New at the Ray Johnson's Fireplace and Patio on Virginia Beach Boulevard is the "Bed and Breakfast," from Fireplace Extraordinaire.
Typically installed in a corner, the gas fireplace is set several feet above ground for viewing from the angle of a bed, said Johnson.
"This meets the needs of homeowners who have smaller bedrooms or just want to tuck a gentle heat fireplace in an intimate spot," he said. The unit also is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, he said.
Johnson said gas is most customers' first choice for fireplaces. It is replacing the wood-burning fireplaces of old. "I grew up with wood-burning fires and thought I would hate to leave that era behind," he said. "But I love the convenience of a gas fire."
There are three major types of gas fireplaces: direct-vented, vented and vent-free.
A direct-vent fireplace is ventilated through a wall or roof. A vented fireplace has an open damper. The vent-free version runs off a gas line, without the need for ventilation.
Johnson stocks gas and wood-burning fireplaces at his two-level showroom, but said gas models are the biggest sellers. He cites ease of operation, lack of allergy-related odors or airborne particles, and low maintenance as reasons for their popularity.
"At the end of the day, you simply pick up your digital remote thermostat and lower the temperature," he said. "There's no fussing with the fire when you're trying to relax or entertain guests, and it provides beauty and genuine, steady heat."
Greg Cridlin of Cape Charles has been a customer of the Johnsons for several years. Cridlin bought two fireplaces and an 11-foot outdoor grill.
"They work very hard to make sure the customer is satisfied," he said. "What started as a business association has become a friendship. They are a great family."
As cooler weather persists, prompting interest in fireplaces, Johnson suggests homeowners do their research before buying a unit, which generally costs from $750 to $5,000. Along with cost, consider safety, function and placement, he said.
