Open hearth fireplaces

Open hearth gas- or wood-fired fireplaces are basically decorative; the heat supplied will not make up for the losses due to house air drawn up the chimney. Consequently, most fireplaces are unable to provide any net heat gain. Fireplace accessories such as tightly fitted glass doors only offer nominal improvements on efficiency. The hearth industry has a variety of efficient direct vent zero-clearance fireplaces and inserts: gas, propane, pellet and wood units that also look great and eliminate standby losses.