Atlantic Fireplaces - Fireplaces

Fireplaces by Category

When buying a fireplace there are many considerations. Two important ones that we recommend you become familiar with are BTU's and efficiency.

BTU stands for 'British Thermal Unit' and is a measure of heat. To put it in perspective, a single watt of energy is equal to a little over three BTU's. A general rule of thumb is that you want 25 to 30 BTU's (generally less for cast iron units and radiant heat; and more for steel units which require fans) of heat for every square foot of area you are attempting to heat in an average home. However, BTU's do not always tell the whole story. For example if you have a fireplace with an input of 20,000 BTU's and it is only 50% efficient (10,000 BTU output), versus a unit that is 75% efficient (15,000 BTU output), then you are not getting the same heat output. Thus, a lower efficiency fireplace will cost you more money to operate in order to get the same heat output (whereas one pound of propane is equal to approximately 22,000 BTU's).

In regard to efficiency ratings, we recommend you follow the EnerGuide rating for propane fireplaces. EnerGuide ratings are regulated and overseen by government and take into account many variables that pertain to propane fireplaces, stoves and inserts. Other rating systems allow manufacturers to rate themselves (in private labs, under ideal settings) and were not originally designed with propane fireplaces in mind (i.e. designed for furnaces). Please see the chart below comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the three most prominent rating systems currently used in Canada:

	AFUE	EnerGuide Rating
Applies to all fireplaces sold in Canada		√
Testing is required by Canadian law		√
Recognized by the Government of Canada		√
Uses a test standard designed for fireplaces		√
Testing simulates typical conditions of use	√	√
Testing takes into account all energy losses		√
Test results are subject to independent verification	√	√

There are many different types of fireplaces. For ease of use while on our site, and for your understanding, we will briefly explain how we differentiate between them below.

A Propane Fireplace refers to any direct vent, pipe in pipe fireplace (this may include single sided units, see-thru fireplaces, two sided fireplaces, peninsula / pier fireplaces). These units may be installed in new home constructions or in existing homes on outside walls. Inside wall installations are possible but are generally more difficult, restrictive and costly than alternatives. If you plan on building a new home drop in and see us at your earliest convenience so we can ensure you have everything prepared for your fireplace.

A Propane Insert refers to any propane unit that was created specifically to fit into a zero-clearance or masonry opening. These units may be vented through masonry / pre-fabricated chimneys only. A propane insert comes in two primary configurations. The traditional being B-Vent configuration, and the newer being efficient co-linear direct vent configuration (more energy efficient, whereas your combustible air is coming from the outside; meaning you are not using pre-heated air from your room for combustion).

A Propane Stove refers to any free standing stove that may be direct vented via pipe in pipe through an outside wall or ceiling (and sometimes even through a masonry or prefabricated chimney via B-Vent configuration). These units generally stand free without the need for cabinets or mantels.

Our Wood products include wood stoves, wood inserts and wood fireplaces. For details on available in-stock products to suit your application, please visit our showroom for more information. Also please view our wood products page to narrow your search.

An Electric Fireplace is any appliance that creates heat via electrical supply. Many units are 110/120 volt and may be plugged in directly to an outlet, whereas other units are 220/240 volt and must be hard wired. Electric Fireplaces do not have real flames, although some can be very realistic and may look and feel like the real thing. There are great differences in terms of realism and quality from brand to brand. Many cheaper brands use tin foil to create effect, whereas newer brands use LED light, optical illusion and distortion to create realism. Some Electric Fireplaces require traditional cabinets / mantels while others may be wall mounted.

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