As the temperature drops, it's time to think about those cozy nights by the fireplace . . . if you have one.
While conventional fireplaces are picturesque and inviting, they might not be the most efficient heating sources.
"Traditional fireplaces can actually cool a home while wasting energy. A traditional open-face fireplace sets up a draft in the flue that carries most of the heat from the flame up the chimney, and then draws the furnace heat out of the home," says Cameron Mosher of Fireplace Installers. "Unlike open-face gas and wood-burning units, direct-vent and vent-free fireplaces have positive efficiency and add heat to a home."
Many people view fireplaces as an emergency source of heat in the event of a power outage, which is another area where Mosher believes vent-free units work best.
"With vent-free fireplaces, the flame is not affected by the power outage," he adds. "They continue to operate safely, unaffected by the power loss and can serve as a primary heat source for an extended period of time."
He also points out that fireplaces might also eliminate the dryness associated with the winter months.
"In dry climates like Utah, a vent-free log set or fireplace adds moisture to a home and doubles as a beneficial humidifier," says Mosher. "Tests show that indoor air humidification can be brought within comfort range by use of a vent-free heating product."
Vent-free heating systems, with log set, can be installed in an existing fireplace or placed freestanding in any room in a home. Most units are half the cost of a traditional wood or gas insert and will not alter the appearance of an existing fireplace.
Vent-free heating systems have provided homeowners the freedom to enjoy a fireplace practically anywhere, whether for aesthetics or warmth.
Most often, fireplaces are put in family rooms and bedrooms.
Keith Deppe of Casual Barbecue and Fireplace, says he is starting to see them in other parts of the home, including the garage.
"Garage heaters were once thought of as a luxury, but they really aren't. They are quite affordable," he says.
Deppe, in fact, offers both gas and electrical units in vent and vent-free versions for the garage.
"They allow you to work longer and more proficiently, keep your car warm so it will start easier, and if your garage is attached to your home, they help to heat your home."
Another new items is the gas log.
"A lot of people have, in fact, stopped using their fireplace because they no longer want to burn wood. The new fireplace log can easily and conveniently put the fireplace back in working order," he notes.
"It's also an alternative to a fireplace insert. Inserts can sometimes be an expensive way to go. Also, in some cases, it's an older fireplace with very decorative work on the face, and the insert can cover all of that up."
The only thing that's required is a natural gas line leading to the fireplace. The log can then be quickly and easily installed.
And, because it works under the vent-free system, it is not necessary to vent the log to the outside.
Even better, points out Deppe, the new logs are very efficient. Where vent-free systems of the past were only about 20 percent efficient, new logs are 99 percent efficient.
"With old fireplaces, it was necessary to keep the damper open. As a result, a lot of heat ended up escaping up the chimney," he says.
"With the vent-free system you can keep the damper closed and block off escaping heat. It also means that while the log is burning, the heat is sent out into the home as opposed to having it escape up the chimney.
The vent-free logs, as well as the vent-free fireplaces, are safety approved by the American Gas Association.
Gas logs can run between $350 and $600. Inserts, by comparison, can run from $1,300 to $2,300.
Then, of course, there are those who already have a fireplace but are interested in giving it greater accent with a mantel.
Moses Dalton, shop foreman at Intermountain Mantels, says maximizing space is the latest trend in fireplace mantels.
"Within the last year, people are incorporating mantels into entertainment centers or bookcases. People want to use all the wall space they can. With this combination, people don't have to have a fireplace on one wall and an entertainment center on the other.
"The most popular materials for mantels are rustic and sturdy. Knotty alder is probably the most popular wood for mantels," says Dalton. He will have a model of the entertainment-center mantel along with other styles at the 24th Annual Deseret News Fall Home Improvement, Remodeling and Decorating Show.
Also on display will be a wide selection of fireplaces, along with the latest vent-free heating systems, mantels and accessories.