Fireplace Types
There are basically three types of fireplaces available:
- Off the shelf fireplaces shown on the internet, the basic gas fireplace is manufactured and has a UL Rating based on a single family installation.
- By federal law, any fireplace with the glass temperature over 172 degrees Fahrenheit must have a wire mesh screen covering the glass to avoid serious burns. These fireplaces have a normal glass temperature over 300 degrees.
- A custom engineered fireplace specifically designed for high rise construction, will have a double pane of glass which is used as an air curtain. Fresh air is blown between the two panes keeping the temperature reasonable and closer to room temperature. They do not need the wire mesh screen. They do not add heat to the room.
Vent Free
Vent free gas fireplaces are illegal in New York City, period. The only exception could be made for outdoor fireplaces, however, that would require a wire mesh screen to cover the face of the fireplace.
Vent free alcohol fireplaces are allowed. It should be noted that, storing the alcohol is problematic and must be refilled every couple of hours. Alcohol should only be used when no other option is available.
Electric Fireplaces
- Mist electric fireplaces have vastly improved over the past two years.
- Personally, I feel that they are a better alternative than alcohol where a gas fireplace is impossible.
- The mist creates a life like fire but like alcohol must be maintained and the water filled every couple of hours.
Wood Fireplaces
According to New York City Department of buildings: Wood Fireplaces must comply with the NYC DEP Air Pollution Control Code, which prohibits new solid fuel-burning fireplaces and appliances, per section 24-149.2:
Despite significant improvements over the last decade, air pollution in New York City is still a significant environmental threat. Improving our city’s air quality is a difficult task because there are many types of air pollutants that can come from millions of sources, inside and outside city boundaries. OneNYC is the City’s unified strategy to bolster economic development, improve the environment, fight inequality and better the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The plan sets the ambitious goal to “achieve the cleanest air quality of any big U.S. city” by the year 2030. Along with air quality initiatives by other City agencies, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for updating and enforcing the Air Pollution Control Code (Air Code) which has the goal to preserve, protect and improve the air resources of the city.
After considering the information stated in the code, one option for installing a wood burning fireplace is to build a fireplace capable of wood burning and installing a gas log set.
The fireplace would have to be filed as a gas burning fireplace but built to a wood burning specification.
The drawback is that the venting requirements.
Natural Gas Burning Fireplaces
There are two types of gas fireplaces:
- Conventional
- Direct Vent.
Conventional
The conventional venting will require that the “Distance D’ formula be used. A good rule of thumb to use is the chimney must be be 3’ above any structure within 10’. The shaft surrounding the flues will grow with each additional fireplace. This type of venting can take a considerable amount of space especially if there are multiple fireplaces. Direct vent allows for horizontal venting which can eliminate the shaft through the floors.
Direct Vent
- Direct Vent fireplaces use no room air and all combustion air is brought from outside.
- NOTE: We do not sell standard off the shelf fireplaces for use in a high rise for the following reasons:
- An off the shelf stock fireplace does not meet the federal mandated glass temperature of 172 Degrees Fahrenheit. A metal mesh screen must be installed in front of the glass to protect from serious burns.
- Standard non-custom fireplaces use coaxial pipe for venting. IN a single family home static or positive draft are expected while a high rise will have negative pressure. The pressure and other conditions must be accommodated by increasing the combustion and cooling air into the fireplace or some other means used to cool the fire box.
- There is one fireplace that is for use in high rises but a 200 square inch louver must be installed above the fireplace in the interior wall and a smaller louver below the fireplace. This fireplace supplies a considerable amount of heat into the space and still may not have enough fresh air. While it does help coordination using coaxial pipe, the fireplace working properly is not guaranteed. With the tightness and efficiency of new construction supplying additional heat can be overwhelming
Would you like to speak to us about getting a custom fireplace made?
Please call Elegant Flames at (845) 255-4507 or you may use the form below for general inquiries.