For Quality Fireplaces, Stoves & Inserts In Dallas/Fort Worth, Call Black Velvet Chimney
Adding a new hearth appliance to your home involves a lot of big decisions – like what type of appliance to get, where to put it, and what type of fuel to choose. Then, of course, there’s style, size, materials, and more. One thing you should never struggle with is the decision to have your new appliance installed by Black Velvet Chimney.
For more than three decades, we’ve installed and maintained the fireplaces, stoves, and inserts of our neighbors throughout the Dallas Metroplex area, and we stand behind every installation we do. Our team is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and we maintain membership with the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), so you can expect us to be 100% up to date on all trends, codes, and safety practices.
With Black Velvet Chimney, you can be confident that your new appliance will be installed properly to provide you and your family with years of warmth and comfort. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Wood Burning Fireplace
Wood Burning Stove
Wood Burning Insert
What Is the Difference Between a Fireplace, Stove, and Insert?
Taking the plunge and moving forward with a new appliance installation is overwhelming. There are tons of options on the market and when you don’t have experience in the area, it can be tough to know where to start. Black Velvet Chimney is here to help guide you through the process. Before you can get an appliance, still you have to decide which one is best for you – a fireplace, stove, or insert.
There isn’t an answer that is one-size-fits-all as each option has its pros and cons based on your needs and preferences:
Fireplaces
If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your home, you’ll find great traditional and contemporary options here at Black Velvet Chimney. Fireplaces are open hearths that are built into the structure of a home and feature a chimney or venting system that releases smoke and gases. A fireplace may be a good option if you have enough existing space or have the ability to expand part of your home to accommodate the addition.
Stoves
Stoves are freestanding units that have an exhaust vent that runs either out a side wall or through the roof. A stove can be a great solution if you’re short on space or you just love the charm and zone heating that a stove can provide. We carry wood stoves, offering a variety of style options and convenience features.
Inserts
If you have a fireplace, but it’s not efficient or it no longer suits your style, think about revitalizing the space with an insert. We offer beautiful and efficient wood options that essentially eliminate heat loss, conditioned air loss, and downdrafts. When professionally installed, the insert is simply retrofitted into your fireplace, so you can still enjoy the look of the fireplace you love – with added comfort. It’s a cost-effective alternative to tearing down and rebuilding your fireplace.
How Do I Choose Between a Fireplace, Stove, or Insert?
Again, there isn’t a right or wrong answer here. It comes down to what makes sense for your home. We can help point you in the right direction, but you’ll have to ask yourself the hard questions. A few things to keep in mind:
- Do you currently have a fireplace? If you already have a fireplace, but you want to improve its efficiency or update its look, you may find yourself leaning more towards an insert. It’s less construction and you can make use of the existing chimney system.
- What kind of space do you have? It doesn’t make sense to go for a big, invasive fireplace if you’re only trying to heat a small area. On the flip side, a stove may give off more heat but its small size may make it feel out of place in a large, open living area.
- What aesthetic are you going for? Interested in adding a little rustic, old-school charm to your home? A fireplace or stove can provide the vintage charm that fits the bill. Whereas the right insert can take your living space from mid-century modern to contemporary.
- What type of fuel will you use? Gas and wood both have benefits. Gas is more convenient and easier to use, but installing gas lines could prove costly and time-consuming. Wood offers a more authentic ambience, but you would need somewhere to store firewood.
How Do I Know if My Fireplace Is Gas or Wood-Burning?
Do you have an existing fireplace, but you’re not sure if you have a gas fireplace or a wood-burning unit? Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference. A wood-burning fireplace burns wood as a fuel source, but some wood-burning fireplaces use a gas starter for easily lighting a fire. Gas starters are typically found under the firewood grate and use a keyed valve to control the flow of gas.
A gas fireplace on the other hand will typically come with ceramic logs or fire glass depending on the style. If you have a direct vent fireplace or stove and you find that the glass does not open, this is a clear sign that you have a gas-burning appliance.
Ready To Invest in a New Heating Appliance? Call Black Velvet Chimney
If you have any questions about fireplaces, stoves, or inserts, or you’d like help with your purchasing decision, please feel free to reach out to us for more information. We’re here to help in any way we can so you can start enjoying your new hearth appliance right away.
The right chimney cap, damper cap or chimney cover will go a long way toward keeping animals, debris and water out of your chimney system. Ask us about the models and brands we sell and install.