A high efficiency wood-burning fireplace functions exactly like a stove except that it can go into framing. They are clean-burning, meet EPA standards for emissions, and are efficient as well. These fireplaces can be equipped with gravity or forced air kits to distribute heat to other rooms of the house. These fireplaces are nearly as efficient as wood stoves and can potentially be used as primary heat sources. They require Class A chimney that must vent vertically above the roofline. Code requires a minimum of 3′ above the roof line AND 2′ above any point within 10′. In some cases high efficiency fireplaces can be used in conjunction with masonry fireplaces and flues.
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