Choosing the Right Hearth Product - by Dan Melcon
A fireplace, stove or gas log set adds value
to your home and pleasure to your life. The warmth and romance simply cannot
be matched. However, just as with buying a vehicle, you face a bewildering array
of choices. Some of them include:
Are you buying the right technology?
| Vehicle |
Hearth Product |
| Today's cars burn gasoline or diesel. Natural gas and electric may be in
your future |
Today's fire can burn wood, gas, coal, wood pellets, or processed logs. |
Are you buying the right product?
| Vehicle |
Hearth Product |
| What works for you? Do you need a sedan, or a pick-up? A motorcycle, an
18 wheeler, or a motorboat? |
What works for you? Perhaps it's a new fireplace installed on that blank
wall; maybe it's a stove. It could be gas logs or a fireplace insert.. |
Are you getting the right size?
| Vehicle |
Hearth Product |
| A compact, or a full sized luxury car - Bigger isn't necessarily better |
You need a unit powerful enough to supply the heat you want but not run
you out of the house. |
Are you finding the right style?
| Vehicle |
Hearth Product |
| What works for you? Do you need a sedan, or a pick-up? A motorcycle, an
18 wheeler, or a motorboat?What works for you? Perhaps it's a new fireplace
installed on that blank wall; maybe it's a stove. It could be gas logs or
a fireplace insert.. Are you buying The Edsel? or the Delorean? |
Does it match your home? Contemporary or traditional? Stoves come in steel,
cast iron, and soapstone. There are painted, enamel and tile models. Logs
can be driftwood, oak, pine or a dozen other woods |
Which Brand name ? Taurus or Toyota?
| Vehicle |
Hearth Product |
| There are dozens of different products that seem identical. Does trunk size
matter more than leg room? Air bags or mileage ? |
Many, many excellent companies manufacture top quality products in all areas
of the diverse hearth products family. Is your home Contemporary or Traditional?
Stoves come in steel, cast iron, and soapstone. |
Accessories?
| Vehicle |
Hearth Product |
| The V-8 with the overhead cam? Intermittent wipers? Power wipers? A radio? |
When you properly accessorize your hearth product, it is magic! A matching
tile hearth, gleaming brass tool set, etched glass or a remote control.
Wow. |
For all the options, expert advice, professional installation,
unmatched service and peace of mind, see your local Hearth specialty retailer
today.
Are you a "do-it-yourselfer"? Virtually all hearth products can
be installed by the competent handyman. However, if you do not have lots
of time, a strong back, the necessary tools, familiarity with appropriate
codes, and a patient spouse, you may want to have it handled by a professional.
You can find a list of HearthNet's retailers here and also visit the site
of HEARTH , an organization that maintains
a listing of certified installers.