Cleaner, Greener Fireplace Options

Hearth appliances are one of the most popular features in American homes. In fact, half of all U.S. homes have at least one fireplace or freestanding stove and almost all new homes have a fireplace. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), fireplaces rank among the top three features desired by new homebuyers. Today, the selection of hearth products is greater and greener than ever. Whether you're looking for a beautiful fireplace to add ambiance to your great room, a freestanding stove to heat your home, or even an outdoor fireplace for your outdoor living place, there are plenty of options and products to choose from.

To help consumers navigate the myriad of product and fuel choices, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) has developed the "Consumer Guide: The Easy and Efficient Way to Heat Your Home," that highlights the differences between appliance options, fuels, approximate efficiency and the estimated costs of product purchase and installation (www.hpba.org/).

After learning more about the types of products available, consider these key factors when shopping for new hearth products:

• Renewable Fuels: Consumers have more choices than ever to provide their homes with ambiance and heat, including a variety of renewable fuel options like wood, pellets and corn.
• Indoor and Outdoor Pollution: All new wood stoves are certified to meet strict U.S. EPA standards that cut emissions by over 70 percent compared to uncertified stoves. Natural gas and propane are some of the cleanest burning fuel options available.
• Recycled Materials: Some manufacturers use recycled metal, glass and other products in the construction of your heating device.

Efficiency Ratings: Calculate Your Savings

Increased fuel costs and more focus on efficiency are key reasons for the continued popularity of hearth products. Today's models offer higher efficiency ratings, cleaner burning technologies, and more diverse product designs. HPBA has also developed a calculator (www.hpba.org/fuelcalculator) that can assist consumers in estimating the cost-saving benefits of various hearth products.