February, 2009 -- Spark Modern Fires' award winning designer fireplaces are known for their sleek, modern look, as well as the ease with which designers can use them to create unique and beautiful focal points. In addition to their aesthetics, these contemporary fireplaces are also considered environmentally friendly when compared to traditional wood burning and other types of fireplaces.
Traditional wood burning fireplaces can create up to 50 grams per hour of "particulate matter" (smoke, ash, and soot), prompting some localities to preclude the use of these fireplaces on "burn ban" days. Some localities are even considering a permanent ban on fireplaces of this type. Spark fireplaces are clean burning, creating no particulate matter, and as such are unaffected by burn bans.
In addition to burning clean, Spark's Direct Vent and Vent Free units are quite good at retaining heat. At 80% efficiency for Direct Vent models and 95% efficiency for Vent Free models, these fireplaces actually heat rooms, reducing the need to run your furnace (which also reduces heating bills). And Spark's Direct Vent models, when installed according to Spark Modern Fires' instructions, earn points in a LEED certified house, while their Vent Free units, which are subject to strict national standards compare very favorably to vent free fireplaces fueled by liquids (such as denatured alcohol) for which there are no standards. For more information on Spark Modern Fires products, go to www.sparkfires.com or call 866-938-3846.
About Spark Modern Fires
Spark Modern Fires was co-founded in 2005 by Tom Healy, a former custom home builder who for two decades successfully built custom homes in VA and Washington, D.C. As a custom builder, Tom found that commercially available fireplaces most often did not match the distinct décor required by the designs of the homes he was building. As a result Tom was forced to fabricate special parts for each fireplace; a process that was costly and time consuming. Seeing a need in the market, Tom set out in 2003 to develop a product line and a company that made it easier for designers and builders to use a gas fireplace as a design element in custom and unique environments. In 2005 Spark Modern Fires introduced its first Fire Ribbons which were shipped in early 2006. The market enthusiastically accepted the new products, with many being installed in high end locations such as the Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Hotels, and "W" Hotels. The new products were so well received that in 2007 and 2008 Spark Modern Fires was nominated to participate in the prestigious Interior Design Award for Best Architectural Product of the Year, winning the award in 2007 for the Fire Ribbon and finishing among the top four in 2008 for The Linear Burner. More information on Spark Modern Fires can be found at www.sparkfires.com or call 866-938-3846.