Gas Fireplaces & Stoves

Gas fireplaces are growing in popularity. Today’s models are very efficient and can add a great deal of warmth to fill a large room. While there is no crackling sound like a wood fireplace they do produce a real flame. The two main types of gas used are propane and natural gas. Both gases work identically in almost every way except that propane generally has a higher cost associated with it.

Gas fireplaces uses either natural gas or propane. A gas line is connected to a residential source or a propane tank and run to the fireplace. The fireplace can either be turned on by switch or remote.

The advantages of these units are that they are virtually maintenance-free, they are over 75% efficient and provide instant heat.

We carry a wide variety of brands including: Jotul, Kozy Heat, Napoleon, Hearthstone, Town & Country, and Regency.

These units can be installed in new installations, current fireplaces, and remodels.

You would need either natural gas or LP gas. Some units require electricity for blowers.

Wood Fireplaces & Stoves

Wood stoves have always been a long-established way to heat a home, however, with increased EPA regulations, wood stoves are better than ever. They release less smoke, produce minimal ash, and require less firewood yet they still produce that cozy heat and comfort you want out of a traditional wood-burning unit.

Wood burning can be a stove, masonry firebox, factory-built firebox, and wood-burning insert.

Using firewood as a fuel source is the most affordable option available. Even if you have to buy your firewood at full price, it is still more affordable than natural gas, coal, pellet, fuel oil, or electric. Burning firewood produces a dry heat. Burning firewood keeps you in shape with the cutting, splitting, stacking, hauling, loading and cleaning. Prepare to work when burning wood!

Jotul, Hearthstone, IronStrike, Kozy Heat, Napoleon and Earthcore’s Isokern are the leading brands we carry.

New construction, remodel and renovation projects.

Venting is a crucial issue with wood burning due to the size of venting and the size of the firebox. Critical dimensions have to be understood to meet the safety requirements and also allow enough oxygen.

The triangle of fire requires: oxygen >> fuel >> spark or “fire”

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are a cost effective and safe way to heat a space and create a wonderfully cozy sitting area. Whether in a residential or commercial setting, these fireplaces can be installed almost anywhere, both inside and outside. As long as there is an electrical plug nearby, you can enjoy the dancing flames with or without heat.

This type of fireplace is electric. Each model can be easily installed and plugged in. You can use them any time of year, with or without the heat.

Electric fireplaces are safe, efficient, and effective.

  • They are significantly cheaper than a traditional fireplace. You do not have to run gas line or venting, buy wood, or worry about messy ash clean up.
  • They cost pennies per hour to operate, roughly $.03-.07 per hour depending on the model.
  • They do not have an open flame so they are safe for operating in and around your home.
  • They do not release any toxic chemicals into the air so they are safe for the environment.

We carry Amantii, Ambiance, and Napoleon.

These units can be installed anywhere. They are made to be put both inside and outside safely, so you can enjoy one by the pool or even in a child’s room.

The only thing an electric fireplace needs to work is a 120v outlet.

Pellets Inserts & Stoves

Pellet stoves were invented in the 1970’s for the purpose of creating heat while using recycled product. Pellet stoves come in a freestanding style or an insert, which can be placed into an existing fireplace. They look like traditional wood stoves, but operate cleanly and more efficiently.

Pellet stoves heat a home using small wood pellets. Pellets are a renewable source of fuel, an alternative to gas or oil, made from recycling and processing wood waste rather than cutting down trees to produce this fuel. This keeps tons of wood waste from entering local landfills. At VanderWall, we prefer a premium pellet by Fiber By-Products a company located here in White Pigeon, Michigan.

There are many advantages to heating your home with pellets:

  • Convenience over wood stoves – you don’t have to cut wood and haul it in, constantly stoking a fire when it gets low.  Pellet stoves have a thermostat that prompts the pellets in the hopper to be released into the stove to create a consistent heat.
  • More efficient than traditional wood heat. Combustion takes place in the combustion chamber which results in more heat and less emissions.
  • Cleaner – they produce very little ash compared to a wood stoves.

We carry Harman brand pellet stoves. These stoves are “built to standard, not price.” They are built to withstand the test of time and be reliable using American component suppliers and uncompromising quality.

These stoves can be placed in new construction, renovation or remodel projects. These only need an exhaust vent, which can be easily routed through a wall, allowing it to be placed in a variety of areas.

Pellet stoves require quality pellets in order to work properly. They do need to be maintained approximately once a week or so by cleaning the ash pan and scraping the burn pot of any combustion residue and unused pellets.