If you’re like the majority of people who are spending most of their time indoors these days, you’re probably looking for new ways to enjoy your home’s features. Whether we’re puttering around the kitchen preparing meals or creating a soothing space to enjoy a few moments of silence while the kids focus on homework, the many ways we use our spaces have changed.

Architects and designers have the potential to make a significant impact on the environment through the choices they make because buildings account for 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the emissions of new buildings can make a meaningful dent in overall emissions, contributing to the effort to curb climate change. This can be achieved with a focus on environmental design and by following a few key principles that bring buildings closer to net zero emissions and create healthier spaces for occupants.

For some clients, adding a modern fireplace installation to their home might feel like an intimidating hurdle. Get more clarity about your clients’ concerns and learn some of the most common myths that might be holding them back. The more prepared you are to answer questions about the modern fireplace you specify, the more likely it is to stay in the project. These FAQs should help you dispel some of the most common myths about modern fireplace installation. 

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all fireplaces. Now, Ortal makes modern gas fireplaces to suit every personality. These days, you can personalize a fireplace to satisfy your client’s aesthetic sensibilities. Take the quiz below to see which Ortal fireplace best suits your client’s personality and explore Ortal's entire line of modern fireplace collections.

As a builder who specifies products for clients, understanding the importance of safety and quality certifications is critical, especially if you are less familiar with a particular brand. Several third-party providers offer certification, including CSA Group, LC, UL, and Intertek. Ortal has chosen CSA certification to demonstrate a commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. When a manufacturer goes through the process to get the CSA mark, you know that it is dedicated to delivering only the best products and stands behind them.

The more information you have about a line of luxury fireplaces, the better able you are to sell it. Customers always have questions, and savvy shoppers like to compare their options, especially for major purchases. This is why Ortal provides a range of dealer resources that you can access at any time.

Gathering around the hearth is a classic way for families to bond and spend time together. For many modern families, gathering around the TV serves the same purpose. With traditional wood-burning fireplaces, your clients have to make a choice about the focal point of a room—fireplace or TV—but with some modern gas fireplaces, they can have the best of both worlds.

All Ortal fireplaces require a heat release to be located within six inches of the top of the fireplace cavity, which is most often near the ceiling. An integral component of Cool Wall Technology, the heat release allows hot air to escape so that the wall surrounding the fireplace can stay cool to the touch. A cool wall enables creative freedom for designers to use a broader range of materials. It also allows homeowners to hang art or a TV above the fireplace without sacrificing function.

The style of a fireplace can transform the aesthetic of a room, which is one reason many designers recommend upgrading to a luxury brand. A truly frameless look and high-end interior media with thoughtful design can make a world of difference, which is why it’s smart to include a luxury fireplace in the project budget from the beginning. Performance is another great reason to upgrade, especially for clients who want a functional unit that produces heat.

All types of clients, both commercial and residential, prioritize efficiency. Whether they are conscious of their consumption for environmental reasons or want to minimize overhead costs, specifying the most efficient direct vent gas fireplace can help them meet their goals. direct vent technology takes in combustion air from the outside and expels the exhaust outside while delivering heat to the surrounding space. 

Fireplaces that use this technology operate efficiently, consuming less fuel than other types of units. Of course, every manufacturer uses different systems for direct venting, so finding the most efficient one takes a little research.