We’ve Been Edmonton’s Fireplace Installation Experts Since 2013
Fireplaces by Weiss-Johnson installs most makes and types of fireplaces. Whether you like the warmth and authentic look of a wood stove or fireplace, the trendiness of a sleek linear fireplace, or a more traditional log-style gas fireplace, we guarantee we will have something to suit your fancy.
We also have a room dedicated to the ever increasingly popular electric fireplaces – complete with all the bells and whistles available to give you a truly unique mood or setting in your home.
Questions? Give us a call, stop by our showroom, and reach out online today.
What Types of Fireplaces Do We Install?
There’s some truth in the old saying that variety is the spice of life. We know that homeowners have diverse desires when it comes to heating preferences and home design, so we have quite a variety of fireplaces in three main fuel types: wood, gas, and electric.
Some homeowners deeply appreciate the classic charm of a traditional wood-burning fire. This is what comes to mind when you picture a stately early-American home or a cozy Christmas morning.
Wood fireplaces create an inviting ambiance and can heat large spaces well when sized properly to match the room. But just because they’re traditional doesn’t mean you’re pigeon-holed into one standard look. Wood burning fireplaces can be installed in a variety of sizes and beautiful designs.
We carry wood burning fireplaces from the outstanding craftspersons at Fireplace Xtrordinair, Heatilator, Pacific Energy, Superior, and Valcourt.
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces provide the convenience of instant heat, precise temperature controls, and superb safety features. You might not get the crackle or aroma of a wood fire, but some options provide adjustable flame height and color – and all without the hassle of storing firewood.
Gas fireplaces are efficient, come in a variety of styles (from traditional to modern), and offer more flexibility in placement than wood fireplaces do.
We have extensive options for linear, multi-sided, and single-sided units from Amantii, Fireplace Xstrordinair, Heatilator, Montigo, Pacific Energy, Stuv, Superior, Valcourt, and Valor. We also install indoor/outdoor gas fireplaces by Ortal Gas Fireplaces.
Taking the versatility up another notch are electric fireplaces. They’re truly suitable for just about any space, and they offer adjustable heat settings and flame effect, providing ambiance without actual combustion. Electric fireplaces are energy efficient and low-hassle to install, so it’s no wonder they’re growing in popularity.
You’ll love our electric models from Amanii, Dimplex, and Simplifire.
What’s right for you?
Every fireplace we install, we install with the particular customer in mind. We’ll give attentive consideration to your home’s layout, what you desire from your heating appliance, and your design sensibilities, and we walk you through the process of selecting your fireplace. We even do custom fireplaces!
Whether you want a crackling wood fire, the convenience of a gas-fueled flame, or the flexibility of an electric fireplace, our team wants you to love the result. So, let’s get started – call or book online with us today.
How Do I Choose the Right Location for My Fireplace?
A fireplace becomes a focal point of the room it’s in, bringing light, beauty, and warmth. But you can’t put it just anywhere. There are a few factors that will influence your decision.
- Type of Fireplace. Gas, electric, and wood fireplaces all bring their own set of benefits. They also bring different requirements in terms of venting and proximity to power or fuel sources. This will factor into where you locate your fireplace within a room.
- Function. What’s the primary purpose of your fireplace? Heating and aesthetics are both important for most people. If you want to make the most of your fireplace’s heating capacity, consider placing it in a central location where heat can effectively radiate throughout the space. For ambiance, a prominent spot in a gathering area makes sense.
- Structural Considerations. Fireplaces need a stable foundation capable of supporting the weight of both the unit and a chimney (if required). There should be sufficient structural integrity, space for installation and ventilation requirements, and space for future maintenance needs.
- Safety. The location you choose needs to comply with local building codes and safety regulations. Adequate clearances from combustible materials is a must – so make sure adjacent walls, as well as any furniture and curtains will be sufficiently far from the fireplace location. Space for proper ventilation and maintenance is also a requirement.
- Visual Integration. Spend some time thinking through how your fireplace will complement your home’s overall design, decor, and setup. Choose a location that is harmonious and draws attention without overpowering the space. Consider the height of your ceilings, room layout, and any architectural features.
If it seems like a challenge to hold all these pieces together, never fear. We’re here to help! We’ll help you evaluate your space and select a fireplace location that seamlessly integrates into your house, making it feel all the more like home.
What Are Venting Requirements for Different Types of Fireplaces?
Venting requirements vary based on the type of fuel your fireplace is designed to use.
Wood-burning Fireplaces
Wood burning fireplaces require venting to exhaust the byproducts of wood-fueled combustion: smoke, gases, and particulates. Masonry or prefabricated metal chimneys extend above the roofline to ensure proper draft, and the chimney flue must be appropriately sized to the fireplace unit in order to let gases escape (while discouraging condensation and moisture in the flue, in the process).
There are also specific clearance requirements we adhere to for surrounding combustible materials, such as walls, ceilings, and nearby materials surrounding the chimney and fireplace. These clearances align with building codes and manufacturer specifications to help prevent overheating and fire hazards.
Gas fireplaces have different requirements based on the fireplace type.
- Vent-free gas fireplaces don’t need to be vented outdoors because they use a precision burner system to burn gas cleanly. However, they have very strict clearance requirements and are designed only as supplemental heating.
- Vented gas fireplaces do vent outdoors and are more common and efficient. They use a sealed combustion system which draws outdoor air in for combustion, then vents exhaust gases outside through either a horizontal or vertical vent pipe.
Electric Fireplaces
One of the reasons electric fireplaces are so versatile is that they don’t produce combustion gases, so they don’t need to be vented. With no real flame, they rely on electricity to operate and are designed to operate safely without the need for a chimney or vent pipe. This means they can be installed anywhere with access to electricity – no need to use existing or put in new venting infrastructure.
The venting requirements of your fireplace will be a significant factor in its suitability for your space, where you can locate it within your home, and the cost and level of disruption involved in installation. When our qualified technicians install a fireplace of any type, we’ll make sure your unit is safely vented (if needed) and meets all necessary regulations.
Are Fireplaces Energy Efficient?
The efficiency of fireplaces can vary based on the type of fuel, the design of the fireplace and ventilation system, and how well the fireplace is maintained.
Traditional, open masonry fireplaces, while very cozy, are typically less energy efficient because they lose a fair bit of heat up the chimney. Newer fireplaces tend to be more efficient, and modern fireplace inserts offer substantial improvement in energy efficiency. Fireplace inserts have a sealed combustion chamber and insulated doors that prevent heat loss and maximize heat output into the room. Electric fireplaces and inserts don’t require venting at all, and efficiently convert electrical energy into heat.
Whatever type of fireplace you have, being diligent about operating it well and maintaining it properly will increase its efficiency. For example:
- burning only well-seasoned firewood if you have a wood fireplace
- having any chimneys in your home inspected and swept regularly
- promptly repairing or replacing any broken or deteriorating chimney, insert, fireplace, or ventilation components
- …and more!
Can I Convert My Existing Fireplace to a Different Fuel Type?
First, it’s really important to only use your fireplace unit as designed, including only using the type of fuel intended for the unit. Different types of fireplaces have distinct structures and venting needs, so it’s dangerous to use the wrong fuel source. If you’d like to switch to a different fuel type, however, it is often possible with some planning and professional expertise.
For a fuel source conversion to be doable, the fireplace structure, chimney, and venting system need to be made compatible with the new fuel type. Consult with an experienced, qualified fireplace technician so they can assess your existing setup, explain potential costs, recommend options, and ensure compliance with regulations.
If you have an open fireplace, a fireplace insert might be a great option for you, allowing you to convert your fuel type, while boosting your fireplace’s efficiency. In this case, the long term savings can help offset the upfront costs of installing your new unit.
As always, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities.
Questions About Your Fireplace? Give Us a Call Today
If you have questions about your fireplace, give us a call today for expert advice and personalized assistance. Whether you’re curious about getting an efficiency boost, are considering converting to a different fuel type, or are ready to take the plunge with a stunning new installation, our knowledgeable team is ready to help.
Call or schedule with us online today.