Today’s Gas Fireplaces Have Wood Feel
Question: I hate the mess of hauling firewood and spilling ash, but I like a warm romantic fire. Do the new gas fireplace flames look realistic? Can I do much of the installation myself, and are they efficient?
Answer: The answer to all of your questions is yes. If you have ever seen older gas logs with their “stove-like” blue flames, you will be pleasantly surprised. Flame technology used in the new gas fireplaces creates very realistic-looking yellowish dancing flames, and the logs themselves look real.
Your biggest problem will be selecting one among the many attractive designs, styles and features that are available. New contemporary styles include corner, three-sided peninsula, see-through, arched, bay front and others. Some unique decorative designs use high-tech-looking bright chrome or 24-karat gold trim.
For the most convenience, select a model with a hand-held remote control. You push a button to start the fire. Push other buttons to control the flame size, heat output, room temperature and optional blower speeds. Most blower kits mount with magnets, so they are simple to install later.
If you plan to use the fireplace late at night or in a bedroom, choose a full-featured remote with a sleep setting. For safety and efficiency, you can set it to automatically shut off up to two hours after you fall asleep.
Installation of the direct-vent designs can easily be handled by the average do-it-yourselfer. Zero-clearance designs can be safely placed against the wall materials. With direct venting, you have to cut only one hole through an outside wall right behind or above the fireplace. No expensive chimney is needed.
These easy-to-install direct-vent gas fireplaces have efficiencies up to 80%, as high as many homes’ furnaces. Using one can cut your heating bills overall because it allows you to set your central furnace thermostat lower.
Another advantage of a direct-vent model is that the combustion process is totally sealed from indoor air. The combustion air is drawn from outside, and the flue gases go back out through one special dual-channel pipe. Absolutely no indoor air is lost and there are no drafts or dust.
Many of the better models have optional battery-powered ignition systems or generate their own millivolt electricity from the pilot light. They will operate during an electrical power outage when your furnace stops.
For year-round comfort, consider installing a combination remote-controlled gas fireplace and air conditioner unit. A small air conditioner is built in behind an attractive natural wood raised hearth. Write for (or instant download https://www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 960, a buyer’s guide to 16 high-efficiency, direct-vent gas fireplaces, styles, heat outputs, efficiencies, unique features and a cost-to-operate chart. Please include $3 and a business-size self-addressed envelope and mail to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
The Right Lightbulb Should Last Longer
Q: Our lightbulbs in our garage and in our kitchen recessed light fixtures seem to burn out often. The packaging indicates that they should last hundreds of hours. What is wrong?
A: There are many causes of premature bulb failure. In your garage, there is a lot of vibration from the door opener and your cars. This can cause a normal filament to fatigue. Try using rough-service bulbs.
The problem in your recessed lights is probably excess heat buildup. You may be using bulbs with too much wattage for the fixture. Try lower-wattage bulbs.
Letters and questions to James Dulley, a Cincinnati-based engineering consultant, may be sent to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.