I have a Fireplace Xtrordinair natural gas insert (made to go in an existing fireplace), but FPX also makes fireplace units for new construction. No problems w/ the FPX in the two years I've used it. I've posted several times about this unit on this forum in case you want to do a search. FPX offers fireplace units in various sizes & BTU outputs. You buy the firebox size you want & choose a faceplate (several styles & finishes available). I haven't bought a fireplace, so have no knowledge of how you "finish" one, but I believe FPX has an alliance with a company that makes mantles, etc. if that's the look you want. My info is two years old, but FPX did offer an optional remote control to turn the unit on & off, operate the blower speed (if it has one) & control the flame height. Other options included a thermostat to turn the unit on automatically (like a furnace) & a ducting system to share the heated air with an adjacent room. The FPX can operate as a radiant heater in the event of a power outage, but would need a backup power source if you wanted to run the blower. In terms of maintenance, FPX recommends an annual cleaning & inspection. I confess I waited until this year to have that done, and the service guy only needed to vacuum out dust & clean the inside of the glass -- said the burner, etc. looked fine. Other manufacturers probably have similar features. The various manufacturers offer different interior & exterior appearances, so, if possible, visit dealers in your area to see the ("live") units in person so you get a feel for what you like. Check the BTU ranges & efficiency ratings. Your choice may depend on if you want the unit to be a heat source or more for ambiance. Some units come with a blower; on others, it's optional. Most units will work with LP or natural gas, but ratings might vary w/ the fuel source. If you want to operate the unit in the event of a power outage, make sure it's capable of doing that. One trend in fireplace units is to have a huge, "to the floor" viewing area w/ the controls "hidden" on a wall elsewhere rather than built into the unit. "Town & Country" is one brand that does this. I know nothing about the company or how convenient it is to install/operate the unit, but I saw one on display at our local stove store & the appearance was impressive. In addition to FPX -- which is part of Travis Industries, along with the Avalon & Lopi brands -- the Mendota and Harman brands get good reviews on this board. Another option might be a freestanding gas stove rather than a fireplace, but, again, what "look" you want -- as well as your budget -- may determine your choice. The only other point I can think of right now is, work with a good, reputable local dealer. There are lots of options out there. Most of the manufacturers have websites, with varying degrees of usefulness. I found that with FPX, for example, the brochure I picked up from the dealer was much more informative than the website (again, that was two years ago). The FPX site does have a great "design (photo) gallery" in case you want to get an idea of how their unit styles fit into varius room designs (traditional, period, contemporary, informal, etc.). Good luck w/ your research.

Are you guys out to lunch and forgot to bring money ? look at the heat exchanger. It is rotting out. there is a serious problem with the gas flame. it's HIGHLY corrosive. The gas pressure is not right or the gas utility is dumping waste gas into the line as in propane, Butane,and or benzine. That is very common to bring up the supply for excess demand. your first hint is 3 inches of ice on the top of the B vent on the roof. also look at the air shudders. they are almost wide open. ( high temp lean mixture ). there might even be a cat litter box next to the furnace. I've seen 23 year old heat exchangers that still have the paint on the out side of them. If it was my furnace it would be out the door. a heavy coating of rust, as this one has, makes a very nice insulator. You know, lots of air buddles in the rust. This is just my observations. you guys have your own opinion. that's what makes for good competition. actually i'd red flag that furnace and call in the gas company. they have the final say. That leaves me out of it. If they say the furnace is fine and it burns down the house or gasses people, so be it. Not my problem. As i said before. This is just my opinion.

You may want to consider an atmospheric vent style with a flue damper. These heaters can get an efficiency of 0.67 to 0.69. This is as good as some of the powered vent models. They should be much less expensive to install and buy. See this announcement from Rheem. On venting out the side of the house and fumes I would not worry about it, if you install to code. We have gas furnace that vents out near a window and it is no problem at all. You just have to allow for ice and snow build up below the vent if you live in a freezing winter climate. Here is a link that might be useful: Rheem Energy Star Phase II Heaters

Well the latest quote is in and it's the best so far. It's for two America Standard Freedom 95, two stage, variable speed furnaces. A 60k BTU system for the rental unit ( it gets a $600 rebate after installation) and a 100kBTU unit ($300 rebate) for the larger upstairs apartment. The quotes include everything; permits, thermostats, hard wired CO detectors, and removal of old oil tanks. 60k BTU cost $5500 100k BTU cost $5900 I will get $900 in rebates so the total cost for the install is $10500 I talked to the contractor as I believed that the units were oversized. The furnaces are purchased from the gas supplier and are the ones approved for rebates. He said a single stage 40k BTU unit will be fine for the rental apartment, but American Standard does not make a 40k BTU two stage unit and the 60k BTU unit will cost the same after the $600 rebate and it will be quieter, cheaper to run and will keep the tenants a bit more comfortable. I could get a 40k BTU Carrier Performance 96, there's a $300k rebate on that. He says an 80k BTU unit would be ok for the upstairs two floor apartment as far as heating goes, but from experience he feels that the larger fan capacity of the 100 kBTU unit is needed to get the air up from the basement to the top floor.