Tips

Fireplace Tips

Thinking about fireplaces? Here are some specifics you might want to think about — or, better yet, talk to your spouse about — while you’re in the planning stage.

Decide if you want the fireplace for heat, for looks or for a combo of both. Knowing what you’re going to want the fireplace for helps speed you through talks with the sales person.
There are fireplaces to heat one room only and there are fireplaces with heat distribution systems. Enjoy localized heat or circulate warm air to other parts of your home
using our “Heat Wave” air distribution system.
For heating efficiency, consider a thermostatically-controlled, self-modulated fireplace. Those are big words that mean the fireplace will be automatically programmed to regulate temperature.
Ask about trim options (the casing set around your fireplace). There are lots of colours and styles and you’re sure to find one to match your décor. If this is a tough choice for you, consider consulting an interior designer. The sales people have brochures that you can take with you.
Visit Wheatland Fireplaces showroom so you can see the fireplaces when they are lit and when they are turned off. The fireplace won’t be running 24/7, so you want to be sure you like the look of it with flames or without.
Think about how you want to turn your fireplace on and off. Do you have room and the right space for a wall switch/thermostat? Or are you more of the remote control type? Old school? Then you’ll want a manually switch right on the fireplace, right?
Wheatland Fireplace sells and installs fireplaces. That’s important. How the fireplace is installed impacts operation efficiency and durability.

Getting Yourself a Hot Tub

Here are some things to plan for and talk about when you’re in the market for a tub.

Plan your purchase. By that we mean, ask yourself:

How you want the tub to look in your yard, (you might want to budget for a landscaping consultant to help you draw out your new plan)
Where you’re going to want the tub,
Where is the nearest power supply
Where will you be able to drain the tub to (for maintenance and cleaning time)
Is there room to get the tub into your yard? Measure gateways, paths and clearances in advance.
What kind of skirting (colour/pattern) do you want to go around your tub, or are you dropping it into a deck or patio?
Is there any civic laws concerning having a hot tub, fence heights, security measures, etc? Check all of that out.

What kind of tub should I pick?

Think about jets and where you want them to work on your body. (Lower back? Shoulders? There’s a jet package for everything!)
Remember, you can try out different tubs at Wheatland Fireplaces showroom.

How can I protect my new hot tub?

Use a cover.
Follow the tub’s maintenance plan
Be sure the bottom of the tub has a weatherproof ABS plastic plan

How can I conserve energy?

Choose a model with full-foam insulation for maximum heat retention

How big should my pumps be?

A lower horsepower pump in a more efficient tub will produce just as much jet power as a higher horsepower pump and save on electrical bills. You want to be massaged, not have your skin pummeled. Talk to a Wheatland Fireplace sales person for more details on this question.
Circulation/Filtration pumps continuously filter the water to keep it clean and clear. The circulation pump is the most efficient method to provide flow for filtration and heating while reducing operating costs.

What will I need for an electrical hook-up?

240-volt electric service. Most commonly, the three-pump 240v tubs can be adapted for 30 amps, 40 amps, 50 amps or 60 amps. Specific electrical requirements will be a topic for you to discuss with Wheatland Fireplace staff. They’ll make sure you’ve got the juice you need to get the right hot tub experience.

What kind of features can I get with a hot tub?

Aromatherapy systems
Cover lift systems
Surround lighting
Steps, risers and decking
Entertainment options (choose from MP3 plug ins, IPod docs, televisions, stereos and even floating remote controls to manage all of it with)

Frequently asked questions about saunas

Thinking sauna? Here are some questions that others have asked. If your answer isn’t here, please feel free to talk with a friendly person from Wheatland Fireplace or send them an email.

Does my sauna need to have a drain installed?
No, not necessarily. That said, it might be more convenient for cleaning purposes, especially with traditional saunas.

What kind of floor is best for a sauna?
For traditional saunas, the best kind of floor for a sauna is cement, tile or anything that doesn't absorb water. For infrared saunas, wood or tile is perfect. Carpet should never be used as it absorbs sweat and odors.

Which heater size is appropriate for my sauna?
To find out the appropriate heater size for your sauna, measure length x width x height to find the cubic footage. Next, talk to your Wheatland Fireplace sales person. For infrared saunas, the ideal amount of emitters and wattage has already been calculated for each room.   

What type of circuit breaker should be used for my sauna?
Standard breakers should be used. They should be sized for the heater to correspond with the electrical code. Standard Infrared saunas, however, can be easily plugged in to normal household 120-volt outlets (15 and 20 amp).

Why are so many different wood choices?
There are many variables to consider when choosing the appropriate wood choice for performance in a given sauna. All the woods used in saunas have been used for hundreds of years and have long proven their viability for sauna use. Wood choice is also largely contingent upon your preference and style.

How much can I expect to pay monthly for my sauna?
If you use your sauna three times per week, a 6 kW heater will use approximately $4 to $6 per month. A 2.1 kW heater, on the other hand, would use about $2/month. Far-infrared saunas typically use $3 to $5 per month. Steam baths usually average $3 to $5 per month.

How long, on average, does it take for a sauna to fully heat up?
A traditional sauna generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes to fully heat up. During this time, the rocks will be heated to the perfect temperature for soft heat and soft steam. With the addition of special heaters, a sauna’s heat up time can be halved. It takes about 10 minutes for an infrared sauna to heat up. After 10 minutes, the air has warmed up a little and the emitters are running at full power.

What is the best temperature for a sauna?
The best temperature is the temperature you choose. Most people prefer to enjoy their sauna at temperatures between 150-175 degrees Fahrenheit for traditional saunas and 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit for infrared saunas.

How long should I stay inside a sauna?
Typically, people remain in the sauna for about 10-15 minutes and then take a break to cool off for several minutes. Then you can return to the sauna for another soak. Don't stay in the sauna for extended periods of time. Set the temperature and humidity level (if you are using a traditional sauna) to your ideal level. If you begin to feel dizzy or uncomfortable, simply leave the sauna and cool off.

What should I do after sauna heat bathing?
After your sauna, shower or take a bath to remove any and all residues or salts left behind. A quick rinse will close your pores once again and is the perfect way to end your sauna experience. It is recommended that you moisturize your skin with a high quality moisturizing lotion. It's also ideal to shampoo your hair afterward. Don't forget to drink and adequate amount of mater, mineral water, fruit or vegetable juice to replace fluids that were lost during your heat bathing.

Is it okay to pour water on the rocks of traditional heaters?
Check with your Wheatland Fireplace sales person. With certain saunas pouring water on the rocks is perfectly fine and is an essential aspect of the overall experience. For infrared saunas, however, the humidity will be ambient.

Are there any health problems that could be affected by using a sauna?
Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any history of heart problems, high blood pressure or any other health issues before enjoying any kind of sauna.

What are some of the most notable benefits of using a sauna?
Relaxation is by far the most cited benefit from regular sauna bathers, followed closely by the positive effects seen from detoxification.