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Which fireplace should I choose?

How to choose the best fireplace for your space

10 Steps To Choosing The Perfect Setup

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Fireplace experts | Twin Cities Minnesota

Step-by-step process

Our expert team has a 10 step process to guide you through planning and executing the perfect project. Bring your vision to life today with our professional fireplace installation team at Glowing Hearth & Home.

Project framework

Define Your
Project Type

Product Selection

Finding Your
Perfect Match

Aesthetic Customization

Create
Your Vision

INstallation planning

Ensure Perfect Execution

Step 1: Identify Your Scenario

Which of these situations best describes your needs?

Replace
an Existing
Fireplace
  • Your current fireplace is outdated, inefficient, or non-functioning
  • You want to upgrade the appearance and performance
  • The unit is approaching or beyond its typical 20 year lifespan
For Fireplace Replacement Projects:
  • Expect full wall opening to access venting and connections
  • Consider upgrading to Kozy Heat for superior flame appearance
  • Use opportunity to refresh stone and mantel elements
  • Typical project requires 1-2 days for fireplace installation plus 1-3 days for stone work
  • Final setup includes media installation and remote programming
  • City inspection typically required between phases
Learn More
Convert a Wood Fireplace to Gas/Electric
  • You have a traditional masonry wood fireplace
  • You want to eliminate wood cutting, storage, and cleanup
  • You desire improved efficiency and convenience
  • You want to reduce drafts and heat loss
For Wood-to-Gas Conversion Projects:
  • First determine if you have a true masonry fireplace with chimney
  • Schedule free "Preview" service for precise measurements
  • Select insert based on opening dimensions and desired features
  • Consider surround options to cover the gap between insert and opening
  • Chimney cleaning is required before installation
  • Typical project timeline is 2-5 days depending on complexity
Learn More
Add a
New Fireplace
to a Space
  • You're finishing a basement or remodeling a room and want to add a fireplace
  • You want to add a fireplace where none currently exists
  • You're looking to create a focal point and add warmth to your space
For Basement Fireplace Additions:
  • Determine if gas is available or if electric is preferable
  • For gas: assess venting possibilities (typically horizontal through wall)
  • Consider heat output needs based on room size
  • Select between traditional and linear styles based on wall space
  • Explore stone and mantel options to integrate with room design
  • Ensure proper electrical is installed before walls are closed
Learn More
Aesthetically Upgrade your fireplace
  • Your existing fireplace works well but looks dated
  • You want to update the surrounding stone, mantel, or facade
  • You're looking to transform the appearance without replacing the unit
For Fireplace Replacement Projects:
  • Expect full wall opening to access venting and connections
  • Consider upgrading to Kozy Heat for superior flame appearance
  • Use opportunity to refresh stone and mantel elements
  • Typical project requires 1-2 days for fireplace installation plus 1-3 days for stone work
  • Final setup includes media installation and remote programming
  • City inspection typically required between phases
Learn More

Step 2: Define Your Primary Goal

Which of these situations best describes your needs?

Heating Efficiency
  • Primary concern is adding warmth to the space
  • Need to heat a specific square footage effectively
  • Looking for reliable supplemental heating
Visual Appeal/Ambiance
  • Primarily concerned with appearance and visual effect
  • Creating a stunning focal point is the main priority
  • Flame appearance and aesthetics outweigh heating capacity
Convenience & Low Maintenance
  • Seeking simple operation with minimal upkeep
  • Remote control functionality is important
  • Ease of use is a primary consideration
Value & Longevity
  • Looking for the best long-term investment
  • Durability and quality construction are priorities
  • Seeking a solution that will enhance home value

Step 3: Installation Type Determination

Based on your space, what type of installation is appropriate?

Zero Clearance/Direct Vent Installation
  • For adding new fireplaces to spaces
  • When completely replacing an existing fireplace
  • When integrating into wood framing construction
  • When a masonry chimney doesn't exist
Insert Installation
  • When you have an existing masonry fireplace
  • For converting wood-burning fireplaces to gas
  • When working with an existing chimney structure
  • When minimal structural changes are desired
Freestanding Stove
  • When a built-in unit isn't practical
  • For specific aesthetic preferences
  • When more installation flexibility is needed
  • For spaces where a traditional fireplace doesn't fit

Step 4: Technical Feasibility Assessment

What constraints and requirements does your space present?

Venting Possibilities
  • Is exterior wall access available for horizontal venting?
  • Is vertical venting through the roof possible?
  • Are there existing chimney structures to utilize?
  • What clearances exist for venting pathways?
Gas Line Access
  • Is natural gas currently available in the space?
  • How complex would gas line installation be? (Typically around $900)
  • Are there structural barriers to running a gas line?
  • Is propane an alternative if natural gas isn't available?
Electrical Requirements
  • Is electrical access available for fans, lights, and controls?
  • Will new circuits be needed for electric options?
  • Are there smart home integration considerations?
  • What electrical work needs to be completed before wall closing?
Structural Considerations
  • Is the floor rated to support the weight of the unit?
  • Are there adequate clearances for heat-sensitive materials?
  • Will surrounding framing need modification?
  • Are there code requirements specific to your municipality?

Step 5: Fuel Type Selection

Which fuel source best meets your needs and constraints?

Gas Fireplace Benefits
  • Higher heat output (better for primary heating needs)
  • More realistic flame appearance with advanced technology
  • Remote control operation with adjustable settings
  • Requires venting and gas line access
  • Higher installation cost but superior performance
Electric Fireplace Benefits
  • No venting required (maximum installation flexibility)
  • Simple installation ("cut sheetrock and plug in")
  • Lower upfront cost and installation complexity
  • Ideal for bedrooms, basements without gas access
  • Less heat output than gas alternatives
  • Newest technology offers improved visual effects
Wood-Burning Options (if applicable)
  • Most authentic experience
  • Independence from utility services
  • Can be efficient with new insert technology
  • Requires more maintenance and cleaning
  • May affect insurance premiums
  • Not serviced by Glowing Hearth (installation only)

Step 6: Style & Size Determination

What aesthetic direction and dimensions work for your space?

Style Options
  • Traditional: Square-shaped viewing area, classic appearance
  • Linear: Rectangular, wider viewing area, contemporary look
  • See-Through: Visible from multiple rooms
  • Corner: Space-saving installation for room corners
  • Three-Sided: Viewable from multiple angles
Size Considerations
  • Room dimensions and proportion
  • Viewing distance from typical seating
  • Wall space availability (especially for linear models)
  • Ceiling height constraints
  • TV placement requirements (if applicable)
BTU Output Needs
  • Square footage of space to be heated
  • Ceiling height considerations
  • Local climate factors
  • Insulation quality of the space
  • Whether it's primary or supplemental heat

Step 7: Brand & Model Selection

Which specific products deliver your desired combination of features?

Kozy Heat Advantages
  • Flame-Out-of-Log Technology for realistic glow
  • Enhanced lighting & media options
  • Larger size range to accommodate for any project
Heat & Glow Considerations
  • Established brand with long history
  • Conventional burner design (flames from beneath logs)
  • Wide range of style options
  • Well-known name in fireplace industry
Napoleon and Other Options
  • Alternative features and design elements
  • Different price points available
  • Specific models for particular applications

Step 8: Surround & Facing Selection

How will you finish the area around the fireplace?

Stone Options
  • Manufactured stone from partners: Twin City Brick, Hedberg, MSI, Trilite
  • Natural stone selections
  • Color, texture, and pattern variations
  • Full wall applications vs. surround-only
  • Modern vs. traditional appearances
Mantel Considerations
  • Custom wood mantels through Hewn and Forged
  • Stone mantel options through stone suppliers
  • Floating vs. traditional supported designs
  • Size and projection specifications
  • Finish and color selections
  • Proportional relationship to fireplace size
Surround Options
  • For inserts: standard vs. custom surrounds
  • Metal, tile, or stone finishes
  • Sizing to properly cover the gap between insert and opening
  • Decorative details and edge treatments

Step 9: Interior & Media Selection

Log Set Options
  • Traditional oak appearance
  • Birch log styles
  • Driftwood or beach wood effects
  • Split log vs. whole log appearances
  • Charred or natural finishes
Alternative Media
  • Decorative glass in various colors
  • River rock or stone options
  • Crystal or contemporary media
  • Mixed media combinations
Interior Panel Selection
  • Reflective black glass
  • Brick pattern panels
  • Stacked stone appearance
  • Metal or contemporary finishes
  • Herringbone or specialty patterns

Step 10: Lighting & Accessory Options

What enhancements will complete your fireplace experience?

Lighting Elements
  • LED ember bed illumination
  • Downlighting effects
  • Adjustable brightness settings
  • Color options (when available)
Convenience Features
  • Remote control functionality
  • Wall switch options
  • Smart home integration possibilities
  • Programmable settings
Heating Enhancements
  • Fan/blower systems for improved heat circulation
  • Heat zone kits to direct warmth to adjacent rooms
  • Thermostat controls for consistent comfort

Fireplace Experts | Minnesota MN

Convenient Twin Cities Showrooms, Statewide MN Service

Experience our complete fireplace selection at convenient showrooms in Savage, Coon Rapids, Mankato, and Jordan.

From these Twin Cities locations, our dedicated installation crews and factory-trained service technicians deliver professional fireplace solutions throughout Minnesota, bringing decades of expertise directly to your home.

Savage

Jordan

Mankato

Coon Rapids

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