Housing Giants - November 24, 2008 - (Page 18)

Process Choose fireplaces with a ceramicmolded refractory or liner. This feature helps radiate more heat into the room. n Select fireplaces with a variable flame feature. This feature controls the flame height based on the room’s temperature, helping homeowners conserve energy. n Indoor aIr qualIty The best types of fireplaces to install are those that don’t impact indoor air quality. The two fireplaces that fall into this category are electric fireplaces and direct-vent gas fireplaces. Electric fireplaces don’t affect indoor air quality because their power source is electricity, which produces zero emissions. Directvent gas fireplaces don’t affect indoor air quality because they have a sealed combustion vent system. With this system, combustion air is drawn from the outdoors into a sealed firebox, and combustion gases are exhausted back to the outdoors. Other types of fireplaces have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Wood burning fireplaces with an open hearth produce wood smoke, which contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that can affect occupant health. Vent-free (or unvented) gas fireplaces also come with indoor air quality concerns. National green programs, such as Energy Star, will actually disqualify a home from receiving green certification if it has a vent-free gas fireplace. B-vent gas fireplaces are designed to not impact indoor air quality; however, these fireplaces are at risk for backdrafting. Backdrafting occurs when another appliance, such as a bathroom or kitchen ventilation fan, is pulling air from the home at the same time as the fireplace, creating a negative pressure indoors that draws exhaust air back into the home, typically carrying combustion gases with it. The best way to minimize the possibility of this occurring is to install a combustion air duct or to replace the B-vent flue with a triple-wall flue. Best PractIces lead to satIsfIed customers Choosing the right types of fireplaces and installing them using industry best practices will help ensure the peace of mind and well-being of your customers. HG Michael Dickens is the CEO of BuildIQ, which provides online information, tools and training in home building best practices to help builders take their homes and businesses to the next level of quality and performance. 18 HousInG GIants.11.24.08 www.HousInGGIants.com http://jobsite.buildiq.com/articles/greener-building/green-101.aspx http://www.energystar.gov http://www.energystar.gov http://toolbelt.buildiq.com/topics/hvac/fireplaces/backdrafting.aspx http://jobsite.buildiq.com/articles/greener-building/fireplaces-green-building.aspx http://www.buildiq.com http://www.housinggiants.com

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Housing Giants - November 24, 2008

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