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HearthNet moved to larger, faster servers - We've moved ! HearthNet now consists of two dedicated machines, one running UNIX and the other a Macintosh. These new systems will easily handle the crush of visitors we expect this coming season.

New Products on HearthNet - Some unique products have listed their wares on the HearthNet products pages at http://hearth.com/prod.html - Check 'em out:

1. Irons Works - Makes residential and commercial grade stainless steel BBQ's and other unique cooking equipment. This looks like really cool stuff. If any of you are gourmet cooks (or wanna be), head right over to http://ironworks-gasgrills.com

2. Fire Science - How about a gas fireplace outside on your patio...or next to your pool?. Take the chill off of those late summer and fall evenings with the FirePit by Fire Science. Try http://timnet.com/firescience

3. Flame Tech - Add the romantic sound of a natural wood fire to your gas or electric fireplace! This amazing digital audio box and speaker can be easily added to your existing gas fireplace. http://hearth.com/flametech

4. KEEP YOUR FIREWOOD DRY - Dry Keeper - A lightweight and portable shelter for firewood. This high quality product assembles with no tools and comes with adjustable racks for stacking various lengths of firewood. http://w3.citenet.net/users/ctsj1235/abrihome.htm

Much more neat stuff on the way. Wonder what they'll think of next !

New and Improved : Our searchable database of Hearth Related questions keeps getting larger and larger. It's up to 600 questions now, so chances are good that you can find the answer you are looking for. Here's some recent entries:

Question:

We own a Jotul #8 that is 15 years old and works great. However, we are interested if there is a catalytic converter add-on available. Any advice?

Answer:

None from Jotul..however, some from third parties might work. It is my experience, however, that many of these retrofits may not give the boost expected of them. Using the proper burning tips (http://hearth.com/what/specific.html) is the best way to improve your efficiency.

Question:

I am about to build a house. I am wondering if gas log fire places really heat a room? How efficient are they at putting heat into the room? I do not want an unvented one. Please let me know the pros and cons, and if wood would be better.

Answer:

An open gas log fireplace will not heat the room well. But a sealed unit, commonly called "Direct Vent" can produce quite a bit of heat. The better units even can operate from a thermostat, allowing control of the heat. These units have high efficiencies, in the area of 60% to 80%. The choice of wood or gas is more of a lifestyle choice..do you enjoy cutting and stacking wood? The smell of a woodfire? Gas cannot duplicate these things...but it CAN heat your room and home.

Check out the database at http://chi.hearth.com/search.html

New Elsewhere on the Net

HearthLink, a site which is attempting to locate every hearth related link on the net...If you're a lover of fire, this may be the place to surf. http://hearthlink.com

Industry News

Vermont Castings Sold - Many of you are familiar with the Vermont Castings brand name. The company has always been an innovator in the industry, and their legendary customer service has been copied by much larger companys like Saturn (Vermont Castings started these "owner picnics") Despite the high quality of these products, the company has always had a hard time making a decent profit. A series of poor decisions in the late 1980's sounded the death knell for private ownership of this organization. After being sold to a few investor groups, Vermont was finally purchased by CFM/Majestic, a publicly traded Canadian firm. Most of the offices have been moved to Indiana, and 90% + of the old office staff elected to stay in Vermont (wouldn't you ?). It will be possible, but difficult, for the newer corporate entity to continue the same high level of service. We wish the best to the former and current Vermont Castings employees as they continue their careers and lives.

That's all for now - we'll type more at you soon !