We have always had a bad attitude towards gas fireplaces. They seemed silly, like fake grass. Well, we recently saw a few pics from Valor and changed our mind. Boy, are they pretty.
Valor says that its fireplaces or "Gas Fireplace Heaters" are superior to regular methods of heating in that they put warmth directly into the space you wish to heat with virtually no cycling losses. Apparently, this is a problem with furnaces, which force heat through ducts. All fireplaces come with either "log" or "coal" set-ups and of all the styles, we liked the Bolero the best (pic above). Now have to say we are sorry for being such snobs. Sorry. AH
I used to hate fake fireplaces too. Then I checked out some new-construction condos and I was won over. (We don't have one, though, as we went prewar.) Our local Starbucks has one too --- flick a lightswitch and tada! A twinkling fire. Great for city dwellers and/or the lazy.
I too a previous snob, but there can be very practical reasons for this type of fireplace. In my previous place, an old house, the basement was finished, but unheated (due to replacement of the previous hugely inefficient furnace, which leaked heat all over the basement). Because it was an old house, there were a lot of unknowns in getting the chimney cleared out that would not have become known until a professional actually delved into it - potentially very expensive.
So, getting the fireplace back online wasn't a good option. Also, a fireplace wasn't a great option as the primary heat source for this regularly used floor. Since we were selling the place, we needed to heat the basement and a fireplace insert made the most sense. Some of them are beautiful, as in the shots above (some rather expensive too.) But all are fun, since you can instantly turn on a "fire," even in the summer, with a heatless option. Kind of a retro feel.
Um, a gas fireplace is not a "fake" fireplace...
Why does a fireplace necessarily need to be used as a heat source? What about as an ambient fire-feature? I've been in a number of homes and commercial spaces that have fireplace/firewall features in which gas is forced through quartz, pebbles, etc for a great dramatic effect. One of the homes was in Palm Springs, where you certainly don't want heat with your fire feature.
I, too, am an ex-snob/current fan of gas fireplaces. I had two fireplaces in my last place, in the mountains, and was talked into looking at a gas glass-front gas stove for the bedroom. I ended up loving it - shiny, gorgeous royal blue baked enamel antique stove, and the flame didn't look phony at all.
One thing: they are VERY efficient at the job for which they are designed. They are for the most part built as a heat alternatve and most throw more heat than a fireplace - which is a selling point in cold weather.
I have a Valor gas fireplace heater and they are just great. One problem, the glass shield gets etched or dirty. I have dismantled the heater and tried a number of cleaners with a little luck but not totally satisfactory.??? Is there a cleaner available to bring the glass back to clear or is the solution simply to replace it. Expressing my appreciation for a reply in advance, Thank you, Kent Sorrento, British Columbia
The window will clean up easily with Turtle wax polish. There is cleaner available for gas fireplaces, but it is essentially the same as liquid wax used for your car. Windex won't work. I have a Valor too, and it really heats my home. It is 18 years old and keeps on going.
Have a new Valor but the flame height is very low...and the remote control operates the gas valve very jittery...and from a maximum of about 6 feet. All batteries have been replaced. Any suggestions. Dealer not responding. Thanks!
We can only have an electric fireplace.
Any recommendations?
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