Need a Fireplace Installation Company You Can Trust in Ridgewood, NJ? You Can Count on Garden State Chimney
Right in the middle of Bergen County sits the village of Ridgewood, NJ. At first glance, you might be thinking bergen…like the ogre-like characters in the famous kids movie, “Trolls?” But no worries – although bergens from the movie live in a rather depressing place called Bergen Town, these two places couldn’t be more different.
This area is bustling with young families. In fact, did you know Ridgewood, NJ has been named as one of the best suburbs to raise a family in New Jersey? Not far from Ridgewood, you will find Saddle River County Park. It is a great place to take the kids for a picnic, see the ducks, go fishing at its multiple ponds, or play at the playground when th weather is right for it.
If you’d prefer a nice, quiet date night, you can head downtown to the Ridgewood Station and catch a train to Manhattan. And when you’re ready to head back home, we know the perfect way to wrap up an evening with your spouse is cozied up next to a romantic fire. That’s why you can count on Garden State Chimney to ensure your chimney and fireplace are in tip-top shape. The last thing you want is an unsafe fireplace putting a “damper” on an otherwise perfect evening.
And if you don’t live in Ridgewood, NJ, don’t worry. We’ve got your back too. Garden State Chimney happily services Wayne, Ho-Ho-Kus, Chatham, West Orange, Madison and countless other surrounding areas. Give us a call or book your appointment with us online today.
Dan is just the best! He does quality work, he’s on time, responsive to texts and has the best attitude. He’s fair and kind and funny and really good at what he does. He explains everything and is exceedingly patient. He solved a multitude of problems we had with a wood to gas FP conversion and simplified something that someone else had made very complicated. Can’t recommend him highly enough.
-Janet I.
★★★★★
Services We Provide to Residents of Bergen County
There are multiple reasons people in and around Bergen County can count on Garden State Chimney for all of their fireplace concerns. One of them is because of the many different services we provide on a daily basis. These include:
- Level 1 & Level 2 Chimney Inspections
- Chimney Sweeping
- Chimney Repairs
- Leaky Chimney Repairs
- Chimney Relining
- Water Heater/Utility Flue Relining
- HeatShield® Resurfacing
- Gas Fireplace Installation
- Wood & Gas Insert Installation
- Gas Fireplace Servicing
Whatever service you need done, Garden State Chimney is here for you.
Wood-Burning vs. Gas – Which Fireplace Is Right for You?
When you picture a warm and inviting fireplace, what first comes to mind? The gentle crackling of a wood fire accompanied by the warm flame? This offers a feeling of nostalgia that can’t be replaced.
Or maybe you feel the hassle of burning wood is just too time-consuming. Many are finding that gas fireplaces can still provide a similar experience, just without the added effort of keeping a wood-burning fireplace going. Let’s take a look at everything you might want in a fireplace – and how wood or gas systems measure up.
- Convenience: Gas fireplaces are arguably far more convenient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. That is because gas fireplaces are extremely easy to use – with just the push of a button, the fire is burning. Because gas fireplaces don’t require any wood, you also don’t have to worry about chopping, storing, or hauling fuel.
- Efficiency: Wood-burning fireplaces lose a significant amount of heat up the chimney, which makes them the least efficient option when it comes to heating your home.
- Cost of Operation: There’s no doubt that firewood is cheaper than the price of natural gas right now. So a wood-burning fireplace can be pretty cost-effective in the long run, especially if you have access to free or cheap firewood.
- Installation & Maintenance: Gas fireplaces don’t require a chimney, so they can be placed almost anywhere that their venting system can run through a wall or ceiling. Wood-burning fireplaces tend to have more limitations because they need a full-blown chimney.
- Cleaning: Nobody enjoys having to clean ash and soot before they get a roaring fire going. That’s another big reason why some people prefer gas fireplaces – there’s a lot less mess. They also don’t produce any creosote so you don’t have to worry about any flammable buildup in the chimney. However both wood-burning fireplaces and gas fireplaces are still recommended to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
- Aesthetics & Authenticity: Let’s face it – nothing beats the classic, cozy ambiance that a wood-burning fireplace provides. You simply don’t get the same crackling sounds or smell of pine or cedar from a gas fireplace.
- Environmental Impact: Although wood is a renewable resource, burning wood produces far more emissions and air pollutants compared to gas fireplaces.
- Safety: Because gas fireplaces have fewer fire risks, no creosote buildup, instant on and off controls, and less risk of experiencing burns, they are typically considered safer than wood-burning fireplaces.
This is just a short list of pros and cons of each. If used correctly, both options provide a safe and effective way to heat your home during those cold, winter months. If you’re still needing help deciding between the two or have further questions about your options, be sure to give Garden State Chimney a call or reach out to us online.
Can I Convert My Existing Wood-Burning Fireplace to a Gas Fireplace?
Based on the information above you might be thinking you’re ready to ditch the hard work and time involved with your wood-burning fireplace and replace it with an easy-to-use gas fireplace.
So… is that even possible? It is when you have a company like Garden State Chimney helping with the installation process.
There are a few things to consider before you jump the gun though:
- Type of gas fireplace. There are three different “types” of gas fireplaces – direct vent, vent-free, and gas logs. Each type of fireplace has its own requirements and different features. It is best to consult with a certified chimney technician beforehand to make sure you are choosing the best option for you, while also choosing the option that best suits your home.
- Building codes and regulations. Did you know vent-free fireplaces are not allowed in California or Massachusetts? Even though that fun fact doesn’t particularly apply to us here in New Jersey, it is worth mentioning, so you know the importance of looking into your local building codes. It’ll help prevent any legal issues down the road.
- Permits and inspections. You will want to obtain any necessary permits before starting the installation process and schedule inspections as required upon completion.
- Location and clearances. Where is the ideal location for your gas fireplace? Is it in close proximity to combustible materials? Is it going to be a safe distance from walls, furniture, and other objects?
- Structural considerations. How is the structural integrity of the chimney you plan to connect to your gas fireplace insert? Will your home be able to support the weight of the fireplace and any additional components? These are really important factors to consider because we want to make all necessary repairs and adjustments before we begin installing a new fireplace.
- Gas supply and line installation. Is a natural gas or propane supply available in your area? Only a licensed professional will be able to tell you if it’s possible to install a gas line in your home.
- Safety precautions. Becaus carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk involved with using gas fireplaces in a home, it is important to have working carbon monoxide detectors nearby and know where the emergency gas shut-off valve is located in case an emergency arises.
- Maintenance and cleaning. We have already discussed how a gas fireplace requires less maintenance…but don’t mistake that for no maintenance at all. We suggest you schedule a sweep and inspection at least once a year to ensure all the components of your gas fireplace are in good, working order.
- Warranty. Most gas fireplace appliances come with a warranty from the manufacturer. In order to ensure it remains valid, make sure your gas fireplace is installed and maintained properly by a licensed professional.
-Robyn D.
★★★★★
Who’s the Best Chimney Company in Ridgewood, NJ?
There are companies out there that claim they are the best in the business… And then there are companies that actually prove they are the best in the business. Garden State Chimney is the latter.
As a locally owned and operated company, we strive to provide nothing but exceptional customer service to our community. We believe in being open and honest with you throughout the entire process, so you never have to worry about us upselling you on products or services that aren’t necessary just to make a few extra bucks. We count on word-of-mouth referrals so our business can thrive, and we know how fast word travels in a tight-knit community like ours. Rest assured – we strive to do the right thing 100% of the time.
So, whether you’re looking for chimney repairs, chimney inspections, or a chimney sweep, you can count on Garden State Chimney to deliver professional and reliable services that keep your chimney and fireplace in top-notch condition. Our team of experienced technicians is dedicated to ensuring the safety of your home.
Call Today
Allow us to give you the peace of mind you deserve while enjoying a warm, cozy home all season long. Give us a call today at 973-519-0802 or book with us online to experience the difference with Garden State Chimney. We go above and beyond to exceed the expectations of our service area.
Need your chimney relined? Chimney leaks fixed? If you live in the great Franklin Lakes community, you are in our broad service area and we’ve got you covered.