economist sunsuntribune saturday jan 17 2004 total hme advertising feature of the markham economist sunstouffville sun tribune thinking fireplace think safety and energy efficiency an energyefficient fireplace can help supplement your primary heating system ncflf youre planning to install a new fireplace in your home thoughts of warmth comfort and romance are like ly uppermost in your mind for peace of mind and maximum enjoyment how ever you should also give some thought to safety and energy efficiency a properly located professionally installed and energyefficient fireplace can help supplement your primary heating system for woodburning units your best choice is an advanced combustion epa environmental protection agency cer tified fireplace they are much safer to operate and can be up to 1 0 times more energyefficient than conventional wood fireplaces delivering more heat to the room many homeowners opt for natural gas or propane fireplaces for their ease of operation low fuel costs and clean- burning features from a safety and energy efficiency perspective the best type are directvent models that use out side air for combustion energyefficient fireplaces often feature an electronic ignition to avoid a continuous pilot light a tempered ceramic glass front and an insulated outer casing the best way to determine whether a fireplace is energyefficient is to check the manufacturers literature for the energuide fireplace efficiency rating the higher the number the better some units have ratings in the 30 range see next page the best way to determine whether a fireplace is energyefficient is to check for the energuide fireplace efficiency rating from a safety and energy efficiency perspective the best type are directvent models that use outside air for combus tion ttniotwlttp with over 20 years u1uu1lv1 c residential experience renovations additions basements bathrooms kitchens cabinetry decks cabanas hot tubs 4167793325 call for a free consultation specializing in basement renovations