Fireplaces and Smart Technology

The Latest Innovations:

One of the fun parts of working in the hearth industry is all of the constant innovation.  We often think of fireplaces as just a thing in the wall. Flip switch, fire comes on, flip off when done. Wash, rinse, repeat.  But modern fireplaces offer so many more features other than just on and off.  Thermostatic and automated remote controls, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi app controllers and even Smart Home integration allow fireplaces to be safer and more efficient than ever before.  And with the convenience that fits within your everyday lifestyle, fireplaces are quickly becoming a more integral part of the home than ever before.

The Advancement of the Remote Control:

Remote controls are nothing new in the hearth industry.  They’ve been around in one form or another for well over 20 years.  Modern day remote control systems are a far cry from their simplistic ancestors.  These days it’s become a standard for fireplace remotes to have automated features.  Thermostats have given fireplace remote controls the ability to modulate the output of the fireplace to a much more exact level than their wall-mounted counterparts.  Since the remote control can be moved to a specific location within the room, it can read the temperature where it is sitting.  If you want the temperature to be the most comfortable where you’re located, set the remote control next to you on your end table or coffee table.  If you’d like the fireplace to heat a larger space, move the remote control to a spot further away from the fireplace.  Engaging the eco-mode on these remote controls can also help to increase the efficiency of the fireplace, modulating the heat and gas input so that the fireplace is always running at a low, steady temperature, shutting off when the optimal temperature is reached.  Programmable remote controls are a great way to maximize the efficiency of your fireplace and make your fireplace as “set and forget” as your furnace.

Smart Phone App Control:

Taking the concept of the remote control and bringing it into the modern era, Smart Phone controls bring the same convenience as a remote but integrated into your everyday life.  Let’s face it, all of us are on our phones these days. The old ad Apple ad campaign “There’s an app for that” has never been more true.  It’s easy to brush aside the idea of your fireplace also having an app, but the ease of use and convenience is too difficult to ignore.  Napoleon pioneered the Smart Phone app control with their eFire Bluetooth system.  Easy to connect to and standard with their Vector and Elevation series, this was cutting edge when it was first released.  All of the control over every feature of your fireplace without another remote control cluttering your coffee table.  In a lot of cases, app controls give you a higher level of control over your fireplace, with programmable off and on times and timers available.  It’s also great if your fireplace has enhanced features such as lighting and color changing LED features as these features tend to be easier to control with an app than a legacy remote control that might not have been designed with such features in mind.  Apps can also be updated with new features and better UI as designs improve.  Brands such as Majestic, Marquis, Town and Country, Regency and Flare also offer Wi-Fi based smartphone upgrades to their fireplaces.

Smart Home Integration:

As manufacturers move on from Bluetooth technology into the realm of Wi-Fi controllers, fireplaces are now becoming available for integration with full Smart Home functionality.  Town and Country fireplaces were some of the first to make this technology available to their customers.  This was done with direct ethernet connection into the remote receiver.  While still being built into many gas fireplaces, smart home integration is at the forefront of electric fireplace development.  Valor’s LEX series incorporates Wi-Fi controls with the option for smart home integration, and Napoleon’s Elevation, Astound and Luminex series come with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home integration out of the box.  This allows for even more control over the options for your fireplace and even more user friendly options.  Being able to simply ask your Smart Home system to turn your fireplace on medium heat for two hours at 7pm is the pinnacle of simplicity and efficiency.

Choose The Best Option:

While fireplace manufacturers are “racing to the top” when it comes to the highest level of technology, thankfully they haven’t lost sight of their roots.  Many fireplace manufacturers still make simple analog control options available with their fireplaces.  There is still a place for the simple on/off wall switch in the hearth world.  What is best for you is up to you to decide.  With our highly trained staff and wide selection of fireplaces, the sales team at The Fireplace Store can make sure that you get exactly what you need.  Whether it’s a simple analog system or the most advanced digital controls, The Fireplace Store is your best resource to help you get the right fireplace for your home.