, reflecting the more descriptive name of its function and direction. In 2006,

our third location in Edgewater – Ace Home & Leisure – opened its doors. With a focus on

fireplace, hot tubs, barbeque, birding and paint, Ace Home & Leisure has quickly become an area

destination location.

Ace Hardware Village became nationally known to many because it was through the persistent

efforts of co-owner Pete Peterson that kerosene heaters became legal in Maryland. With help

from Kero-Sun’s legal team, Pete was the key figure in getting the Maryland state fire code

overturned and Senate Bill 598 passed to allow citizens of Maryland to legally use kerosene

heaters in their homes.

With now nearly 100 employees, Ace Hardware & Hearth and Ace Home & Leisure are poised

for excellent service. Ace thanks its loyal guests and associates for their faithful support that has

made Ace the “Helpful” place. With “Primo Brands”, “Rock Star parking”, “concierge-type

help”, Ace is a real value today. NATIONALLY KNOWN…LOCALLY OWNED, it just doesn’t

get any better!



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