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Buying a used fireplace? What to look for...

1/16/2014

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With a multitude of resources available to us such as Ebay, Kijiji, and Craigslist, the concept of buying a pre-owned fireplace can be very tempting. Not only can you save some money (hopefully!..we'll get to that later) by opting for used, but you're also helping to keep something from being tossed into a landfill. Good for you!

There are a few things to consider when shopping for a used fireplace. Keep in mind that if the fireplace you've purchased is not deemed safe by a licensed gas technician, he or she can not legally install it. 

A few things to consider and check for....

How old is the fireplace? and will it run as efficiently as newer models? If not, your higher gas bills could quickly eat up any savings you've acquired, by buying used.

Does it need replacement parts? The cost of replacement parts can quickly add up, and possibly end up costing you the price of a new fireplace - that would include some warranty!

What is the model number? This is important. Every fireplace should come complete with a rating plate attached to it somehow. It will either be chained to the unit, or stuck on as a sticker. If this plate has been tampered with, removed or painted over, it's time to walk away. If the rating plate is gone, there is no way of knowing whether the fireplace has been recalled, how to get replacement parts if needed, or how many BTU's it puts out. If it is deemed unsafe for use, it will be red tagged ie..shut down by a gas technician.

If you happen to come across a suitable unit, that meets all of the above criteria, consider contacting a local and reputable gas technician to assist you in the purchasing decision. A gas tech with inspect the unit with a fine tooth comb. He/she will not only be able to tell you whether the unit needs any refurbishing/new parts, but also whether it is the correct application for your particular home and needs.

Best of luck with your search!!

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Always hire a TSSA licensed gas technician

1/15/2014

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Gas work is serious business, and at Family Comfort we take our work very seriously. When gas work is done professionally, it is done to code that is written and mandated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. When this code is followed to the letter, as it is here at Family Comfort, natural gas heating sources and appliances will perform exceptionally safely and trouble free. When code is not followed, usually the result of the work being done by an unlicensed technician or "handyman", the results can be devastating. When hiring a gas technician to do anything in your home that relates to natural gas, no matter how small, please be diligent and be sure to ask the right questions:

- Are you a certified gas technician, licensed by the CSA?
- Do you carry liability insurance that adequately protects me, when you are working in my home?
- Are you a TSSA licensed contractor? (a quick call to the TSSA can easily verify the info as well)

Cheapest is not best, especially when it comes to your safety. Professional licensed contractors pay hefty fees, insurance premiums, and are audited regularly by the TSSA to maintain their accreditations. They are continuously brought up to date when gas code changes, and regularly attend training to stay current in their field. Gas work is specialized work. The story below emphasizes the importance of hiring only licensed technicians:

http://www.tssa.org/CorpLibrary/ArticleFile.asp?Instance=136&ID=E088979C509711E3A788000C2922855A

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Why Natural Gas?

12/12/2013

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Thinking about converting your water heater, clothes dryer, stove, fireplace, or barbecue to natural gas? Natural gas is a safe, convenient, planet friendly and cost effective alternative to other fuel sources.

Consider the benefits..

Safety
Natural gas has an enviable safety record! Natural gas is non-toxic, and lighter than air which allows it to dissipate rapidly in well-ventilated areas. When used properly, it is one of the safest and most convenient energy sources.
Despite being naturally odourless and colourless, a gas leak is highly detectable due to the chemical odourant  called "mercaptan" that is added to it, for increased safety. The industry is very closely regulated. Licenced Gas Technicians are held to rigorous standards. They are well trained, and audited regularly by the Technical Standards and Safety Association to ensure proper adherence to the Ontario gas code.



Environment
Natural gas is an extremely clean burning fuel, producing very few emmissions. When burned cleanly, natural gas releases heat, water vapour and carbon dioxide.
Coal, oil and wood on the other hand, release a variety of potentially harmful chemicals into the air when burned, as they are far more chemically complex. When natural gas replaces other fuels, greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced. 


Cost
According to Enbridge Gas, "over the past five years, natural gas has been about 63 per cent less expensive 
than electricity and about 64 percent less expensive than oil". 
Consider also that electric heating, which is generated from coal or other fossil fuels, is only 30 percent efficient. 
Natural gas heating by comparison, is 94 percent efficient!

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Cozy up with a fireplace!

10/24/2013

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Here in the city of Hamilton, historic houses are the majority. We are surrounded with a multitude of beautiful century old homes bursting with character. These homes often feature original fireplaces, that are again, full of character and charm...but often unusable due to safety and insurance regulations. If you are lucky enough to be the proud owner of one of the beauties, consider making your fireplace usable again with the addition of a gas fireplace.
A gas fireplace, is a safe, easy and cost effective way to add warmth and charm to your existing chimney space.
Consider the way we use our homes. We typically use only a couple of the rooms in our homes for the greater part of the day...while other rooms such as guestrooms, dining rooms, and offices are used less frequently. A natural gas fireplace in a heavily used family room can be turned up while occupied, to keep the room nice and toasty, allowing you to turn down your central heating unit (furnace, boiler etc). This can add up to considerable savings on your monthly heating bill.
A clean, professional installation can be done in less than a day.  Your natural gas fireplace can be operated with the flip of a switch, or by remote control and will operate for pennies/day! 
Check out our ideas page and be inspired! 

  







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    Family comfort is dedicated to servicing your heating and natural gas needs here in beautiful Hamilton, Ontario and the greater Golden Horseshoe. Thanks for stopping by!

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