|
|
Fireplaces & Air Quality |
Recently, indoor environmental issues have become a major concern for homeowners. From radon
to lead paint to clean air systems, consumers are paying more attention to the environment
they spend over 90% of their time in, that being indoors. Indoor air quality has become a very
important issue. Because today's homes are built much tighter, there is less natural
infiltration of air and therefore, more chance of safety concerns from pollutants in the home.
Indoor air quality is an important concern and should not be taken lightly. The American Lung
Association considers indoor air quality as a major concern in the health of Americans today.
They are so concerned that they are putting forth a major educational campaign by building
Health Houses in several parts of the country. The Hearth Industry is starting to be affected
by this interest in indoor air quality. Consumers are asking more questions and becoming more
educated on how air quality is affected by fireplaces and stoves. Gas and woodburning fireplaces
that are not room sealed can introduce smoke and/or gases into the home air environment. One
answer to their concerns is direct vent gas fireplaces. Direct vent or sealed combustion gas
fireplace products will maintain indoor air quality, and will not affect house depressurization.
Direct Vent's are vented out the back of the fireplace and have a sealed combustion chamber that
uses 100% outside air for combustion and exhausts 100% of all combustion by products outside.
Direct vents are also extremely energy efficient with ratings up to 75+% and the only fireplace
appliance installed in the American Lung Association's Health Houses.
Additionally, there are AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rated fireplaces that not only
eliminate air quality concerns, but have been tested to the same standards as today's energy
efficient furnaces. Their energy efficiency is so effective, they can be used with a thermostat
to regulate the temperature of a room. .
|
|
|
|
