A Manufactured Fireplace is No Longer Just a Firebox

    MINNEAPOLIS--(January 2, 2007)-- Heatilator has introduced a totally new gas fireplace for the starter home--the Eclipse Direct Vent Hearth System. As a Heatilator innovation, it systemizes hearth components into a single product. The product's synergistic design reduces the total cost of hearth components normally purchased separately... the direct vent gas firebox, surround, venting and controls.

    Eclipse reduces fuel consumption and the over-heating of smaller living areas.

    "When we started designing it as a system, we focused on three value points... lowest total installed cost, direct vent to maintain indoor air quality, and the highest quality appearance. And we have achieved those goals," says Kathy Repp, Heatilator Brand Manager. "This may sound remarkable, but the total installed cost of the Eclipse Hearth System is lower than the installed cost of a gas fireplace with a tile surround."

    Notable differences in the product's appearance include an up-to-date cast surround made of organic, cementitious material. The surround discreetly includes the convenient switch control. The direct vent gas firebox also has an improved log and flame plus a black mesh safety curtain that covers the tempered glass front, shielding the hot surface as well as softening light reflections. The resulting installation is a beautiful hearth, right-sized for the smaller living rooms found in starter homes. Its 36" framing width fits in a 24" deep area allowing the amenity-conscious move-up home builder to use the Eclipse as a second fireplace in the bedroom or office.

    With comparatively low fuel consumption--20,000 Btu's, the right-sized Eclipse reduces fuel consumption and the over-heating of smaller living areas. The Eclipse employs Heatilator's popular heat circulating feature as well as an electronic IPI ignition at no extra cost over the standing pilot version.

    Heatilator is a brand of Hearth and Home Technologies, Inc.™ the world's largest fireplace manufacturer and a leading provider of hearth systems for the home. Heatilator embraces the traditional role of a fireplace with straightforward and dependable hearth products that make providing security and comfort and affordable reality. Other brands in the Hearth and Home Technologies family 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.

    www.heatilator.com

    For more information, contact:
    Kathy Repp
    Heatilator Brand Manager
    Hearth & Home Technologies
    319-986-4607
    reppk@hearthnhome.com