The first step in the selection process is to visit a couple of showrooms and see what’s on the market. Look at the styles that are available -- which range from old-fashioned to ornate to very contemporary -- as well as the colors, features and warranties of the various units, and the service and reputation of the dealer. Once you find a size, style and store that you like, a representative from the fireplace store will need to make a site visit to your home to analyze your specific installation.
As with woodstoves, gas fireplaces need to be sized to the area you intend to heat. Many gas units will be advertised as being capable of heating a certain number of square feet of living space, but this is usually based on 8’ or even 7 1/2’ ceiling heights. If you have vaulted ceilings, or if you have a two-story house that is relatively open between the floors, these figures can be misleading.
A more accurate way of sizing the unit is to have the dealer conduct a modified heat-loss calculation for your home. This takes into consideration the actual cubic footage of the area you want to heat, as well as how good or bad the insulation, windows, and other energy features of your home are. Remember also that it may be difficult to utilize a single gas fireplace to heat an entire home -- the room where the unit is located will often become uncomfortably warm before a sufficient amount of heat reaches the back areas of the home.
