What Is a BIS Fireplace?

Security Chimneys International

• The company that builds the BIS line of fireplaces is based out of Laval, a city in the province of Quebec in Canada. Despite being a Canadian company, Security Chimneys International provides fireplaces to all of North America and ensures that its products are certified for use in the United States as well as in Canada. One of the primary focal areas for the company is environmental efficiency. This is one reason why the BIS line represents the largest part of their residential fireplace lineup.

BIS

• BIS stands for "Built-In-Stove." These fireplaces function more like a wood stove than a traditional fireplace. They make more efficient use of the heat created as fuel is burned than many old-fashioned fireplaces. When a traditional fireplace is ignited, the majority of the heat escapes out the chimney. The BIS models are designed to help keep that heat in the house and reduce the energy released through the chimney to the bare minimum required to carry out the smoke and emissions.

Features

• Fireplaces in the range share certain features. One of the most important is that they are all rated for zero-clearance, meaning there are no code concerns with minimum distances that combustible mantles must be from the firebox opening. Some contain a heat-activated blower that helps circulate the warm air out into the household to provide effective heat. Kits are also available to connect the systems to forced-air heating.

Heating Capability

• Several different BIS models are available from Security Chimneys International. As of 2011, the company has seven models available. The Nova, Ultima, Ultima CF, Ultra, Panorama, Tradition CE, and Tradition models are offered in the lineup. The Nova, Ultima, BIS Tradition CE and Ultima CF are all equipped to heat up to 1,500 square feet. The BIS Ultra can heat 2,000 and the Panorama and Tradition models can heat up to 2,500 square feet.