Why Burning Wood is 2020’s Hottest Fireplace Trend

Maybe it’s the sensational experience of throwing a log on a crackling fire, or it could be the energy independence and environmental sustainability of burning cut trees. Sometimes it’s the beauty that an updated hearth appliance adds to your home. Maybe it’s the increased efficiency and high heat output of today’s wood burning fireplaces. At Mountain Hearth & Patio, our recent increase in wood burning fireplace installations comes from a combination of all the above.

Did you know that you can still install a wood burning fireplace in your home? It’s a common misconception that new wood burning fireplaces aren’t allowed anymore. That’s simply not true! Since 1990, the EPA has regulated the sale of wood burning appliances in Colorado by measuring and limiting their particulate matter emissions. As the emissions standards have become more stringent, the technology has improved creating ultra-efficient and low emissions wood burning appliances. Some of newest, most efficient wood burning hearth appliances reach 80% efficiency, compared to 20-30% of old open-face traditional fireplaces. This past May marked the implementation of the EPA 2020 emission standards, the strictest yet. This is not just a win for air quality, it also creates the most efficient, clean burning wood-fuel units in history.

Modern Wood Burners Are Versatile, Safe Heaters

Today’s new wood burning fireplaces are more than just extraordinary heaters, they’re stylish too! New wood burning fireplaces also are available in a variety of sizes, accommodating log lengths from 18 inches to over 30 inches! From contemporary to traditional, wood burning fireplaces are equipped with design options to complement the style of your home. Available in both arched or rectangular shapes, new wood burning fireplaces also come with different textured and metal-finished fronts. One thing they all have in common, is a large glass viewing area that showcases the flames burning inside. The large glass built into the door isn’t your ordinary tempered glass either, it’s a special ceramic glass that is designed to radiate heat into your home. Because of this feature, your fireplace can heat your home even when the power is out!

The doors on new wood burning fireplaces aren’t just for loading wood and admiring the fire, they’re the secret to the high efficiency and low emissions of these units. Outdated open-face fireplaces allow a large volume of air from the living environment to over-feed the fire and escape right up your chimney. This is problematic because then the fireplace is burning through more wood than is necessary, and surrounding rooms become cold as the air from outside leaches in. Today’s wood burning fireplaces regulate the airflow into the firebox, conserving fuel and more effectively warming your home. Additionally, most of the newer wood burning fireplaces come with an outside air kit, that draws combustion air from outside the home, keeping the air pressure in your home more equalized. A new wood burning fireplace becomes an investment in your home, saving you money on heating fuel in two ways!

New wood burning hearth appliances are also safer for your home. New fireplaces are installed as a UL listed system that is designed and tested to be safe at the high temperatures put out by a wood-fueled fire. Additionally, if you have an older fireplace system, the years of use or improper care can be degrading the safety of the unit itself and putting you at risk of a chimney fire. With the high efficiency of newer wood burning fireplaces comes a cleaner burn. This means less creosote is accumulating in your chimney, which is what burns in a hostile chimney fire.

Modern Wood Burners are Adaptable to Your Needs

Now that you know why it is such a hot trend to get a new wood burning fireplace, let’s talk about how it can be done in your home! Getting a new wood burning fireplace is much simpler than it sounds. As mentioned, these fireplaces are installed as a complete system, so there’s no need to figure out mixing and matching of components. Demolition of an old fireplace, venting and outdated façade makes way for a new unit and chimney system. Don’t forget the mantel for the coveted TV-over-the-fireplace look! We have mantels to match any home, from rustic handmade wooden beam mantels to sleek steel or cementitious mantels that are non-combustible. Add some new finishing material, and you have just transformed the look of your living room!

It is also possible to add a wood burning fireplace where there wasn’t one before. We can even build an enclosure for the fireplace on the exterior of your home so you don’t have to give up any of your living space. No more chilly addition or den in your home!

Modern Wood Burners Require Annual Service

If you already have a fireplace in your home that you love, now is a great time for your annual service before the burning season! Sweeping away the accumulated creosote and soot every year is necessary for the optimal performance and safety of your solid fuel appliance. Our annual service appointments also include an inspection, which evaluates the firebox, damper, and chimney system; we also get on your roof to clean and inspect your cap, and we evaluate the exterior portions of your chimney. At the end of the service, we write everything up for you so you have the documentation that everything is in good working order, or if there’s something we recommend repairs on.

Gas units need annual service too! For this service we clean the unit, refresh the burner media, clean the glass and evaluate to make sure all the components are functioning properly. Call today to have our certified technicians complete your service so you’re ready for the burning season.

Let Us Help You With Your Fireplace Project!

You’re invited to see our variety of wood burning appliances in our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Marshdale. We have a large assortment of sizes, shapes, and styles for your home! Come visit us from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-4pm Saturdays. You can also see our products and portfolio of work, or reach us by phone at (303) 679-1601, and email at Office@MtnHP.com.