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sprinkler heads to protect against burst pipes.
Cover outside vents and openings to prevent insects,
birds and rodents from crawling inside to nest. For those
living in areas prone to snow, make sure to keep appliance
vents and gas meters free from snow and ice buildup.
The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association recom-
mends moving your gas grill closer to the house or to
an area that provides shelter from the wind so you can
continue using it throughout the winter.
Seal any leaks, holes or tears in seals surrounding windows and doors
sTayiNG Warm by applying tape, foam or felt weather stripping to doors and caulking
A natural gas heating system makes winter preparation easy. Heat- the joints around windows frames and between the frame and wall.
ing equipment, fireplaces, chimneys and flues should be inspected to Consider investing in a natural gas generator to power your home
ensure they are ready to provide safe and comfortable heat, but because during power outages. Because natural gas is delivered to the home via
natural gas burns cleanly, equipment typically needs less maintenance, underground pipelines, it is less susceptible to weather disruptions, so a
and there is less need for chimney cleanings. natural gas generator can provide a reliable secondary energy source. n

(continued from page 13) “The most significant trend in gas fireplaces right now
log set designed to resemble wood-burning fireplaces
can be used. Some consumers are even choosing to is flexibility. Fireplaces are increasingly becoming more
mix and match, combining crushed glass with logs or
beads and stone. customizable, allowing you to pick and choose the
New gas fireplaces are contributing to increased exact features you want to create the look you want.”
home heating management and efficiency. A fireplace
insert can help to seal an open chimney better, keep- — Kyle Grant, marketing director,
ing the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the
summer. A fireplace is a zone-heating appliance. Zone regency Fireplace Products
heating allows homeowners to turn down their fur-
nace and heat the rooms where they spend more time. Additionally, remote automatically adjusts the flame based on the temperature of the
products like the Regency Heat Wave kit allow for heat from the fireplace area where it is placed. Smart remotes allow homeowners to maintain
to be ducted into adjacent rooms. a consistent temperature and can be set to turn on and off at specific
Modern gas fireplaces also offer even more sophisticated electronic times. This saves fuel costs – and lowers emissions – because the pilot
ignition systems, with thermostatic remote controls to start the fire. The light isn’t left on when the fireplace is not in use.
New technologies are constantly being developed to make install-
ing a fireplace easier and more accessible than ever. One example is
Regency’s patented Cool Wall System, which reduces installation costs
by eliminating the need for expensive steel framing or noncombustible
materials. The fireplace can be finished in any material, including wood
or wallpaper, and placed directly to the edge of the fire. Another in-
novation is power venting, which allows the fireplace to be installed in
previously inaccessible areas.
With so many exciting innovations, it’s no wonder gas fireplaces are
a major focal point in today’s home. Because of the installation require-
ments of many fireplaces, it’s important to consult with a qualified installer
who can assess the living space and identify appropriate options in a
range of prices. The installer will also provide the appropriate heat output
(measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs) for maximum comfort. n
PHOTO COURTESy OF REGENCy FIREPLACE PRODUCTS

Fall - Winter 2020 ❙ naturalliving 15
Please recycle this magazine after you read it.