You probably spend a good amount of time in your kitchen preparing meals and eating, or just hanging out with family and friends. But have you ever thought about having a fireplace in your kitchen? A fireplace attracts people to gather, socialize, and relax. And, from a practical standpoint, adding a fireplace can increase the value of your home.
Here are five things you should know about kitchen fireplaces:
- You don’t need to have a chimney and hearth. Just install a direct vent gas fireplace. This type of fireplace heats outdoor air pulled in through a double vent pipe that connects to the outside. Fumes exit through an inner chamber of the pipe, so there’s no need for a flue or chimney.
- A direct vent gas kitchen fireplace is more efficient and safer than a traditional gas fireplace. It converts natural gas or propane to create radiant heat that effectively heats the kitchen. Heat loss is nearly eliminated since the fireplace is sealed in glass. In contrast, a traditional gas fireplace is very inefficient since it allows the heated air to escape through open doors of the fireplace. Since a direct vent gas fireplace doesn’t need a flue, you don’t have to worry about back drafting of harmful gases into your home.
- A kitchen fireplace can help to divide spaces in your home. With an island fireplace, you add a bit of separation between the kitchen and family, living, or dining room. This can give you a sense of privacy without interrupting the flow of light and air in your house.
- Fireplaces add value to your home. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, 46% of those buying homes would pay more for a house with a fireplace. The survey also found that fireplaces can increase the value of a house up to $12,000 in some places.
- A direct vent gas fireplace can fit nearly anywhere in your kitchen. It can be installed through a wall, or even in the middle of the kitchen with vent pipes that go in the roof. They also come in a variety of sizes and styles that can fit your home and lifestyle.
Ready to get started?
If you’re interested in finding out more about kitchen fireplaces, Ortal has been the world’s top designer and builder of quality frameless gas fireplaces for more than 30 years. To learn more, visit Ortal’s website at www.ortalheat.com, where you can also find a dealer or showroom near you. If you’d like to meet or speak with a representative, go to their Contact page.
