Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Try a Gel Fireplace for a Fast and Easy Fire

By Paul Cameron

Many people have considered installing a new fireplace in their home. But when they realize the major work it would involve, many of them get discouraged. That's because it requires ripping out walls and installing a chimney through your roof. In addition, a wood burning fireplace needs a lot of cleaning and maintenance.

However, there's an easy alternative to the traditional fireplace. It's known as a gel fireplace, and for many people it's the ideal answer.

More and more people are opting for this contemporary type of fireplace, and there are some good reasons why. There's no odor, soot, smoke, or fumes, which means almost no clean-up. No more hauling logs in from the cold or cleaning up messy ashes. No need for an extensive selection of fireplace tools and accessories. All you need to do in order to enjoy the warmth of a fire is to light up a can of fuel.

A gel fireplace is completely different from your conventional wood burning or electrical fireplace. They create a real fire by burning a gel that's produced from grain alcohol. This product burns cleanly and produces a real flame with none of the usual mess. Gel fireplaces usually hold three fuel cans, with each container burning for approximately three hours. The gel even makes the crackling noise of a wood burning fire and there are scent sticks available you can add to your canisters.

There is no construction involved in installing a gel fireplace and no hookups required. It should only take an hour or so to put it together and set it up anywhere in your house that you choose. You can even move it later on if your decor changes. Some models can be hung on a wall. Another alternative is to buy a special insert for your existing fireplace in which you can burn the gel canisters.

A gel fireplace emits no smoke or fumes. They do, however, emit a bit of carbon monoxide, but only at a level that is completely safe. They have to undergo strict testing to make sure they comply with regulations regarding emissions of this substance.

Gel fireplaces are easy to maintain. As well, they are among the most cost effective and energy efficient means of heating a small space. Because there is no flue, all the heat is projected into the room. Keep in mind, however, that they are not intended to be a major source of heat for your house, even though they do give off a warm glow.

A ventless gel fireplace can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to two thousand dollars for a high end product. If you have a busy lifestyle but still want the elegance and warmth of a fire, these fireplaces are well worth the money.

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