Zero Clearance Fireplace

Many people are reducing their heating bills by adding a zero clearance fireplace. A Zero Clearance Fireplace typically means a fireplace that was designed to sit right next to the framing and doesn't require brick work or extra insulation. The fireplace has to contain and control the heat so that the surface temperature of the exterior of the fireplace that sits next to the framing will remain cool and not create a fire hazard.

There is actually quite a bit of differences in the quality and efficiency of various zero clearance fireplaces.  The fireplaces that are EPA Certified are going to be the most efficient and will include features such as an outside air sources that will fully satisfy all combustion air requirements.  They will also have thermostatic controllers for the combustion air intake that allow the fireplace heat ouput and burn time to be controlled by the home owner.  Finally they will include special glass doors that are gasketed or sealed to keep the fireplace chamber air tight.

The lesser zero clearance fireplaces will have either none of these features or only some of them.  The very poorest quality models will not have outside air controls and will actually pull more air out of the house than they give back in heat so the net effect will be to make it colder rather than warmer.  Obviously investing in a better fireplace will be a better investment for most home owners.