ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 17, 1996 TAG: 9611200002
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: CUT YOUR UTILITY BILL
SOURCE: JAMES DULLEY
Q: I want to add a regular-looking fireplace to my living room. I want it to produce heat but not look like an insert stove with tiny glass doors. What types of attractive, efficient fireplaces are available?
A: Adding a wood-burning fireplace, or replacing an old inefficient one, is one of the best home improvement investments possible. It often increases resale value of the house more than the cost of the fireplace. A new efficient fireplace helps lower utility bills, too.
For low-cost do-it-yourself installation, a zero-clearance heat circulating fireplace is best. A typical model with large glass doors can warm a 2,000-square-foot area. Some models have extra ducts to heat adjacent rooms.
The walls of a zero-clearance fireplace can rest directly against the framing lumber for simple installation. These fireplaces are designed with either triple-wall or insulated double-wall construction.
There are many new unique styles available including traditional flat or arched top single-opening, contemporary see-through (two glass sides), peninsula (three glass sides) and island (glass on all sides). Attractive options like solid brass or 24-karat gold-plated door trim are available.
For the convenience of a gas fireplace and the attractiveness of real wood flames, Kozy Heat makes a bi-fuel design. By flipping a switch, it converts from gas to wood burning.
When comparing new efficient fireplaces, check for tight fitting doors, a convenient damper control lever and provisions for outdoor combustion air. These features reduce the amount of heated room air lost up the chimney.
If you plan to use your fireplace often, select one with a thermostatically controlled blower. As the room warms up, the blower speed is automatically reduced to maintain an even temperature. One model by Heat-N-Glo even has a built-in filter to clean the air in the room.
For the best view of the flames, choose a model with an air wash door feature. This minimizes creosote and soot buildup on the glass. Preheated air is directed over the inside glass surface before it enters the fire.
New fireplaces burn cleanly and meet the EPA's clean air standards. Efficiencies range from 60 percent to 70 percent - higher than most older furnaces.
To realize the maximum heat output and enjoyment from your fireplace, burn only well-seasoned wood. With a lower moisture content, seasoned wood starts easier and burns hotter. Harder types of wood tend to burn cleaner.
For a buyer's guide of 17 high-efficiency "regular-looking" heat circulating fireplace manufacturers, sizes, features, styles, prices, a firewood selector guide and wood heating evaluation worksheet, write to James Dulley, The Roanoke Times, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Ask for Update Bulletin No. 927. Please include $2 and a business-size self-addressed stamped envelope.
Q: I live in an older house. The water pressure has gradually decreased over the years. It is especially low in one bathroom. What is causing this and what can I do to improve it?
A: Gradually decreasing water pressure is often the result of mineral deposit buildup in the water lines over many years. This is a particularly common problem in areas with very hard water.
Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. Open a faucet that is far away from the main shutoff valve. When the valve is opened again, the water rushing through the pipes often dislodges some of the deposits.
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Adding a wood-burning fireplace is one of the bestby CNBhome improvement investments possible.