A zero clearance fireplace is nothing but a prefabricated, factory made fireplace which can be easily moved around and needs very little maintenance. These are made for homes without chimneys and don't need a hearth to function efficiently. This kind of fireplace is installed with instructions to assemble the units and a manual for framework requirements. They look great when the metal unit is enclosed in a masonry framework.
What is a Zero Clearance Fireplace?
These type of fireplaces are surrounded with a wooden frame and have air ventilation pipes at the back. They are usually made from sheet metal or cast iron and are fueled with wood, gas or electricity. They can be cleaned once in a year if they are used. A fireplace of this kind is always a better option than a built fireplace as it can be safely installed near or against combustible materials like wood or walls. The space required by these fireplaces is also comparatively lesser than traditional fireplaces.
These fireplaces can be installed in any room of the house, to give the room a traditional, yet modern look. There is no need for difficult and complex brick work to cover these fireplaces as you can just have a glass door to give them a unique look, reducing the cost of the fireplace. There are a number of attractive designs for these type of fireplaces and you could match them with an attractive fireplace mantel that complements your home color schemes.
The zero clearance fireplace is gaining a lot of popularity as it is not only cheaper to install, but quicker and easier to operate as compared to the traditional masonry fireplaces. They are up to 70% more efficient than the traditional ones, as the open fireplaces do not get enough heat to burn the pollutants produced by them, hence reducing their efficiency. This is not the case in this type of fireplaces as they are closed and do not produce as many pollutants.
These fireplaces cost around $500 to $3000 depending on the kind of model you pick. One of the best and most efficient models is the Napoleon BGD42CFN which is very handy to install in any room of the house and looks stylish and elegant. When you want to purchase one of these, make sure you take proper measurements of the place you want to get it installed in.
Zero Clearance Wood-burning Fireplaces
These fireplaces have an iron rim but are fueled with wood. If you want to give a traditional look to the fireplace, you can opt for a wood burning one. These, not only heat your living space but also lower your energy costs compared to the gas and electricity fueled fireplaces. You can enjoy the warmth of a wooden fireplace in a commercially built zero clearance fireplace with your family, over a hot cup of coffee. The only problem with this type of fireplace is that it needs to be cleaned whenever you use it as it gives out soot from the wood.
Zero Clearance Gas Fireplace
This is a type of fireplace which is fueled by gas. It does not need combustible material like wood. It is a convenient mode of creating fire but the fireplace needs to be well ventilated and has to have a gas line attached to the main connection. There are many designs available in the zero clearance gas fireplaces and you can choose whichever suits your home. The location of a zero clearance gas fireplace is an important factor in the installation process. Make sure to choose a location which does not obstruct your movement in the house, as a incorrectly placed fireplace can cause discomfort and lesser room to move around. Consider the size of the fire box before you purchase it.
Zero clearance fireplaces are literally the hottest fireplaces today. So if you want to give your home a beautiful, cozy and a traditional look, going in for one will be a great option.
