Tips on Buying a Fireplace, Electric Fireplaces, and More

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There's absolutely nothing like starting up your fireplace - even those nifty electric ones are pretty neat - on a cold winter day. It makes you want to throw on a blanket, cuddle a warm cup of hot chocolate in one hand, and hold a novel in the other.

Looking for a new fireplace can be hard work. With all the selection out there, from traditional to electric, indoor or outdoor, gel-fuel,stove, fireplace inserts, or wall-mounted fireplaces - where does a consumer even begin?

Read on for an easy step-by-step guide on buying a new fireplace.

The classic fireplace is a good place to start. The traditional fireplace was used as the main heat source for a home during the winter (before modern heating). Many homes still have fireplaces and chimneys that use burning wood to create heat and fire for warmth and enjoyment. The downside to the classic fireplace is that it uses and burns wood, which is wasteful and requires ventilation (via the chimney) to burn. This also means added costs for annual chimney cleaning, and etc.

Electric fireplaces are the most popular alternative to classic ones. The benefit to electric fireplaces is that they still look like and give off heat like a fireplace, but use electricity rather than wood. This means not having to have ventilation and also flexibility in terms of where you install the unit. If you have a classic fireplace, you can opt for an electric fireplace insert to be installed to reap the benefits of an electric fireplace where your traditional fireplace would be.

A popular option for is the corner electric fireplace, especially for small rooms or apartments. Instead of having to take up a large portion of a wall for they are triangular in shape and fit in the corner of a room.
Similarly to the classic fireplace is the country-style stove. If you stepped into a century home, you may see a small square or rectangular-shaped block, which acted as the stove and fireplace for these homes. For a traditional look in your home a fireplace stove is a fun choice and also comes as an electric version.

Gel fireplaces are another alternative to a classic or the electric fireplaces introduced above. Cans of gel-fuel that are made specifically for gel fireplaces can usually burn for up to three hours. The gel-fuel is made of a grain-alcohol that burns off, leaving no ash to clean up or need for ventilation. They are also safe because the burning gel doesn't spark and thus avoids any danger of potential fires.

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Tips For Buying a Majestic Gas Fireplace

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A fireplace can be a rather nice addition to a home, or it can be a rather dangerous one depending on who exactly is behind the installation and purchasing process. Naturally, this process isn't exactly going to be easy, but it has to be done if you want to have a nice quality fireplace. In order to get a great fireplace it helps to buy from a company that is well known and has been around for a while. Companies that have been on the scene for the longest are usually the best to buy from because they know what they are doing, and certainly provide the best product having been around for as long as they have. The company that we will look at today is Majestic.

This is a company that was established in 1953 and was the first company to think of creating factory-engineered fireplaces. This was a revolutionary idea as most fireplaces were built on site, and it made them a lot cheaper and easier to install. Like today, their fireplaces consist of gas and wood burning fireplaces, which is great for most individuals, and if you are seeking a quality fireplace then chances are you won't find much better than Majestic with their full line of fireplaces for both interior and exterior use.

The fireplaces that you will find at Majestic are similar to the gas fireplaces that you will find at just about any other company. The most popular of course is the direct vent fireplace. What exactly is so special about the direct vent fireplace you might ask? Well, it's actually pretty straightforward. A direct vent fireplace is one that doesn't require an actual chimney. When installed near a gas line you can actually attach this fireplace to a vent that leads outside so that any types of gas that are within the fireplace are directed out through the pipe and harmlessly expelled into the air. These fireplaces are also built so that you don't typically have to worry about natural gas leaking into your home.

One great buy from the Majestic company is the Cameo Direct Vent Fireplace, also known as the DVM500/600. This is a very nice fireplace that can put out up to 32,000 BTU's. Fireplaces from Majestic are also controllable by remote, meaning that you'll never have to get up even when you want to put the fire out.

The Marquis ClearView Premium Clean Face Fireplace is yet another example of Majestic's fine work in the fireplace arena. As always, it is controllable by remote and is direct vent. You really can't go wrong when you use a fireplace from Majestic.

Now for the PFDVD Peninsula Designer Series which is a little different from the fireplaces that you might be used to. This is called a peninsula fireplace because it sticks out from the wall and the fire can actually be seen from all sides. It's a little hard to describe in words, but trust us, it's a beautiful fireplace. The best way to describe it would be a glass box that extends from the wall and contains a fire.

Those are three great examples of fireplaces that you can purchase from Majestic. As you can see these are all top rate additions to your home, and they will last for a very long time. If you are going to trust any company with the safety of your home, trust Majestic.

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7 Tips For Buying An Outdoor Fireplace

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Before buying an outdoor fireplace, there are several factors to take into account. Always remember that the safety of your family and property is the most important consideration.

1. Size matters

When comparing fireplaces, look at the size of the fire area before the height. If the firebox is small, wood buying and cutting is more difficult.

Requesting for specially cut wood from your supplier increases your cost.

Try to find a large firebox, don't bother with the tall and thin fireplace. A small firebowl will cost more down the road. You don't need a large fire just because you have a large fireplace, just use less wood to have a smaller fire.

A good fireplace burns more cleanly and more efficiently than a firepit design having no smoke stack. The fireplace draws air into the fire and blows out the neck for an efficient burn. Firepit designs tend to smoke and smolder much more than a traditional fireplace design because of poor airflow.

2. Proper maintenance

Fireplaces made in the more commercial copper, clay or sheet steel don't have the longevity or safety of aluminum or cast iron. Sheet metal fireplaces are available at a bargain cost. They're pretty much a disposable type of fireplace. Once metal sheet fireplaces start to rust, they have already outlived their usefulness. Check the gauge or thickness of the metal. A metal too thin might melt.

Some cast iron fireplaces have sheet metal necks. If that's the case, check if the manufacturer has replacement parts available and cost. Frequent replacement for the neck is not what you want.

Cast iron must be maintained to prevent rust. It is a little difficult to maintain. But a well maintained cast iron fireplace will last you a long time. Also, consider the placement of your cast iron fireplace.

The cast iron fireplace tends to stain the surface it stands on.

An occasional paint job with a high temperature paint will slow down rusting. The cast iron is heavy and can stand a lot of abuse.

Copper looks great initially but after a couple of uses it tends to be green and rusty. Several companies put holes in the bottom of the firepits to drain ash and water out during rain. Firepits without holes will be filled with water when it rains.

Cast Aluminum is one of the best buys. It is easy to maintain and a long lifespan. An aluminum fireplace does not warp and only has a slightly lower melting temperature than cast iron. Cast aluminum does not rust. It is also considerably lighter than cast iron making it easier to move around.

3. Weigh it

When comparing fireplaces, check the weight. Most fireplaces are produced by weight, so they are bought by weight. Be sure that you're comparing the same material, copper to copper or cast iron to cast iron.

4. Aluminum feature

Cast aluminum is by far a better choice for a novice outdoor enthusiast. The fireplace is easier to maintain and can be easily moved around. It may be brought to a home by the lake or stored during winter along Northern areas. Store it to prevent damage or possible theft.

5. Clay fireplace

The most disturbing problem with a clay fireplace is that it can fall apart without prior warning. When the bottom falls out, it can be quite a mess. Avoid placing your clay fireplace on a wooden deck or any surface that can easily be damaged by heat or fire. Place it on cement or tile.

If you choose to purchase a clay fireplace, take safety precautions. Use a spark arrestor and a mouthscreen for safety. The extra cost is well worth it. A clay fireplace is generally cheaper but has a shorter lifespan than either aluminum or cast iron.

6. Surround view fireplaces and raised firepits

Most surround view fireplaces are built with light materials. Surround view fireplaces are easy to tip over because of the light material used to make it. When it is tipped over, it will send ash and embers everywhere.

Safety is an issue with surround view fireplaces. Slight breezes might send embers and catch fire with flammable materials.

If you're buying a raised firepit, be sure that it comes with a lid. Otherwise, ash will be spread all over your patio when it rains.

7. What to burn

Hardwood is by far the most popular fuel for outdoor fireplaces. Pinon wood has a pleasant pine scent when burning. It keeps the flame active and generates good heat. It also helps in keeping insects away. Other fuel sources are propane, gel inserts, manufactured firelogs and natural gas.

Pine cones and applewood can be added for more aroma.

Several fireplaces come with inserts for natural gas and propane.

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How to Choose the Best Mattress? Tips While Buying a Mattress

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There are many types of mattresses available in the market and it is very difficult to choose a mattress. Everybody will not like a particular type of mattress, as the choice and tastes differ among people. Some people like a very light mattress while some like hard surface mattresses.

If you want to buy a mattress there are 4 important points to be kept in mind:

Soft or hard mattress: It is best to choose a mattress by lying down on it for a minute and giving it a test. Some people like a mattress that is little soft while others like very soft mattresses. Do not just check the brand name and buy a mattress, test and then buy.

Durability: The mattress should be very comfortable and the quality of the materials used should be very good, so that it can last for years.

Warranty: The competition in the mattress industry is picking up and there are companies which provide 20 years warranty, so buy a mattress which at least provides 10 years warranty.

Space: Buy the mattress according to the size of the bed. The measurements of beds are different, so buy the right ones. If you are single then buy a single mattress and if two people sleep then buy a double bed mattress so that you have enough space to sleep and roll on the bed.

It is very difficult to suggest a good mattress, as there are many opinions on each and every mattress available in the market. So, it is advised to judge the mattresses by keeping the above points in mind while buying a mattress.

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