New Electric Fireplace takes Realism and Traditional Styling to New Heights

    MINNEAPOLIS--(February 5, 2007)--Electric fireplaces have become the best solution when you just can't vent a fireplace through a wall or roof. Simplifyre, a new electric fireplace from Hearth and Home Technologies Inc.™, offers homeowners an improved value with a very realistic electric firebox complete with a beautiful finished wood cabinet that's simple to install anywhere near a 110 wall outlet.

    Simplifyre, a new electric fireplace from Hearth and Home Technologies.

    "Pardon the pun, but electric fireplaces are on-fire," says Patty Geister, product manager at Hearth and Home Technologies, Inc. "Our best-selling product is still gas fireplaces, but industry-wide, the electric category is growing several times faster than gas or woodburning fireplaces". Optional heat and improved realism combined with plug-and-play installation now allows electric fireplaces to fit into high rise condos in chilly Chicago or active adult communities in subtropical Ft. Myers.

    The traditional appearance of Simplifyre's taller firebox allows taller, more realistic flame technology. The animated "flames" project onto multiple surfaces of the log set, giving an illusion of flame depth and transparency. A glowing ember bed and log set complete the realism of a mature wood fire.

    The clean face appearance of the firebox means no black metal frame or louvers are used around the face of the firebox. A wood cabinet or surround appears to come right up to the edge of a realistic brick refractory enhancing the firebox's traditional style.

    Every Simplifyre electric hearth includes a remote control with separate on/off for flame and heat output. A wall mount plate holds the remote control when not in use. Within the firebox, a 1000-watt heater and fan puts out a gentle wave of clean, warm heat from the center of the firebox. The opening to the firebox is protected with a mesh screen.

    The Simplifyre retail price is $799 for the firebox. The complete Simplifyre system is $1,399, which includes the finished Brentwood cabinet and firebox. Simplifyre is available from retail outlets selling

    Heatilator, Heat & Glo™ and Quadra-Fire® products. Visit www.fireplaces.com or call (888) 427-3973 for dealer information.

    The Hearth and Home Technologies family of brands include Heat & Glo™, Quadra-Fire®, and Fireside Hearth & Home™. Hearth and Home Technologies is a subsidiary of HNI Corporation (NYSE: HNI), the second largest office furniture manufacturer in the United States.

    For more information, contact:
    Kathy Repp or Patty Geister
    Hearth & Home Technologies
    952-95-6000
    reppk@hearthnhome.com
    geisterp@hearthnhome.com