TORONTO – The ice storm that struck parts of the U.S. and Ontario in December 2013 caused massive damage and left over a million homes without power (and heat) for days. As many people were forced to find shelter in hotels or with friends and relatives, those who had a gas or wood burning fireplace benefited from the ability to keep their homes warm and were able to comfortably stay put.
Terry Hicks, National Sales Director at Barrie, Ont.-based Napoleon Fireplaces says they’ve seen an increase in fireplace sales since the ice storm.
“Like any natural disaster, the ice storm had a positive impact on the sale of hearth products as hearth units are a primary heat source in a power failure,” Hicks told Global News.
READ MORE: One year later – What the ice storm of 2013 taught us
As we enter 2015, more people are opting to have a fireplace installed not only for the added comfort, but also for the design aspect one can have in the home.
Traditional-looking fireplaces are out and fireplaces that offer more glass and less metal are now the ‘in’ thing.
“Similar to the change that the TV industry experienced, consumers want high definition looks with little or no trim, providing the clearest and largest viewing area possible,” Hicks says.
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With the cleaner designs of modern fireplaces, more people are installing them higher on the wall — like high-def televisions — and also in kitchens and bathrooms.
Gas fireplaces have become the standard, especially with young people who don’t want to deal with the mess wood burning fireplaces create.
Hicks says that depending on the look and function to be achieved, gas units can start as low as $2,500 and can reach levels of $15,000 with full installation. Wood units with chimney systems range from a minimum of $3,000 up to around the $15,000 range.
As more homeowners focus on overhauling their backyards, outdoor fireplaces have become a must-have item. Napoleon predicts 2015 will be a big year for these and has developed many new models to accommodate the demand.
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No matter what type of fireplace you currently have or plan to install, Hicks says maintaining it is a must.
“If it is wood fired then you need an annual chimney cleaning and inspection and if it is gas fired, an annual service call and cleaning is highly recommended.”
Napoleon offers online tools, such as an energy calculator and design studio, to help you decide if a fireplace is right for your home.
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