Three models of the Hydroflame™ “flame effect” residential heater are available: stove, freestanding, and inset. The heater combines an electric fire effect with convector fan technology. It can be used to replace an existing gas-fired fireplace in a hydronic-based house. The heaters create hydronic heat up to 9,000 Btuh, the company says. The stove model looks like a classic wood-burning stove, the inset model can be placed directly inside an existing fireplace or recessed into a 16-in. OC wall, and the freestanding model can be mounted to any wall and can be encased by a decorative fireplace surround. The units come with a low-temperature cut-out thermostat that switches the fan on after a rise to 128 degrees F, and switches the fan off on a drop to 108 degrees.

VRV Products, 1875 Dewey Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022; 616-925-8818; 616-925-7888; www.vrvproducts.com (website).

eProduct #191