Come in and see the new LUX!  What a stunning fireplace.  It is very modern but would fit into a traditional setting as well.  Glass media, porcelain refractory’s and metal pipes give a riveting focal point to a room.  This is really a unique fireplace.

We also have so many other fireplaces that are incorporating media.  If the traditional brick refractory and logs isn’t your favorite look, come and see what else we have on display.  There are rocks and colored glass media replacing the logs, as well on many units you can change the refractory (back of the fireplace) to plain black porcelain, which offers a very different look.

When the flames dance up from the media it is a very magical look.

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SERVICE

Did you know that fireplace manufacturers recommend cleanings once a year?

We are currently running a Spring Special that offers $20.00 off a cleaning.  Beat the fall/winter rush by taking advantage of this offer, which runs until August 31^st.  This can fix any annoying issues you may be having such as your fireplace turning off/on, delayed ignition, or a dirty glass obstructing the view of the flames.

Our techs will go through your unit checking all readings, resetting logs, repainting the firebox if required and of course cleaning the glass, leaving your unit looking spectacular.

Call us today!

One topic of debate fires up every summer – charcoal versus gas grilling.  While charcoal provides a delicious and unique flavor, grilling with gas fuel is quick, convenient and comparable in taste.  Try our new state-of-the-art gas barbeque with 100% pure infra-red cooking system and anti-flare up grills, and see how much time you can save.  These hybrid grills are hassle-free:  no bags of hardwood charcoal to haul or store, minimal wait time for cooking and easy-to-clean grates for no ‘muss or fuss’.

The high quality stainless steel gas Saber grills is the latest in grilling technology and has formed a cult following among grilling experts.  I’ll let you know if I’m the next member . . .

Stay tuned.

References

Reeves Lynda  “Grill Crazy”, Canadian House & Home.  July 2010; p. 42 & 44.

Buttermilk-Garlic Chicken Kebabs Recipes

Chicken thighs are more moist and economical; start on a hot grill and reduce heat to cook them slow to keep meat juicy.

16 boneless skinless chicken thighs

2 cups buttermilk

1 onion chopped coarsely

5 garlic cloves chopped coarsely

2 Tbsp dried oregano

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Pepper/Salt to taste

Fresh Mint chopped Optional

–Cut each thigh into 1” – 2” chunks.  Combine buttermilk, onion, garlic, oregano, lemon juice and zest and pepper in a large ziplock bag.  Add

Chicken and marinate in fridge up to 24 hours.

–Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes in cold water. Preheat barbeque to high.  Thread 6 – 8 chicken pieces onto each skewer, sprinkle with salt.

Grease the hot grill with oil, place skewers on it and reduce heat to low.

Close lid and cook 15 – 20 minutes, turning once or twice.

–Sprinkle with mint and serve.

References

Canadian House & Home.  July 2010; p. 125.

Poem originally written by Clement Clarke Moore

We wanted to have a fun post for Christmas this year. So I took it upon myself to take a popular Christmas poem and give it a little Mr. Fireplace flare. I hope you all enjoy.

T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the store

The fireplaces were burning, giving off a crackling roar;

The stockings were hung off the mantles with care,

In hopes that St. Roderick soon would be there;

The workers were nestled all snug at their desks,

While visions of holidays danced in their heads;

And Eileen with the donuts, and I with my notepad,

We settled into the meeting, of the week we just had,

When out in the lot there arouse such a clatter,

I sprang from the meeting to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the blinds and threw up the sash.

The reflection of fire on the new fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wandering eyes would appear,

But a bright red dodge truck, and eight devoted reindeer,

With a jolly old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Roderick.

More rapid then eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now, Dana! now, Jim! now, Glen, Jenette and Lacie!

On, Rhonda! on, Glenda! on, Jason! and Mistee!

To the top of the gazebo! to the top of the roof!

Now dash away! dash away! fast on your hooves!

So up to the store top the reindeers they flew,

With a dodge truck full of fireplaces, and St. Roderick too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I wondered in amazement and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Roderick came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of fireplaces he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

Dave L. & Ronald continued to work, and Dave C. sat up in his chair,

Dave E. came to greet him with holiday cheer.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Let us all know that we all had nothing to dread;

He spoke hardly a word, and then went straight to work,

And filled all the stockings with pine, fir, and birch,

And laying his finger on side of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his dodge, to his team gave a whistle,

They flew away fast like a bullet or missile.

What I heard him holler as he drove out of sight,

 “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a GOOD-NIGHT.”

Standard Safety Mesh Screens (SSMS) is a hot topic in the fireplace industry today. With the recent lawsuits against fireplace manufacturers due to children burning themselves on hot glass, there has been a whirlwind of controversy. What is the best way to handle this issue? Options have been suggested and quite frankly they don’t make a lot of sense. A warning light when the fireplace glass is hot or maybe a warning label of some sort are among the suggestions being thrown about. These are sure going to detour a toddler from touching a hot glass.

We here at Mr. Fireplace have sold fireplaces with SSMS for years now. We have done it for so long that it is just implanted in our heads. It is something that we associate with gas fireplaces and not seeing one there would just seem weird. We have dealt with the misconceptions of having these screens standard on our fireplaces as well. Some competitors will claim that it is there because our fireplaces are at risk to explode. Well that is not true. The real reason that our gas fireplaces come with a SSMS is actually quite an interesting story.

The president of Heat & Glo had his family over for dinner years ago. At this time his grandchild touched a burning fireplace that did not have a SSMS. The child severely burnt themselves on the glass. It just so happens that the child’s father was also one of the head engineers at Heat & Glo. At that moment, it was decided that every gas fireplace produced from that point on would come with a SSMS included. Heat & Glo (now owned by parent company Hearth and Home Technologies) were not concerned if these screens made their fireplaces cost more; they felt like they couldn’t put a price on safety. Hearth & Home will not confirm or deny this story, but this is what we have heard is the origin of the SSMS on their fireplaces.

Around the time of the lawsuits earlier this year we at Mr. Fireplace decided we needed to do more about this issue. Just offering the SSMS would not be enough. We setup a meeting with Doug Baron Burn Clinic Coordinator & Team Leader at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH). What we learnt at that meeting was staggering. We learnt that anywhere from 10% – 22% of the serious burns treated at the ACH over the last 5 years were fireplace related. Doug gave us some great information but what would we do with it.

It was then that we decided that we needed to create awareness about this issue. We needed to try and erase the black mark that the fireplace manufacturer lawsuits left on our industry while creating awareness of ways to help prevent these burns from happening. That’s when our Mr. Fireplace Helping Hands Campaign was born. We created a website that would be used to help create awareness to parents, grandparents and any other person who at any time may have a young child in the same room as a gas fireplace. This website domain address is www.mfhelpinghands.com

The website wouldn’t just direct traffic to itself though. We partnered with Jack FM and Sportsnet 960 radio with some public service announcements, partnered with some bigger home builders and ramped up some social media advertising to help get the word out. We also support the campaign in our store with a donation being made to the ACH on behalf of the customer for every fireplace or screen sold.

We invite you to take a look at the website www.mfhelpinghands.com and read the facts and info. Try and imagine that one of your loved ones was seriously hurt as a result of there being no SSMS on the fireplace. I am sure that after checking out all this info you will not feel the same way about gas fireplaces without SSMS again.

Prior to starting with Mr. Fireplace, I didn’t have any idea of what was involved in installing and servicing a fireplace, nor did I know about all of the options and choices given when looking for or purchasing a fireplace.

Did you know?

That we have everything from standard builder fireplaces to contemporary, traditional, modern, indoor, outdoor and even some exotic fireplaces. Here is an example of a fireplace that is very unique, and even magical. It is called a Solaris. This unit is one of a kind. With multi-color options, this fireplace creates an amazing illusion where the flames appear to be floating in mid air.

When thinking of a fireplace most people think of logs and wood, but there is so much more than that out there. We carry various forms of media as well as logs, such as rocks and crystals creating different looks and settings.

Fireplaces are changing and morphing from a source of heat to a form of art and style in your home. They can be used to define a space or even divide a room. There are also entertainment units as well as shelving unit fireplaces to enhance a room.

We also have a selection of fireplaces that have the ability to change colors creating several moods and settings.

There are so many variables in a fireplace like size, BTU’s, and EnerChoice ratings, fronts, mantels, remotes, wireless controls, logs, media……..There are a great number of things to consider when choosing a fireplace to suit you and your family’s wants, needs and lifestyles.

Our showroom has over 65 different units, from pellet stoves, wood burners, gas and electric; the choices are almost limitless.

It wasn’t that long ago when the fireplace was the center of home.  There is just something about coming in from a cold winter day and settling in by a fireplace hearth. Nothing can compare with the old world charm of a natural wood burning fire that provides a feeling of warmth, comfort, and peacefulness. Many homeowners today still desire them but are unsure if they are still available or if they can still have them installed.

According to a study by Environment Canada, “Using an older non-efficient wood-fire stove for only nine hours….produces as much fine-particle pollution as does a car in a year.” Not a great statistic. However, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) have developed standards for low-emission appliances. In the USA, all wood stoves and fireplaces sold must be certified as having low emissions. When compared to conventional fireplaces and older wood stoves, a CSA/EPA-certified appliance sometimes described as advanced-combustion or high efficient wood burning fireplaces emits substantially reduced pollution emissions. In Canada the low-emission certification is required only in British Columbia. Older, existing wood stoves or products purchased outside of British Columbia are exempt.

So where does that leave you. An approved zero-clearance / factory built fireplace is still a viable option if you would like to have a fireplace added to your home. It has a light-weight insulated chimney. This means it can be added to the house without adding a foundation, making it an option for any floor of the house. There are a few things you need to consider when choosing the location for your new fireplace.

One is to ensure your desired location has enough space to accommodate all the correct clearances required to install the fireplace safely. Although they are called zero-clearance, most fireplaces do have clearance requirements that will be specific to each model. The amount of heat you are hoping to achieve will determine whether you want a basic open front, mid efficient or high efficient EPA model. Glass doors are a requirement on all fireplaces, as well as, an outside combustion air source connected directly to the appliance. You will also need to install a carbon monoxide detector.

You will also want to consider the chimney requirements. As a fireplace is a natural vented appliance, the chimney must terminate above the roof. The chimney is required to vent 24” higher than any point of the roof within a 10 foot horizontal line. You should refer to the installation manual for what the minimum vertical height of the chimney must be as again, these heights will be specific to the model to ensure a good draft. It is a good idea to install the fireplace chimneys within the structure of the home and as straight as possible. Most manufacturers do provide elbow or offset kits in either a 15° 30° or 45°. If you must use an elbow kits to shift the chimney for any reason, the lesser degree of the elbow, the better.  If you must install the chimney at the exterior of the home, the chimney should be enclosed in an insulated structure to maintain a warm chimney. A fireplace with the chimney installed within the home will be much easier to light and operate then one with the chimney installed on the outside.

If you considering installing a mantel on your fireplace, you need to refer to the specific fireplace installation manual for the proper clearances. Keep in mind that most manufactures will test for mantels up to a maximum depth of 12”.  A wood burning fireplace will also require an minimum 18” non-combustible hearth extension. Again, you will need to refer to the installation manual as some appliances now require thermal or K factor for protection from the heat, as well as, sparks. Tile on the floor may not be enough.

As with all home improvement projects, check with your local authorities having jurisdiction for specific and permit requirements before starting the installation. It is a good idea to consider having your fireplace installed by a WETT certified professional.

Your new fireplace will require some regular maintenance. Do not completely remove the ash from the bottom of the fireplace. Always leave about 1” of ash to help reflect the heat back up to the fire. Dispose of ash in a metal container with a lid. You never know if there is still some hot coals there. It is recommended that fireplace and chimney system be inspected and cleaned yearly (more often if you become a heavy user) by a WETT certified chimney sweep.

As a friend of mine once told me, The best things in life are like a fine bottle of wine, a great cappuccino or a fantastic meal may cost a little more and take a little extra effort, but in the end it is worth it. Maybe this is the time to get yours.

Trends are often described as coming or going, however, there are a few trends occurring today within the fireplace industry that are showing strong preferences and lasting results.

Although the traditional styles of fireplaces with their log sets are still extremely popular, the new European linear fireplaces are gaining in popularity.  These sleek new designs are reinventing our perceptions of how fireplaces should look and along with these new styles, the finishing around them, and indeed, the whole room décor is being affected.  More so now than ever current interior design trends are playing a greater role in the decision process.

For those who like to keep in tune with current trends, here are a few suggestions:

1.  Industrial era meets mid-century simplicity:  add modern elements and merge with vintage 50’s and 60’s chic accessories to create an industrial feel (Legge 2011).  This style is reminiscent of the monochromatic design of the 80’s with an industrial feel where color and accessories are added as an accessory.
2.  Salvaged chic:  Recycling or reusing or altering of materials is becoming extremely popular.  Whether it is recycling wood products, spray painting or refinishing existing materials, it’s becoming very chic.  This trend certainly ties into the current popularity of recycling and eco-friendly (Legge 2011).
3.  Organic products:  the use of organic products such as bamboo, tiger wood, paneling, old planks and doors, natural stone, and organic paints, are becoming increasingly popular.  Being environmentally responsible is becoming, not only acceptable, but rather required (Halabi 2011, Legge 2011 and Lucas 2011).

Although these are generalized trends presently occurring, there is also one important element to add, whether you use currently popular earth tones, blues or grays, whether you paint the ceiling half strength of the walls, or whether you upcycle or recycle; a home uniquely reflects your personality.  This evolves and grows in character as you create it.  If you love the choices you have made, then it’s also trendsetting (Halabi 2011, Legge 2011 and Lucas 2011).

References

Halabi, Salina y “Design Talk with Tommy Smythe”, Home Décor and Renovations.  Oct-Nov 2011; p. 46-47.

Legge, Susan “trends we hope are here to stay”, Home Décor and Renovations. Oct-Nov 2011; p. 6.

Lucas, Adene “simple elements create a home’s character”, Home Décor and Renovations. Oct-Nov 2011; p. 29-31.

We get many questions about fireplace efficiencies and why certain fireplace efficiencies seem higher than others. Are you aware that fireplaces are being legislated to be more efficient energy users?

Old Methods

Different methods have been used to measure the efficiency of gas fireplaces. Steady state (SS) and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings are based on test methods originally created for wall heaters, space heaters and furnaces. The energy efficiency numbers generated by these test methods did not reflect the actual energy performance of gas fireplaces.

The New Standard

Working with the fireplace industry, the Government of Canada set out to develop a new test method for gas fireplaces. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) P.4.1-02 test method, introduced in 2003, was developed as a consensus standard (keep in mind, there is no such thing as a perfect standard). It mainly provides an “apples-to-apples” comparison when appliances are operated in a realistic mode using a standardized test methodology. The test method generates an FE (Fireplace Efficiency) rating, expressed as a percent efficiency – the higher the number, the more energy efficient the product.

EnerGuide and Gas Fireplaces

The EnerGuide label is well recognized by Canadian consumers as in important tool in assisting them to understand and compare energy efficiency. With the increased focus of Canadian consumers on both the cost and environmental impacts of energy, the EnerGuide rating for gas fireplaces, such as Mr. Fireplaces selection of “Heatilator” fireplaces meet and exceed today’s increasingly more regulated standards. Higher-efficiency equipment uses less energy and the savings realized from lower energy use will accumulate over the lifetime of the equipment. As well, using less energy reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

The EnerGuide rating will be found on manufacturers’ product literature. The FE will be inserted in an easily identifiable EnerGuide label format and presented in one of two ways depending on whether the product literature lists only a single model or multiple models.

Now You Have a Choice

All fireplaces are required to be tested to the EnerGuide testing standard, but only a select few have the EnerChoice designation. The EnerChoice stamp of approval is reserved for products that meet or exceed efficiency levels as determined by an independent committee managed by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada. When a gas fireplace, stove or insert is endorsed by the EnerChoice logo, this approval is your assurance that these units are “amoung the most efficient of gas hearth products available in that category.” EnerChoice can only be applied to free-standing stoves that are 66% or higher, fireplaces that are 62.4% or higher and inserts that are 61% and higher. Gas logs do not have an EnerGuide number – therefore treat as “0%”

The EnerChoice logo is reserved for the top of their respective categories of Gas fireplaces