A Master Suite Remodel With a Gas Fireplace
Nothing is quite as romantic as a roaring fire on a cold winter night. Imagine the luxury of falling asleep to a warm comfortable fire every night in your master bedroom. If you’re planning a master suite remodeling project, adding a gas fireplace will enhance the design of the space and create a romantic inviting atmosphere.
Today’s gas fireplace technology has improved from the days of static, anemic blue flames and fake looking logs. Modern gas fireplaces burn more realistically, complete with glowing red embers and tall yellow flames that dance around realistic ceramic- fiber logs that are molded using the real thing.
A gas fireplace requires no tending, needs the occasional dusting, can act as a heat source for the bedroom, and turns on and off at the touch of a button. Nothing is easier to use, more convenient, or more energy efficient than a modern gas fireplace.
Adding a fireplace to your master suite remodeling project is a fairly simple process, although you will need to make sure that any fixture you choose meets your local building codes. If you’re looking for a fireplace for a bedroom, you’ll need to focus your search on direct-vent models as most localities do not allow unvented gas fireplaces in the bedroom.
Three Types of Gas Fireplaces For Your Master Suite Remodeling Project
There are three basic configurations of gas fireplaces. All are available as either vented, or vent-free versions, they are:
- Inserts, which are used to retrofit existing fireboxes with a unit that is more convenient and efficient.
- Built-Ins, which are used when there is no existing fireplace in the bedroom.
- Log Sets, which are basically units that sit in existing, open, fireplaces.
Inserts and built-ins are reliable heat sources that fill your space with a mix of warm air and radiant heat. Log sets are generally used more for their look than for heating. In order to be used in a master suite remodel, any unit you choose must vent the fumes to the outside of your home.
This is critical when choosing your gas fireplace. According to Section 303.3 of the International Fuel Gas Code, homeowners are prohibited from using a model that gets its combustion air from the bedroom. So unvented fireplaces and natural-vent gas fireplaces or wood burning fireplaces with gas logs are typically prohibited. Some local codes actually require the manual to clearly state that the unit is “bedroom approved.”
Building codes and regulations can vary widely. For example, in some states, unvented gas fireplaces are allowed in a bedroom, as long as they are under 10,000 BTUs. Most localities, however, do not allow unvented gas fireplaces in a bedroom, period. Your design build remodeling contractor can supply more information on your local codes.
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Considerations For Adding A Gas Fireplace to Your Master Suite Remodeling Project
There are some considerations if you’re planning on adding a gas fireplace to your master suite remodeling project. As just explained, any fireplace used in a bedroom needs to be a vented unit. Fuel, cost, BTUs, and maintenance are all valid concerns, so here are some facts:
• What do They Cost?
For a heat producing fireplace insert or built-in fireplace, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $2000 to $7000 or more for the unit including installation. This does not include a decorative work like a mantle, tile surround , unique stone surround etc. Costs can vary depending on the scope of work required to properly vent your fireplace.
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• Fuel Choices
Gas fireplaces are available that burn both natural gas and propane. Natural gas is generally less expensive and produces about five percent more heat. When natural gas isn’t available, choose propane.
• Venting Options
There are two venting options available for use in a master suite bedroom.
Natural venting or B vent is used if you have an existing wood burning fireplace with a chimney in the space. A flexible metal pipe is installed in the chimney which exhausts the combustion by-products and the room air out of the house.
Direct Venting draws in outside air for combustion, then expels the spent air back outside through a dual (co-linear) venting system which eliminates the heat loss associated with a conventional chimney. The vent line can be run through the roof, or out the side or back of the house. Direct vent units must have a sealed glass door to maintain proper combustion and proper indoor air quality.
• Care and Maintenance
Expect to pay about $150 annually for a certified technician to come and clean the unit and adjust the burner to keep your fireplace soot free and natural looking.
• BTUs
The heat output of gas fireplaces varies depending on the type and any additional options like a blower fan to distribute heat. Your contractor can help you size the BTU output to match your room size, local climate, and your home’s insulation level.
Along with these basic features, seek out a fireplace that offers you options like a variable height adjustment, thermostatic control, electronic ignition with a battery backup – you’ll love this feature when the power is out. If your unit is meant to act as a primary or secondary heat source make sure it has a built-in fan.
At Joseph & Berry, we can help you to choose the perfect fireplace for your master suite remodeling project. Gas fireplaces are available in a number of sizes, various BTU outputs, and every style from Victorian to ultra-modern. Our design team can incorporate the perfect fireplace to match your aesthetic taste and style.
If you want to learn more about a Master Suite Remodeling in Dallas, call us today through (800) 371-8970 or schedule an appointment and speak with one of our qualified professionals