Rasmussen: Four Generations of Innovation

Growing ever consistently in popularity, gas lags for heating in vent-free as well as traditionally vented fireplaces are not a new invention. In reality, they have been in existence since the 1950's. As people become more and more aware of more environmentally sound ways of using energy in their homes, the interest in gas logs and different methods of gas heating is also increasing. Wooden logs, however, are becoming obsolete. Why cut down trees for burning, when you can use something reusable?

Rasmussen is a company whose roots go back four generations. Rasmus Rasmussen was a Danish immigrant, and to this country he brought the skills of professional ironworking and blacksmithing. In 1907, he started his business, Rasmussen Iron Works as a retail operation, with a selection of fireplace screens and various fireplace tools. Beyond the ordinary, these were exquisitely designed to offer esthetically pleasing options for their fireplaces. This opened a new channel for development, and also the ability to prove his own entrepreneurial versatility. Eventually the company would expand into areas that included the manufacturing of welded handles that were part of the structures of ships that were used during World War II, producing steel structures for buildings, as well as parts for trucks.

After World War II, the company decided to focus on retail efforts after Rasmus's son, Ted proposed the idea of selling many different types of fireplace products. This shop was opened in the front of the manufacturing location. Included in the items for sale were the inventive gas logs that offered consumers the ability to use a different fuel in their fireplaces, with ultimately better results.

Many customers saw the potential of gas logs, however they were dissuaded by the fake look of the logs. An enormous part of the appeal of wood burning fires are the beautiful natural characteristics, and the beauty of a fire on wooden logs. T.R., Ted’s son saw the capabilities of developing this concept further. Manufacturers scoffed at his ideas, and could not find anyone to create the product he was looking for. So, like any other maverick, he had to create it himself. He went to great lengths to create logs that could withstand the high temperatures of burning gas fires, while still being realistic and giving the look of actual wood. He spared no detail, and designed every crevice, every layer of bark, and even the char marks so that even the most discriminating eye would not be able to tell the difference between his logs and true wood. In addition to the gas logs, T.R. also developed the sand pan burner, which proved to produce the best performing flame in a gas-burning contraption.

T.R.’s son, Rett was also no exception to inheriting a talent for the family business. He has also expanded the business in new directions, while implementing improvements on existing products. He is behind the creation of the Chillbuster heaters, which are an amazing new concept for heating homes. They are run with gas logs, and can be controlled via remote. If you live in a climate where emergency heating sources are a concern, these are an excellent option because they are quite dependable. You do not an electricity source to power them, only propane or natural gas. Furthermore, just like using gas logs, you do no need to worry about the quality of the air because several different safety measures are included, like sensors that keep the oxygen and gas levels monitored.

For four generations Rasmussen has built a solid reputation for always providing their customers with great products they can rely on. They have created a name with products that perform well, and offer convenience and options. From blacksmithing to modern, wood-free fireplaces, they are a brilliant company with incredible roots!

5 HOT Things You Cannot Be Without This Winter!

1. A fire pit. If you live in South Florida, as I do, a fireplace is not exactly the most common household accessory to come by. Sure, you could have one built in to your home's architecture, but seriously, all that work for something you're only going to use a few months out of the year, and is not a necessity what so ever. And, just for kicks, to add insult to the injury, it really does not get cold enough to even need one for the warmth. What to do if your fantasies of enjoying a fire during the cold months has just been put out by that rant? Get yourself a fire pit, stat. Usually of the portable, easy to set up variety, you can find some gorgeous designs, that will go nicely with whatever your patio decor may be. Styles include table-like pits, furnaces, "houses," and chimneys, so you have the upper hand in choosing what works for you. If this isn't enough for you, and your mind schemes something more dramatic, more profound, more like an actual fireplace, you can actually have a fire pit into your backyard. Intricate or basic, huge or small, it can be done; which is the beauty of custom work!

2. Gas logs for the ventless fireplace. The ventless fireplace, you may ask? It does exist, and is a viable option for those who want to savor the glow of a fire in their homes, without having one built in. Yes, it really is that simple. Icing on the cake: no actual wood will get burned! Gas logs made for use in ventless fireplaces are continuously burning, totally safe for indoor air quality and breathing, and do not force you to come up with a way of storing an entire season's worth of wood. Brilliant!

3. Gas logs for the vented fireplace. Backing up #2, gas logs are versatile, and they really rock. It's kind of amazing that not too many people have heard of them, and how awesome they are. They totally replace the need for using actual wood, and heat quicker as well. And, when you're through, all you have to do is turn it off! If you're thinking that you're going to be missing out on the actual beauty of a fire in your hearth, think again. These hot logs are designed to mimic the looks of actual wood, with hand-painted wood designs, accessory pieces that add natural charm, and a fire that burns true. What you will actually be missing out on: residue, soot, ash, smoke, and a fire that needs to burn its way out. Still need convincing?

4. Pretty fireplace accessories. If fire is your thing, no matter how enticing gas logs may be, it's understood, it's part of our primal instincts, and modernity can only take over so far for some folks. So if you are all for wood fires in your fireplace, having nice tools that work, and add some decorative flair is really good too. It just says "winter."

5. A good chimney cap. If you have a fireplace, you'd be utterly foolish to forego this one. Your chimney just isn't a chimney without one. It should be functional, and for esthetic purposes, make sure it coordinates with your house's exterior. Multi flue, or single flue, fit to size or universal, make sure you have one and it fits before you get that fire roaring this year!

Here's to a happy and firery-hot autumn and winter season!

Alternative Fireplaces

When it gets cold, nothing beats a fire. If your dwelling does not have the capacity for housing a fireplace, or say perhaps your landlord isn’t crazy about the prospect of you having one installed, there are alternatives. Ventless fireplaces add an incredible element of warmth to any home, and they cost a mere fraction of the total cost of building one into a house.

            Ventless fireplaces are loaded with amazing benefits that many people are crazy about. Unlike conventional fireplaces, you do not have to worry about several things, for instance:  cleaning the residue that inherently comes with burning wood. They are easy to maintain, and provide a beautiful, well-working fire. For use indoors, they are very safe and have many features that keep their safety in check. Oxygen depletion sensors ensure the air always remains at a breathing-safe level, while gas fumes are kept in check by limiting the btu output of the gas logs. The logs are advisably set up in a certain way that ensures the amount of carbon is limited.

Many people also love the affordability factor of ventless gas fireplaces. Not only is installation a fraction of the price of a vented fireplace, you save money by using gas and electric logs because they do not burn out like wood does. This aspect of reusing is also very attractive to many people who are not thrilled with the continuous cycle of cutting trees for use as fuel.

            If you opt for electric fire, you have many choices that lay before you. Electric fireplaces are also a great alternative for those who want a another option for a fireplace that does not require massive construction, or the commitment of something permanent. These are very realistic, create a very warm heating capability, and are powered by simply plugging it into an outlet. An LED insert allows you to have the fun of different special effects, including crackling sounds! A remote control lets you adjust the flame to your desire. Electric logs are also available, and these work similarly to gas logs, and simply plug in as well.   

            If you are wanting a ventless fireplace, you do have options for the fuel that you use. You can use either gas logs or electric fireplace inserts for fabulous results that will simulate a real fire experience, and still has the capacity to heat a room. Gas logs are a very clever alternative to actual wood because they give you much control over the power of the fire, and allow you to literally turn it on if you have it connected to a control valve. No wasting time starting a fire, when a switch will do it for you.

             Ventless gas logs are made to resemble actual wood logs very closely. They are hand-painted and feature a very realistic grain pattern. Ceramic gas logs are extremely durable, and are built to be nearly unbreakable! Their working mechanisms are hidden securely, and when their flames are blazing, you would have to look awfully close and intently to really see a significant difference between a gas log fireplace and a traditional one.

            As for esthetics, ventless fireplaces are absolutely beautiful. They are pleasing to look at and can add a lot of dimension to your space. Available with accents like colored glass, fire balls, river rocks, and geometric shapes also offer the ability to have a look that does not have to even involve the wood design of gas logs if want. These styles offer a gorgeous, modern alternative fireplace that will emit enough heat to warm even the coldest room on a winter night while never compromising your personal décor.

Gas Fireplaces: Vented and Ventless

Gas fireplaces are a brilliant way to incorporate the look, design, and warmth of a hearth, with the benefit of being powered by gas.  They can be created indoors or outdoors, and they generate more heat than a standard gas heater, so in addition to looking great, they are incredibly functional. In the past, ventless as well as vented fireplaces that were powered with gas logs were not known for being either stylish or realistic. Knowing there was a market for both, there have been great strides made to make the more attractive and appealing. When it comes to gas fireplaces, you have two options: vented and ventless. They are entirely different, and are specifically suited to your needs and space available.

            If you do not have a fireplace, but want one, a ventless fireplace may be a good choice to consider. Unvented gas fireplaces are powered by natural gas and liquid propane, which enables them to run indoors without a chimney, or any type of ventilation. They are equipped with sensors that monitor oxygen levels, to ensure that depletion is not occurring, and breathing conditions are safe. Thermocouple determines heat, while BTU’s are limited to keep gas fumes that have been burned in check. Specific patterns in design work to control the carbon emitted in the gas. Previously, one of the big drawbacks to ventless gas fireplaces was the unnatural look, the vulgar appearance of the Oxygen Depletion Sensors. Much effort was placed in redesigning this scheme, to create a more realistic look that imitated a traditional fireplace more exactly. To make the logs more lifelike, they are now hand-painted, with charring. Their movements imitate those characteristics of a regular wood-burning fire, for a very true-to-form version.

            Artistic approaches have been taken very far with these ventless fireplaces, and many different versions have been rendered with such accents as glass, river rocks, and geometric designs. If you opt for a ventless gas log, the possibilities are endless!

            Vented gas fireplaces differ from unvented as they are basically traditional fireplaces that are powered with gas logs, versus using actual wood. The process of sourcing wood, and then storing it can create a great deal of hassle. When using it in the fireplace, it is burdensome because it has to be stacked in a particular fashion, and then kindled as it burns. Often you have to take different measures to get it lit, using bricks or cubes. After the beautiful fire fun is had, you have to clean up the residue and remaining ash. Vented gas logs light easily, their temperature adjusts with control valves, and once you are through enjoying the fire, all you have to do is turn it off. And then, there is no clean up necessary.

            As with a traditionally set up wood-burning fireplace, in order to properly use vented gas logs, you need a chimney and flue, with a cap. A firebox is not necessary if the fireplace builder acknowledges the burner’s size and valve.

            The  size of the fireplace determines the BTU limit on vented gas fireplaces, and they are so easy to handle because of their control valves, which are in control of flame heights. Imagine simply having to flick a switch, during the coldest parts of the year, to achieve a great fire that warms the room! When you burn your gas logs, you can follow any pattern you wish. Re-stacking can be done as much as needed, to achieve desired the flame patterns, because the fumes released from gas are funneled out by the chimney. Vented gas logs can be burned all year long, safely, pleasurably, and effectively.