Products and Services

Alternative Heat

The manufacturers of gas logs and alternative heating appliances sold by the Hearth and Home Shoppe in Mechanicsville recommend installation be done in strict accordance with local or national building codes, as per manufacturer installation manuals. We also recommend installations be performed by trained and certified installers from the Hearth and Home Shoppe.

Gas Logs and Inserts

When converting a woodburning fireplace to gas, three key decisions must be made: how important is heating efficiency; how many hours a day supplemental heat is required; and, how large an area is to be heated.

Vented logs sold by the Hearth and Home Shoppe in Mechanicsville provide the best alternative to the realism and ambiance of a woodfire without the smell and debris. Like burning wood, there is little or no heat from the fireplace.

With many reservations, an unvented (ventfree or ventless) product produces immediate but necessarily limited heat. Although a direct-vent insert can cost three to four times what a good logs set will cost, it is a sealed combustion chamber and is, therefore, able to efficiently provide heat 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Unvented products are useful to homeowners wishing supplemental heat only up to several hours a day. They are not to be used by people with coronary or respiratory limitations. This is why we at the Hearth and Home Shoppe in Mechanicsville provide customers with information from Popular Science Magazine that outlines the limitations of unvented products.

Direct-vent inserts are useful in homes that have areas difficult to heat such as rooms over garages, areas on slabs or homes that are not well insulated. They continue to provide heat during power outages and offer a cozy setting during unusually cold periods. Zonal heating of these appliances allows a homeowner to concentrate heat in the primary living area and therefore save money on heat throughout the remainder of the home.

There are numerous fireback and face options to enhance the appearance of gas inserts even when they are not being used. These styles range from Traditional, Old World, American Country, Arts and Crafts, and Eclectic. Most gas products sold by the Hearth and Home Shoppe in Mechanicsville may be operated by thermostat and/or remote control.

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Gas Stoves

The principles of gas inserts also apply with freestanding stoves.

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Pellet Stoves and Inserts

A freestanding pellet stove or insert can provide efficient heat using a renewable biomass fuel that now has been acknowledged as part of the national thrust to curb our dependence on foreign oil and nonrenewable fuels. As of July 1, 2007, no sales tax will be charged on pellet appliances. Larger pellet appliances can also burn a 50/50 mix of pellet fuel with fuel corn.

A pellet insert can turn an inefficient woodburning fireplace into a beautiful, efficient enhancement to any home. Freestanding pellet stoves and inserts can be sized appropriately by considering the area to be heated. Due to improved technology, pellet stoves and inserts are easier to install, start, operate, clean and maintain. Advanced electronic circuitry allows operation either manually or automatically, and a wall thermostat or remote control can be added for the ultimate in hands-free convenience. Although a pellet stove or insert needs electricity to operate, marine batteries and adapters are available and during an extended power outage, a home generator is more than sufficient.

As with gas appliances, there are cosmetic options available to complement any home décor.

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Wood Inserts and Stoves

Efficient and clean burning woodstoves and inserts can combine beauty and elegance. Once again, these appliances can be appropriately sized for any application. Current woodstoves and inserts manage combustion air flow with only one control for maximum ease of use. Draft by-pass dampers ensure quick fire start-up and smokeless refueling. Cooking and warming surfaces, extra large viewing areas as well as radiant heat allow you to fully appreciate the total scope and beauty of the fire inside.

Woodstoves and inserts are perfect for zonal heating in just the areas you use most often allowing you to reduce your central heating costs.

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Electric Logs and Fireplaces

Innovative technology in electric logs and fireplaces is now available for those who want the ambiance of a fireplace with heat available in some appliances. Electric fireplaces use optic technology with a rotisserie flame and a glowing ember bed to look like a wood fire. Many are available with furniture quality cabinetry. They can fit into almost any room, and can be used with or without the standard heater, meaning the “flames” can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, without worrying about the heat. Some designs can fit into existing masonry or prefabricated fireplaces.