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Top Reasons to Install or Upgrade a Fireplace

Top Reasons to Install or Upgrade a Fireplace

by | Nov 28, 2019 | Heating Your Home, HPBAC Blog

When it comes to adding ambiance, there is nothing better than a fireplace. Whether woodburning, gas or electric, a hearth appliance not only increases your home’s value but can lower your monthly heating costs, all while creating a comfortable, happy space for friends and family.

Increased Home Value

According to real estate professionals, one of the most desirable features for homebuyers is a fireplace, and having one could add 6–12% to your listing price. A recently updated fireplace can add value to your home when you’re ready to sell, especially if it’s a high efficiency appliance.

Affordability

It may come as a surprise, but a hearth appliance can provide an efficient space heating option that won’t break the bank. The cost of upgrading a fireplace varies but can be quite an affordable option when considering improvements to your home. It can also help you save money on heating costs by allowing you to heat the spaces where you and your family spend time together.

Aesthetics

No one can dispute the allure of a fireplace and the calming effect it can have, making your home an escape from your hectic life. A simple facelift and upgrade can dramatically update the look and efficiency of your existing fireplace.

Family Time

With the popularity of mobile devices it isn’t surprising our national average screen time is staggering and steadily climbing. The result is less quality time together. Creating a comfortable and calming family room centered around a hearth will mean more quality time with those you love.

If you think it is time to replace your hearth, visit a specialty hearth retailer to see what suits your style and budget, or check out manufacturer and local retailer websites.

Understanding the Manufacturer’s Manual

Understanding the Manufacturer’s Manual

by | Nov 28, 2019 | Consumer News

If you have a new hearth appliance, or you’ve inherited an existing appliance in a new residence, you’ll want to read the manual carefully before operating your appliance to ensure safe and proper operation. If you can’t locate the manual you should be able to download a copy from the manufacturer’s website. You can find the manufacturer, brand and model on the rating card or plate. The following items will be of particular importance to you as the owner of the appliance.

Safety

Read this section carefully as it provides you with important and helpful tips, and recommendations for the safe use of your device.

Rating Label or Card

Essential information such as brand and model are clearly indicated in the manual. This information may be requested by your insurer or municipality, or if you plan to participate in a rebate program. In addition, you will find information on safety and performance certifications, efficiency and emissions ratings, BTUs and serial number, etc. or instructions on where to find this information on the appliance.

Installation

This section explains important information for you and your installer on clearances from combustibles, chimney or venting installation and more. This information will be useful to you or your contractor for planning or finishing after installation.

Operation

In this section, the manufacturer guides you to the optimal operation of the device, the location and use of the combustion air control lever or dampers and lighting instructions on woodburning appliances, remote control operation and lighting procedures on gas hearth appliances and more.

Servicing & Maintenance

While maintenance instructions and checklists are included in the manual for basic cleaning instructions and for checking the appliance we recommend you have your appliance inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. A professional service technician can perform a complete cleaning and inspection giving you piece of mind.

Lists of Replacement Parts

In this section you will find a complete list of replacement parts. All you need to do is contact your specialty hearth retailer if you need to have a part replaced.

Warranties

This section provides information on the manufacturer’s warranty, provides instructions for dealing with problems and gives you the procedure to follow to register your device.

Keep your manual on hand. If you sell your property, do not forget to give it to the new owners.

Choosing Your Fireplace

Choosing Your Fireplace

by | Nov 28, 2019 | Heating Your Home, HPBAC Blog

Looking for a wood or gas fireplace? If you are thinking about adding a hearth appliance to your home or replacing an existing appliance you will want to consider which appliance makes the most sense for your space and your lifestyle. You will want your new fireplace to suit your décor, and there are many options when it comes to style, including contemporary and traditional looks. Woodburning and gas appliances both offer a variety of design elements to consider, such as linear and rectangular configurations, and see-through and three-or-four-sided bay fronts. The type of appliance installation is also an important factor in choosing the right fireplace for you. There are three options available.

Built-in Fireplaces

Even without a chimney, you can have a fireplace! The zero clearance fireplace allows you to place an appliance just about anywhere. This type of pre-fabricated fireplace is usually used in situations where there is no existing fireplace installation. You simply need a wall. Most zero clearance appliances are safe to install within inches of combustible material such as drywall and wood, and your qualified hearth specialist will direct you in to choosing the correct appliance for your situation. Depending on the location of the appliance and the fuel requirements, the exhaust pipe will exit directly through the wall or through the roof. Zero clearance wood or gas fireplaces offer excellent installation flexibility. Once you’ve chosen, have it installed by a qualified professional and finalize the decor to your taste.

Fireplace Inserts

A fireplace insert, or built-in fireplace, is a factory-built metal box that is designed to be installed in the existing cavity of a masonry or open fireplace. The insert turns your old, inefficient fireplace into an efficient, cleaner burning one, saving you money and providing much more effective heating. You’ll find many options available in this category of appliance, including style and fuel options.

Free-standing Stoves

Traditionally, free-standing stoves tended to be relegated to the basement and were mainly used for heating. Today, the stove, whether wood, gas or pellet, has many advantages. Installation usually does not require much finishing work. Modern stoves are now much more beautiful, efficient, and cleaner burning than ever before. Indeed, the stove is back in fashion and manufacturers have designed exciting new stoves with great new looks. Stoves are now counted among high-end appliances and are popular with design professionals.

You can now distinguish between the three types of hearth appliances and make the best choice for your home. Visit a HPBAC Specialty Hearth Retailer to see all the wonderful possibilities or visit manufacturer and local retailer websites.

Tips for Creating an Outdoor Room

Tips for Creating an Outdoor Room

by | Jun 3, 2019 | Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

An inviting outdoor room greatly increases the appeal and value of your home and provides a comfortable, happy space for friends and family, allowing you to maximize the time you spend outdoors. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind while creating the perfect space for you.

Determine the Available Space

Determine the amount of space you want to transform, and gather ideas on how to use this space, taking into account the purpose you want it to serve: cooking, dining, relaxation and play.

Identify Spaces and Products Dedicated to Specific Areas

These elements are crucial to establishing a plan according to your needs and desires. Position an outdoor fireplace as the focal point, determine the cooking and eating spaces, and define any other area you want to include.

Create Your Wish List

Magazines, newspapers and websites are all excellent reference tools that can guide you in your quest for the perfect outdoor room. Collect, print and file your favorite photos and articles so you can refer to them as you develop your outdoor room.

Consider the Style of Your Home

It is important to understand the architectural style of your home in order to create an outdoor room that reflects the interior. There are products, furniture and objects for all tastes and styles.

Think About Foundations

A stone terrace, retaining walls, a fence and a terrace are basic elements to consider.

Use Landscaping as an Accessory

Well positioned flowers, plants and shrubs will add the finishing touch, completing your design. Select plants that change with the seasons, offering different colors, different blooms and heady smells depending on the time of year. Be sure to read our article on working with a Professional Landscaper beginning on page 4 for more information.

Draw Up a Plan

The best way to design an outdoor room that will reflect your desires is to make sketches. Don’t worry about your drawing skills; the important thing is that the general idea is well represented.

Visit a Specialty Shop

A specialized retailer is a key partner in creating your outdoor room. Bring your ideas to a retailer who sells fireplaces, barbecues and/or patio furniture. They can help you determine the products, materials and accessories available in your area and guide you in the realization of your plan, in addition to coordinating the installation. A turnkey service will save you from surprises.

Research Products You’re Interested In

After checking details with a specialized retailer, go online to review products and manufacturer information.

Add Furniture

Choose comfortable furniture that will make people want to linger. No matter the style, patio sets are designed to create atmosphere, and give beauty and character to the oasis that will reflect your personality. In addition to tables and chairs for the dining area, consider a lounge area with sofas, loveseats and side tables.

Don’t Forget The Lighting

Maximize the time you spend outdoors by lighting important areas such as sidewalks, dining and leisure areas, or around the pool. Strategically place lights to highlight your landscaping.

Details, Details, Details

Once everything is done and done right, you can add small details that will make your outdoor room stand out. Pots of flowers, rugs, a special table or a piece of art can all enhance the ambiance of your patio!

Complete Your Project One Step at a Time

It often takes a few years to achieve the perfect end result while staying on budget despite a long wish list. Start by installing an outdoor fireplace and plan a dining area. Over the years, add accessories, decorative elements and landscaping.

Build Your Space

Have fun building this space! Remember to include all the things that are important to you, such as cooking, dining, relaxation and play areas.

Professional Landscaping: Designing Your Outdoor Living Space

Professional Landscaping: Designing Your Outdoor Living Space

by | Jun 3, 2019 | Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

It’s finally time to prepare your outdoor living space! Planning remains the key to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring all your outdoor space wishes are realized. A professional landscaper is an important part of the design process to consider. With the help of a professional, landscaping transforms your outdoor living environment. A professional landscaper knows how to create dynamic and sustainable spaces that will enhance your quality of life, increase the value of your home and provide you with great satisfaction for a long time. Before contacting a professional landscaper, we advise you to plan your project by following the following steps.
Step 1: Set your goals
  • Are you interested in developing a single area on your property or do you want to transform several spaces? If the plan concerns several areas, which are the priorities?
  • Apart from the aesthetic aspect, how important is the functionality of the space? Are you aiming for maximum use of the premises?
  • Do you want your new garden to provide more security, more privacy, or greater ease of access?
  • Which style do you prefer: natural, urban, formal, informal, etc.?
  • What elements already exist in the places you want to keep, such as trees, rocks, streams, landscaping, etc.?
  • Is there a view you would like to keep, improve or hide?
  • Do you want to develop a plan or do you already have one? What are your design preferences, such as colours, types of materials, choice of plants, etc.?
  • What are your expectations for maintenance? Do you expect to spend a lot of time there, or do you prefer a low-maintenance layout?
Step 2: Identify the elements you want to be a part of your space
  • Cooking, dining, entertainment and relaxation areas
  • Barbecues, firepits, and outdoor fireplaces and heaters
  • Pools, spas, or other water features, such as waterfalls or ponds
  • Trails and walking areas, and shaded and sunny spaces
  • Garden pavilions, gazebos, pergolas, fences or trellises
  • Patios, terraces, playgrounds and lawn areas
  • Trees, shrubbery and plants, including ground cover, vines, vegetables, etc.
  • Lighting (both aesthetic and functional)
  • Irrigation, rainwater harvesting systems
  • Storage sheds or areas
Step 3: List the factors that could influence your design
  • Location and zone of your property
  • Climate (snow, wind, temperature)
  • Topography of the site (characteristics of the land surface)
  • Areas of sun and shade already present
  • Soil condition (e.g., clay soil, wet, swamp, sand, etc.)
  • Drainage and irrigation
  • Existing landscaping and permanent elements already in place
  • Municipal regulations, such as height restrictions on structures or construction distances to be respected; please check your municipality’s website for more information
  • Underground infrastructure, such as pipes, aqueducts, cables, etc.
  • Any restrictions on the schedule of work; keep in mind that it is best to do most landscaping work between the months of April and November
Step 4: Have a plan drawn up
A professionally designed plan is an essential step in any landscaping project. Since it reflects your choices, a master plan helps you keep control of your project and avoid unpleasant surprises, because it gives you an overview of the final result. To help you visualize how the components of your plan will work with existing property aspects and structures, your plan will identify plant elements (trees, plants, flowers, grass), inert elements (stones, patios, structures), as well as water and lighting features. This overview will be an important reference tool to explore the possibilities available to you, and will allow you to develop the design according to your needs and budget, as well as according to the stages of development. A professional plan will help you achieve your goals and maximize the potential of your property. It can also save you money. Landscaping is often a significant investment – mistakes and misunderstandings can be expensive. A professional can help you avoid making costly mistakes.
Step 5: Look for a Certified Landscaper
Certified landscapers are recognized for their commitment to the highest standards of quality. Take the time to fully research the professional association in your area and find the right landscaper for you.

Source: Association of Professional Landscapers of Quebec (appq.org)