Whether your looking for that real open wood burning fireplace or a high efficient wood burning fireplace we have you covered. Some of our fireplaces not only offer an environmentally friendly way to heat your home from day to day but can also be used as your primary source of heat in the event of a power outage. Most of our fireplaces have a type of thermostatic control device (Delta, Opel, Focus 320) which will enable you to enjoy a steadier heat source and longer burn times between fueling. Our wood burning fireplaces have come a long way in the past few years to the point of having such low emissions you will be able to burn even when a phase one burn ban is in effect. 

What is the difference between a fireplace and an insert?

A fireplace is designed to be built into a home’s structure, you can use a fireplace when either building a new home or remodeling one. An insert has to be installed into an existing wood burning fireplace. If you do not have a wood burning fireplace then you can not use an insert unless it has an approved zero clearance option.

What’s the difference between a fireplace and a high efficiency fireplace?

Fireplaces are tested under what the industries calls the low mass standard. The low mass standard allows 7.3 grams of smoke particles per kilogram of wood. If a fireplace has a draft control it is considered a wood stove and must be tested and approved as a wood stove. The wood stove standard needs to be less than 2.5 grams of smoke particulates per hour.

Wood burning fireplaces are going to have over 500 sq inches of window and will not have the ability to be choked down like a wood stove resulting in hotter and faster burning fires. Wood stoves are more efficient with smaller fire boxes, under 500 sq inches of glass but will have longer burn times.

Thompson’s Hearth & Home in Issaquah is proud to carry brands like Renaissance, RSF and Mason Lite.