So it’s Official. There’s going to be a cold winter ahead in Colorado this year.
The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a colder than usual winter in Colorado which means that fireplace season might start early and last longer this year. So here’s what you need to know to help decide on which Fireplace to put in your Colorado Home.
There are three main types of stoves: Wood Burning Stoves, Gas Fireplaces, and Electric Fireplaces. But before you decide on what type of fireplace you’d like, there’s a lot to unpack on Boulder Counties Rules & Local Municipalities rules (Boulder & Louisville Especially).
Here’s what you should know about Boulder County fireplace rules:
Wood Burning Stoves:
Wood Burning Stoves provide excellent dry heat. But you need to have maintain and gather wood to burn it and new Installations of stoves are regulated throughout the county. If you want to add one, and it must be EPA-certified with a Phase II classification to meet local air quality standards. In Louisville you need to have an EPA phase III stove. It’s also important to locally check if you have burning restrictions daily in certain municipalities. There are also Pellet Stoves, which can be exempt from some “no burn” days if certified.
Gas Fireplaces:
Gas fireplaces are relatively clean-burning, low maintenance, and provide instant heat when you need it, especially with these upcoming frosty mornings.
In Boulder, under its updated 2024 energy code, new homes and additions must be all-electric, so you cannot install new gas fireplaces in new builds. Major remodels (those that overhaul more than ~50% of building area, or replace major mechanical systems) are also required to use electric systems for primary heating, though gas appliances may still be allowed as secondary or backup. For less extensive remodels that don’t cross that threshold, you are generally allowed to retain (or replace) gas fireplaces or stoves.
In Louisville, strict energy codes and “electric-ready” standards are in place for new construction, meaning no gas fireplaces or gas stoves in new construction.
The above photos of the recent gas fireplaces we installed in the past year. Both bring instant comfort into a space.
Electric Fireplaces:
Electric Fireplaces are flexible, safe, and cozy without venting requirements. New Electric Fireplaces have pretty convincing screens on the inside of the glass that help replicate the look of a fire. The above fireplace is from a recent remodel we finished up and it gave the feeling of a fireplace without any of the risk or maintenance.
Existing Wood Fireplaces: If you’ve already got one, keep it clean and check for seasonal burn restrictions in your area before lighting up.
A great fireplaces can transform a home and add so much life to a space and we are more than happy to install it for you. If you have any questions reach out to us.
So which new fireplace is right for you?
And yes we read the Farmers Almanac and Boulder County Code for fun. 🤓
